*
Certain council members want to see Illinois American's books. They want to know the company's profit margin. Hmm... If there was only some way that a person could get a record of a corporation's profits, losses, expenses, expected future revenues... hmm... If Council could only get the information readily available to say, INVESTORS, what a wonderful world it would be.
Isn't Bob Manning a V.P. at Smith Barney? You would think that he would have heard of a certain document, known as a PROSPECTUS, available to all investors and wanna be investors. Check the lobby Bob, there is probably a copy awaiting your review.
Cause for concern: Grayeb wants to buy the water company, as he is certain that Illinois American is making serious money from it. His certainty is based on the fact that Illinois American has voiced its strong opposition to a city buyout. (This logic alone is reason enough to boot him out of office in 2007.) Hmm... Why would a company not want to be bought, even if it isn't particularly profitable? Hint: DOES ANYONE ELSE'S WATER STILL SMELL AND TASTE LIKE CRAP?!
*
Thursday, June 16
Baaaaah, Meet Your New City Council
*
Our new City Council is more complex than the last. In Ran$burg's regime Council could be counted on to side with developers and the interests of business over the interests of voters. This Council seems to have a bit of an identity problem. The "essential services" crowd hasn't quite defined what qualifies as an essential/basic service. Look at the possible buy out of the water company. Advisory referendum aside, is there a more basic service than water? With two new members who ran on a "basic services" theme, one would have expected more deliberation and at least one more vote in favor of a continued buyout study.
The identity crisis is understandable as this Council is very young. As Ardis becomes more commanding in his leadership, count on Council to follow. As always, the exception will be Sandberg. This is a good thing, as every voice should be heard even if the voice is, at times, a bit loopy.
What is the attraction to the Mayor's job? On the face it doesn't seem like he wields that much power. Ardis is just another vote on the Council, but he will be the target of every unhappy citizen. However, if one wants proof that Ardis reigns one only needs to look at the recent appointment of George Jacobs to the council.
Jacob, a beer distributor, used connections to overturn laws and had an amendment added so that he (and some bloke in Lake Bluff) could immediately hold public office. After submitting his name for consideration and even after being chosen for the job, Jacob still has yet to attend a council meeting. Jacob is also related by marriage to Fourth District Councilman Jim Spears. Moreover, Jacob will not be able to vote on any alcohol related issues. Alcohol issues come to a vote at nearly every meeting. To say the least, Jacob has at much going against him as for him.
Most politicians would avoid this sort of controversy especially as it became apparent that Jacob faced notable criticism early on - even before being sworn in. The sole voice howling in the wind against Jacob was Sandberg. "Too many conflicts of interest, too many opportunities for abuse." Other council members were silent on the issue. The real vote was taken in executive session. The lack of debate is proof that the Council felt the open seat was Ardis' seat to fill, and they would rubber stamp his pick. Which is exactly what happened. Regardless of the vote, no one on the Council seems to be a staunch supporter of nor strongly opposed to Jacob- which is troubling. It was an important decision and should have merited strong feelings one way or the other.
It appears that this Council craves a strong leader and given one, they will happily follow. Ardis is not just Mayor but Shepard, and with one notable exception, his sheep are thus far obedient.
*
Our new City Council is more complex than the last. In Ran$burg's regime Council could be counted on to side with developers and the interests of business over the interests of voters. This Council seems to have a bit of an identity problem. The "essential services" crowd hasn't quite defined what qualifies as an essential/basic service. Look at the possible buy out of the water company. Advisory referendum aside, is there a more basic service than water? With two new members who ran on a "basic services" theme, one would have expected more deliberation and at least one more vote in favor of a continued buyout study.
The identity crisis is understandable as this Council is very young. As Ardis becomes more commanding in his leadership, count on Council to follow. As always, the exception will be Sandberg. This is a good thing, as every voice should be heard even if the voice is, at times, a bit loopy.
What is the attraction to the Mayor's job? On the face it doesn't seem like he wields that much power. Ardis is just another vote on the Council, but he will be the target of every unhappy citizen. However, if one wants proof that Ardis reigns one only needs to look at the recent appointment of George Jacobs to the council.
