More Flat Earth Foolishness

With very little fanfare or introduction, I present to you the hard earned tax dollars of Virginia residents at work.

Bill sets fine for low riding pants

RICHMOND, Virginia (AP) -- Virginians who wear their pants so low their underwear shows may want to think about investing in a stronger belt.

The state's House of Delegates passed a bill Tuesday authorizing a $50 fine for anyone who displays his or her underpants in a "lewd or indecent manner."

Before any of you Virginians dash off to shove a fork in your eyes, don't abandon all hope. There was at least one elected official in your state who still had command of a few brain cells.

Del. Lionell Spruill Sr., a Democrat who opposed the bill, had pleaded with his colleagues to remember their own youthful fashion follies.

"This is a foolish bill, Mr. Speaker, because it will hurt so many," Spruill said before the measure was approved 60-34. It now goes to the state Senate.

Ok... a bit of disclosure first. I have seen younger people in my area walking around with these oversized pants that hang down around the level of their genitals and expose the top three inches of their boxer shorts. Frankly, I think that it's not only ugly - it's stupidity on the march.

I'll even confess to being a bit biased on similar subjects. If you walk into my office for an interview sporting a purple and green mohawk and seven facial piercings, you're not getting the job. And no, I don't care if you have three post graduate degrees and a Nobel prize.

But passing legislation against eccentric sartorial choices is flat out wrong. Individuality, be it ever so idiotic in appearance, is part and parcel of the traditions that keep this country growing and moving forwards. Hell... I grew up through the flower child and disco eras. Looking back today at some pictures of how I dressed in my youth makes me absolutely cringe. I sort of wish somebody had tackled me back then and said, "what were you thinking when you dressed yourself today?!?" But that doesn't mean I should have been arrested.

Fascism is truly on the march in the red states, people. This is a disturbing sign which needs to be quickly squashed. I certainly hope that this law, if it is passed, will quickly be challenged in court and sent packing.