what makes signs of intelligent life on earth? letters like this:

DesMoinesRegister.com: "Regarding the debate over the 'Buster' cartoon: I do not know which is a greater mental-health concern: those who pursue an interest in pornography or those obsessed with looking for sexual symbolism and lifestyle agendas in any type of children's media.

Pornography is demeaning, destructive and dangerous. However, looking for sexual or lifestyle messages in animation - live-action or pop culture created for and directed at children - is not any healthier and could become an obsession. A person must consciously think about either subject.

Had it not been suggested, neither my children nor I ever thought Bert and Ernie, Tinkie-Winkie, SpongeBob or Buster were promoting hidden messages. Watch more than just one single episode of 'Postcards From Buster' and you will learn more about America and cultural diversity than from any formal classroom setting.

Fearing fictional characters have a permanent, negative psychological influence is ridiculous and insulting to children. For those of us over 40, did Bugs Bunny dressing in drag titillate us? Was Pepe Le Pew's behavior sexual harassment? Were we seduced into blowing up our friends when we watched Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote? Did Donald Duck have a secret message by wearing a shirt but not pants?

Please stop throwing dirt on innocent childhood characters.

-Steven C. Woolery,
Pella."