Jacob, a beer distributor, used connections to overturn laws and had an amendment added so that he (and some bloke in Lake Bluff) could immediately hold public office. After submitting his name for consideration and even after being chosen for the job, Jacob still has yet to attend a council meeting. Jacob is also related by marriage to Fourth District Councilman Jim Spears. Moreover, Jacob will not be able to vote on any alcohol related issues. Alcohol issues come to a vote at nearly every meeting. To say the least, Jacob has at much going against him as for him.
Most politicians would avoid this sort of controversy especially as it became apparent that Jacob faced notable criticism early on - even before being sworn in. The sole voice howling in the wind against Jacob was Sandberg. "Too many conflicts of interest, too many opportunities for abuse." Other council members were silent on the issue. The real vote was taken in executive session. The lack of debate is proof that the Council felt the open seat was Ardis' seat to fill, and they would rubber stamp his pick. Which is exactly what happened. Regardless of the vote, no one on the Council seems to be a staunch supporter of nor strongly opposed to Jacob- which is troubling. It was an important decision and should have merited strong feelings one way or the other.
It appears that this Council craves a strong leader and given one, they will happily follow. Ardis is not just Mayor but Shepard, and with one notable exception, his sheep are thus far obedient.
*
Friday, June 10
Leitch's Biggest Campaign Contribuitor
*
And the winner is....
Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (A.B.D. I. PAC)
P. O. Box 396
Springfield, IL 62705
Transfer In
$2,000.00 on 3/5/2004
Source: Illinois Campaign Disclosure
Chump change Bill Dennis? I don't think so.
And the winner is....
Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (A.B.D. I. PAC)
P. O. Box 396
Springfield, IL 62705
Transfer In
$2,000.00 on 3/5/2004
Source: Illinois Campaign Disclosure
Chump change Bill Dennis? I don't think so.
And another thing...
*
Written by Stormin Norman, who commented on the Peoria Pundit site:
Since the end of Prohibition, Illinois law has required wineries and distillers to sell their products to distributors who then sell to retailers, i.e., wineries and distillers are barred by law from selling directly to retailers. With the recent Supreme Court decision to strike down state laws prohibiting interstate wine sales, we should take the next step and tell our lawmakers to fight for consumers by eliminating the middleman (Jacob) when it comes to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Quit lining the pockets of the alcoholic beverage distributors and pass those savings back to the consumer. The day when a Walmart semi trailer is parked at an Anheuser-Busch brewery loading dock will be a welcome sight for imbibers and free market advocates. So how difficult does it now become to change these archaic laws, when the people who would be affected by them hold government positions? Once again, government 'for the people' loses out...
*sigh* My hero!
Written by Stormin Norman, who commented on the Peoria Pundit site:
Since the end of Prohibition, Illinois law has required wineries and distillers to sell their products to distributors who then sell to retailers, i.e., wineries and distillers are barred by law from selling directly to retailers. With the recent Supreme Court decision to strike down state laws prohibiting interstate wine sales, we should take the next step and tell our lawmakers to fight for consumers by eliminating the middleman (Jacob) when it comes to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Quit lining the pockets of the alcoholic beverage distributors and pass those savings back to the consumer. The day when a Walmart semi trailer is parked at an Anheuser-Busch brewery loading dock will be a welcome sight for imbibers and free market advocates. So how difficult does it now become to change these archaic laws, when the people who would be affected by them hold government positions? Once again, government 'for the people' loses out...
*sigh* My hero!
Did I forget to mention....
*
Jacob is Fourth District Bill Spears' in-law. I know. Could this appointment get any sleazier?!
Jacob is Fourth District Bill Spears' in-law. I know. Could this appointment get any sleazier?!
Thursday, June 9
Jacob: Playing Dumb, or Really Dumb?
*
Bill Dennis interviewed new city council pick Jacob today, in an effort to clear the cloud that is already hovering over him. He denies that strings were pulled to get him on the council, despite Ardis' and Leitch's statements to the contrary.
