Underwear

Our very own Virginia State House recently passed a bill making it illegal to expose underwear in a "lewd or indecent" manner in public. While it must pass through the State Senate and be signed by Governor Warner before becoming law, the bill has already made its mark. A statewide dress code that comes with a $50 fine, when the minimum wage is barely enough to dress, yeah, just what VA needs!

The bill, which passed with nearly a two-thirds majority, had support from both sides of the aisle. Legislators were happy to give reasons for their votes, solidifying their commitment to "family values" even more than before. Republican delegate John Reid said, "Most of us would identify this with the coarsening of America. Underwear is called underwear for a reason."

Democrat delegate Algie T. Howell expanded saying, "It's not an attack on baggy pants. It's not about Janet Jackson. To vote for this bill would be a vote for character, to uplift your community and to do something good not only for the state of Virginia, but for this entire country."

The coarsening of America? A vote for character? Perhaps. But isn't it a waste of time?

This piece of legislation, and many others, seem to be attempts by lawmakers to create an image, not to deal with problems. A no public display of underwear law has no real purpose and no real chance of becoming law. Yet enough citizens agree with the agenda to create a facade of a do gooder.

Whether we agree or disagree, it is our job to hold our legislators accountable, and not to our own personal agenda, but to one that is good for the entire body of people. While some may actually agree that the latest trend for exposed thongs is "coarsening America," perhaps we could take time this week to remind our state ledgestatures of something called priorities and basic needs.