Good God.

Remember, this is a blast from the past.

From The (Bend)Bulletin, Nov. 17, 2007.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

(The following editorial appeared June 4, 1948.)

COMICS THAT AREN'T

Bend, we think, could well follow the lead of certain eastern cities which, in recent months, have forbidden the sale of no less than 38 of the so-called comic periodicals. This has take place of late in Indianapolis, in Hillsdale, Michigan, and in Detroit. Other cities, even before that time, had been giving the matter attention.

These comics, for the most part, are no funnier than a broken leg. They do have much more appeal, however, for they are gaudily printed in colors and unquestionably compel the attention of children. We have even seen adults reading the things. Sex lure, violence, sudden death, sadism and horror that are out of this world seem to be the basic ingredients of the successful comic. Some of them are harmless or relatively so. Naturally we are not referring to them in this discussion. It is the others we are talking about. We think they are harmful. Read avidly by youngsters in the most impressionable age division they leave their impressions upon the character and mind.

We would suggest that agents and retailers have it in their power to do a real public service by surveying their wares and casting out the objectionable items. The city can achieve the same results through compulsion, but voluntary action, it seems to us, would be preferable. Certainly it would be evidence of constructive citizenship."

Oh, MY GOD!

Remember, check the date.