Basically, we are to believe that the only wheel greasing here was expediting the elimination of a stupid, archaic law. Lets say that this is true. I know, it's hard, but try.
Boys and girls, next time you are trying to get rid of a stupid, archaic law.. Lets say trying to allow your backyard fence to be five three quarters feet high instead of six, call your state rep. Tell him, "Dan, the wife and I are installing the fence this weekend. The dog keeps running away. We are afraid Rover is going to get creamed by a car. Springfield is already working to get rid of the dumb fence law, can't you make it go away sooner?" Cover your ears as your state representative cackles in your ear. (Frankly, you would be lucky to get this far. You would probably be speaking to an intern at best, because your Representative is likely to be on a lobbyist sponsored trip to France with the more beloved of his staff.)
Boys and girls, now try the same experiment after you land a job at your father's big, profitable company as president and organizations you head make sizable donations to your representative's campaign war chest... You get the picture.
We are told that the only greasing done here was getting rid of a bad law sooner. It is debatable as to if the original law was bad, but nonetheless, THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED FOR AN ORDINARY CITIZEN.
This is just the type of crap we dumped Ran$burg for, and it is the very same crap Ardi$ promised would not be part of his "New Generation of Leadership."
The new council cried "foul!" when City Manager Randy Oliver promoted Pat Landes to Assistant City Manager without first discussing it with the Council or posting the job. Ardi$ posts a job with absolutely no intent of hiring anyone other than Jacob, as evidenced by the timing of his pick (while Blago's signature was still wet).
We voted for a new, open local government where the average, ordinary citizen was to have a platform equal to the big guys. If Ardis wanted Jacob so badly, he should have just said so. "Yes, I have someone in mind. Someone who I feel has top notch business and civic experience, but I'm waiting for legislation currently under way in Springfield to be enacted before announcing my choice."
Kudos to the Peoria Pundit for interviewing Jacob and hearing the man out. Jacob knows strings were pulled. If he doesn't, he doesn't have the brains to be on the Council. I'm also concerned by Jacob stating, "Back in February the Council wasn't even a twinkle in my eye." Ardis had numerous candidates who had been active in local government and civic affairs for years. Yet, if we are to believe Jacob, he wasn't tuning in a mere four months ago.
Bill Dennis interviewed new city council pick Jacob today, in an effort to clear the cloud that is already hovering over him. He denies that strings were pulled to get him on the council, despite Ardis' and Leitch's statements to the contrary.
Basically, we are to believe that the only wheel greasing here was expediting the elimination of a stupid, archaic law. Lets say that this is true. I know, it's hard, but try.
Boys and girls, next time you are trying to get rid of a stupid, archaic law.. Lets say trying to allow your backyard fence to be five three quarters feet high instead of six, call your state rep. Tell him, "Dan, the wife and I are installing the fence this weekend. The dog keeps running away. We are afraid Rover is going to get creamed by a car. Springfield is already working to get rid of the dumb fence law, can't you make it go away sooner?" Cover your ears as your state representative cackles in your ear. (Frankly, you would be lucky to get this far. You would probably be speaking to an intern at best, because your Representative is likely to be on a lobbyist sponsored trip to France with the more beloved of his staff.)
Boys and girls, now try the same experiment after you land a job at your father's big, profitable company as president and organizations you head make sizable donations to your representative's campaign war chest... You get the picture.
We are told that the only greasing done here was getting rid of a bad law sooner. It is debatable as to if the original law was bad, but nonetheless, THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED FOR AN ORDINARY CITIZEN.
This is just the type of crap we dumped Ran$burg for, and it is the very same crap Ardi$ promised would not be part of his "New Generation of Leadership."
The new council cried "foul!" when City Manager Randy Oliver promoted Pat Landes to Assistant City Manager without first discussing it with the Council or posting the job. Ardi$ posts a job with absolutely no intent of hiring anyone other than Jacob, as evidenced by the timing of his pick (while Blago's signature was still wet).
