Feds gone wild?

No, this is no joke. Forbes.com, CNN and others are reporting today that Larry Flint of Hustler fame and Joe Francis, chief executive officer of the "Girls Gone Wild" video series, plan to ask Congress for a $5 billion piece of the government's $700 billion bailout funds.They contend that the porn industry needs a little help.

Click here to see the Forbes item titled "Mr. Smut goes to Washington." Click here for the CNN story. According to the CNN account, Owen Moogan, spokesman for Flynt, said, "The porn industry has been hurt by the downturn like everyone else and they are going to ask for the $5 billion. Is it the most serious thing in the world? Is it going to make the lives of Americans better if it happens? It is not for them to determine."

One is left to wonder how Henry Paulson will respond to that. They argue, like the auto industry, they create jobs. But said Flint, "Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."

Well, if that's true - and the nation's sex future depends on Hustler magazine - forget the bailout. Maybe it's time for a Fannie-and-Freddie-like takeover of the porn industry?

Talk about a stimulus plan . . .

- Paul Gullixson