Child pornography and the entire industry of child exploitation are harmful. It is the job of our government to protect the citizens of this nation. That having been said, I think the laws should be re-written to be more clear. As it stands now, many states list 16 as the age for sexual consent while 18 is the age given for the term 'child'. This means that a 19 year old guy can have sex with his 17 year old girlfriend but cannot carry a picture of her naked. That doesn't make much sense. There is a difference between pedophilia (pre-pubescent sexual attraction) and sexually mature minors. A quick look at most American high schools will tell you that many boys and girls over the age of 16 want to be viewed as sexual beings. Should consent be a factor? Should the age of consent be under 18? I don't know what the age should be but true child exploitation is truly harmful to our well being as a society. The exploited child will grow up to be an adult and have an effect on society. We want to continue to evolve in a positive direction towards more civilized behaviors, right?