We voted for a new, open local government where the average, ordinary citizen was to have a platform equal to the big guys. If Ardis wanted Jacob so badly, he should have just said so. "Yes, I have someone in mind. Someone who I feel has top notch business and civic experience, but I'm waiting for legislation currently under way in Springfield to be enacted before announcing my choice."
Kudos to the Peoria Pundit for interviewing Jacob and hearing the man out. Jacob knows strings were pulled. If he doesn't, he doesn't have the brains to be on the Council. I'm also concerned by Jacob stating, "Back in February the Council wasn't even a twinkle in my eye." Ardis had numerous candidates who had been active in local government and civic affairs for years. Yet, if we are to believe Jacob, he wasn't tuning in a mere four months ago.
Jacobs and Ardis: Lie Early, Lie Often
*
Didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this morning's Journal Star. The front page headline "Council taps 'silent leader' for open seat" merits a good laugh. What is a "silent leader" you may ask? A silent leader sits on boards of various charities but does no real work. A silent leader taps buddies in Springfield to overturn laws aimed at preventing abuse. A silent leaders lies to the Journal Star regarding campaign contributions. Jacob admits to making contributions to Sheriff Mike McCoy, The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Glenn Poshard, Lee Daniels and the House Republican Campaign Committee.
What does Jacob omit? BREWERS DISTRIBUTING (his company) HAS MADE CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEITCH, WHO WAS KEY IN OVERTURNING THE LAW PREVENTING JACOB'S APPOINTMENT.Ardi$, is apparently the same type of "independent Republican" Jacob considers himself to be (as does Ran$burg). The lies continued to flow yesterday as Ardi$ told the Journal Star, "he would like to put the issue to bed" that he lobbied for the virgin legislation to allow liquor license holders to hold council seats. Ardi$ apparently thinks voters suffer from the same short term memory loss he does, as we already know that Leitch pursued the law at Ardis' request, specifically "so that he could consider a beer distributer for the seat." Ardi$ states that Terry Link sponsored the bill. Ardi$ neglects to mention the co-sponsor (guess) as well as who authored the amendment to have it become law upon the governor's signature (guess again).
I'm sure Ardi$ would like to put the issue to bed. Most of us would prefer to have our lies quickly forgotten. However, it was stupid of the council to not check the campaign contribution disclosures easily obtained on the internet. Had they made the effort, they would know this pick would likely put a stain on the new administration. (Someone tell Molly Park of the JPStar to get off her ass.)
Equally as incredible, disgusting, and yet laughable, is Jacob's assertion that he has no conflict of interest serving on the Council as the sole beer distributor for five surrounding counties (including Peoria). This is further proof that the new administration believes voters are idiots. While Jacob will not be allowed to vote for anyone to obtain a liquor license, anyone seeking a permit (or TIF) to build a restaurant, gas station, grocery store, ball park, etc., will certainly fall under his domain. Moreover, just because he can't directly vote on liquor licenses, it is obvious that Jacob has a huge "in" with the new Council. The conflicts of interest are simply too many to name.
Ardi$ isn't stupid. He knows this smells. He is banking that the public will forget in four years. As Jacob lives on farthest northern edge of Peoria, he would have had to faced Nichting in the last election. (Ask Dan Gillette how that turned out.) Fortunately, Jacob was gifted his company by his Daddy, much the same way he was gifted his City Council seat, and doesn't have much on his resume that privilege didn't buy. Look for him to be a mediocre councilmember at best. He will have a hard time retaining his seat in '07. The only person who has announced that she will run for at-large in '07 is Angela Anderson, who though not qualified for Council, will make mince meat of Jacob at forums. Anyone who missed Anderson at debates this last election missed some fine entertainment. (Manning and Thetford still have scars.) I look forward to her exposing this good ole boys club/fraternity for what it is in 2007.
Didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this morning's Journal Star. The front page headline "Council taps 'silent leader' for open seat" merits a good laugh. What is a "silent leader" you may ask? A silent leader sits on boards of various charities but does no real work. A silent leader taps buddies in Springfield to overturn laws aimed at preventing abuse. A silent leaders lies to the Journal Star regarding campaign contributions. Jacob admits to making contributions to Sheriff Mike McCoy, The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Glenn Poshard, Lee Daniels and the House Republican Campaign Committee.
What does Jacob omit? BREWERS DISTRIBUTING (his company) HAS MADE CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEITCH, WHO WAS KEY IN OVERTURNING THE LAW PREVENTING JACOB'S APPOINTMENT.Ardi$, is apparently the same type of "independent Republican" Jacob considers himself to be (as does Ran$burg). The lies continued to flow yesterday as Ardi$ told the Journal Star, "he would like to put the issue to bed" that he lobbied for the virgin legislation to allow liquor license holders to hold council seats. Ardi$ apparently thinks voters suffer from the same short term memory loss he does, as we already know that Leitch pursued the law at Ardis' request, specifically "so that he could consider a beer distributer for the seat." Ardi$ states that Terry Link sponsored the bill. Ardi$ neglects to mention the co-sponsor (guess) as well as who authored the amendment to have it become law upon the governor's signature (guess again).
I'm sure Ardi$ would like to put the issue to bed. Most of us would prefer to have our lies quickly forgotten. However, it was stupid of the council to not check the campaign contribution disclosures easily obtained on the internet. Had they made the effort, they would know this pick would likely put a stain on the new administration. (Someone tell Molly Park of the JPStar to get off her ass.)
Equally as incredible, disgusting, and yet laughable, is Jacob's assertion that he has no conflict of interest serving on the Council as the sole beer distributor for five surrounding counties (including Peoria). This is further proof that the new administration believes voters are idiots. While Jacob will not be allowed to vote for anyone to obtain a liquor license, anyone seeking a permit (or TIF) to build a restaurant, gas station, grocery store, ball park, etc., will certainly fall under his domain. Moreover, just because he can't directly vote on liquor licenses, it is obvious that Jacob has a huge "in" with the new Council. The conflicts of interest are simply too many to name.
Ardi$ isn't stupid. He knows this smells. He is banking that the public will forget in four years. As Jacob lives on farthest northern edge of Peoria, he would have had to faced Nichting in the last election. (Ask Dan Gillette how that turned out.) Fortunately, Jacob was gifted his company by his Daddy, much the same way he was gifted his City Council seat, and doesn't have much on his resume that privilege didn't buy. Look for him to be a mediocre councilmember at best. He will have a hard time retaining his seat in '07. The only person who has announced that she will run for at-large in '07 is Angela Anderson, who though not qualified for Council, will make mince meat of Jacob at forums. Anyone who missed Anderson at debates this last election missed some fine entertainment. (Manning and Thetford still have scars.) I look forward to her exposing this good ole boys club/fraternity for what it is in 2007.
Wednesday, June 8
New Generation of Leadership = New Generation of Lies
*
I was no fan of Ran$burg, but even he didn't piss me off this early in the game. Already I'm feeling a bit duped by Ardi$. (First hint: The guy is entirely too tan.) How has the man lied? Let me count the ways...
Election night Ardi$ said, "I have no one in mind for the open at large seat."
What he really meant: "I have my buddies Shadid (who endorsed Manning)and Rep. Leitch working hard to overturn the law in order to get Jacob appointed to the council."
Ardi$ told the JPStar, "Anyone interested in the seat should submit a resume and letter to the mayors' office."
What he really meant: "Poor suckers. I have my buddies Shadid and Leitch working to overturn the law and get an amendment so that I can appoint Jacob to the council."
Upon learning that 18 candidates had applied for the position, Ardi$ told the WEEK T.V., "I think that the cream will rise to the top."
What he really meant: "I know the foam will rise to the top."
Ardi$ said, "I will be speaking with all the candidates this week."
What he really meant: "Poor, stupid Bastards. They actually think they have a chance."
Ardi$ said: "I wanted the new law so that the council would have the opportunity to consider all 18 candidates."
What he really meant: "Bow to me. I am all powerful. I greased the wheels of Springfield so that I could appoint Jacob to the council."
Look for more lies as the decision becomes official. Watch. It will be something to the effect of, "The Council was most comfortable with Jacob because of his strong business experience and his devotion (i.e., checks written) to the community."
What he really means: "Hee. Hee. I don't have to fund raise in four years!!! My campaign is paid for!!! My contacts in Springfield are secure! I am the master and commander of Peoria!!!"
Polly predicts the vote on Jacob will be 9 to 1 with Sandberg the only dissenter. (The more the things change the more they stay the same.)
It is possible, because Council Wanna-Be Angela Anderson endorsed Manning in the last election, that the vote will be 8 to 2, but highly unlikely. George Shadid also supported overturning the liquor license law and Shadid endorsed Manning. Being the heavyweight, there is no way that Manning is going to snub Shadid. Someone stick a fork in Anderson. By now she's gotta be done. Although vastly unqualified for office, you gotta feel a bit bad for her.
To re-cap: Ardis said one thing to the public, "Everyone will be considered." But was actually pulling strings with big wigs in secret. Hmmm.... who does THAT sound like?
I was no fan of Ran$burg, but even he didn't piss me off this early in the game. Already I'm feeling a bit duped by Ardi$. (First hint: The guy is entirely too tan.) How has the man lied? Let me count the ways...
Election night Ardi$ said, "I have no one in mind for the open at large seat."
What he really meant: "I have my buddies Shadid (who endorsed Manning)and Rep. Leitch working hard to overturn the law in order to get Jacob appointed to the council."
Ardi$ told the JPStar, "Anyone interested in the seat should submit a resume and letter to the mayors' office."
What he really meant: "Poor suckers. I have my buddies Shadid and Leitch working to overturn the law and get an amendment so that I can appoint Jacob to the council."
Upon learning that 18 candidates had applied for the position, Ardi$ told the WEEK T.V., "I think that the cream will rise to the top."
What he really meant: "I know the foam will rise to the top."
Ardi$ said, "I will be speaking with all the candidates this week."
What he really meant: "Poor, stupid Bastards. They actually think they have a chance."
Ardi$ said: "I wanted the new law so that the council would have the opportunity to consider all 18 candidates."
What he really meant: "Bow to me. I am all powerful. I greased the wheels of Springfield so that I could appoint Jacob to the council."
Look for more lies as the decision becomes official. Watch. It will be something to the effect of, "The Council was most comfortable with Jacob because of his strong business experience and his devotion (i.e., checks written) to the community."
What he really means: "Hee. Hee. I don't have to fund raise in four years!!! My campaign is paid for!!! My contacts in Springfield are secure! I am the master and commander of Peoria!!!"
Polly predicts the vote on Jacob will be 9 to 1 with Sandberg the only dissenter. (The more the things change the more they stay the same.)
It is possible, because Council Wanna-Be Angela Anderson endorsed Manning in the last election, that the vote will be 8 to 2, but highly unlikely. George Shadid also supported overturning the liquor license law and Shadid endorsed Manning. Being the heavyweight, there is no way that Manning is going to snub Shadid. Someone stick a fork in Anderson. By now she's gotta be done. Although vastly unqualified for office, you gotta feel a bit bad for her.
To re-cap: Ardis said one thing to the public, "Everyone will be considered." But was actually pulling strings with big wigs in secret. Hmmm.... who does THAT sound like?
Meet Your New At Large Councilman... George Jacob
I sat up in bed in the middle of the night and realized I had broken the first rule of Peoria politics: Follow the money.
Clearly the new law allowing liquor license holders to sit on the City Council was done for Peoria. The timing is WAY too obvious. No one tried to hide this fact, in fact, Leitch was happy to own up to it. (When the time comes, remind me to vote Shadid and Leitch out of office.)
Pat Sullivan would have been a good at-large council person, he has done a lot for riverfront development and was even willing to divest from his popular bar. I thought for sure that long time friend Ardis would gift him his seat.
But since when has doing good, being good, and wanting to do more good counted for crap in Peoria?
Follow the money.
Of course they are going to choose the guy who was given his business by Daddy. Of course they're going to choose someone who hasn't done anything for the community except write checks. The biggest hint was Leitch. Follow the money. Follow the campaign money.
So, welcome Mr. Jacob, we look forward to you furthering your beer distribution business at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Suckers.
Clearly the new law allowing liquor license holders to sit on the City Council was done for Peoria. The timing is WAY too obvious. No one tried to hide this fact, in fact, Leitch was happy to own up to it. (When the time comes, remind me to vote Shadid and Leitch out of office.)
Pat Sullivan would have been a good at-large council person, he has done a lot for riverfront development and was even willing to divest from his popular bar. I thought for sure that long time friend Ardis would gift him his seat.
But since when has doing good, being good, and wanting to do more good counted for crap in Peoria?
Follow the money.
Of course they are going to choose the guy who was given his business by Daddy. Of course they're going to choose someone who hasn't done anything for the community except write checks. The biggest hint was Leitch. Follow the money. Follow the campaign money.
So, welcome Mr. Jacob, we look forward to you furthering your beer distribution business at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Suckers.
Sunday, June 5
Thigh High Stockings - It's never too early to start!
When I heard about the politician in Alabama who wanted to pass legislation banning cheerleading routines that were deemed too sexy, I scoffed. Old fart. Probably gets a glimpse of a girls ankle and goes googly eyed. But after today I think he might have a point. I'm not prude. I like nookie when I can get it. I enjoy seeing beautiful women too. I don't like government playing parent, that's what parents are for. But after today I'm wondering where all the parents have gone.
I attended my niece's ballet recital today. In the first routine the girls in the number were ages nine through high school. The music/dance was jazz. What were these girls wearing? The costume consisted of pink sequin tube top (strapless), very tight black mini shorts, and to top it off, black thigh high fish net stockings with a seam up the back.
There are only two legitimate places women wear thigh high fish nets: The bedroom or on stage at Big Al's. If full grown women want to sexualize themselves, dandy. Go for it sister - your body, your right. Hell, if my chest was a bit bigger and my ass a whole lot smaller, I might join you. But on nine year old girls? Why are these parents allowing their daughters to be sexualized at such a young age? I was having flashbacks of Jon Benet Ramsey.
I'm not Sandra Fritz mind you. I've been to Big Al's. I felt weird and uncomfortable, but I didn't find it gross or nasty. Frankly the women on stage looked pretty damn bored.
The men at today's show, many of them fathers, looked very uncomfortable. I would be too, if my daughter was strutting around that way in lingerie - regardless of how old she was. There are somethings a parent (or child) should never have to see.
Black, thigh high stockings on elementary students? Are these parents nuts, completely asleep at the wheel, or what?! Maybe this country has been so overexposed to sexuality we don't really take notice anymore even when children are involved. If a little girl is strutting in front of several hundred people in next to nothing, can we really expect that she won't have sex by junior high? Aren't we essentially saying that sex isn't a big deal?
In all honesty, the girls were all incredibly talented and each likely has a future in dance. The dance was sexy, but I was too blown away by the costume to really take notes on how much undulating was occurring. Maybe this is what these women will choose to do on stage or in rock videos later, but at nine it shouldn't be an option.
I think the Alabama politician wanting to abolish sexy cheerleading overstepped the reasonable bounds of government. But Buddy, I sure do see your point. And I definitely feel your pain.
I attended my niece's ballet recital today. In the first routine the girls in the number were ages nine through high school. The music/dance was jazz. What were these girls wearing? The costume consisted of pink sequin tube top (strapless), very tight black mini shorts, and to top it off, black thigh high fish net stockings with a seam up the back.
There are only two legitimate places women wear thigh high fish nets: The bedroom or on stage at Big Al's. If full grown women want to sexualize themselves, dandy. Go for it sister - your body, your right. Hell, if my chest was a bit bigger and my ass a whole lot smaller, I might join you. But on nine year old girls? Why are these parents allowing their daughters to be sexualized at such a young age? I was having flashbacks of Jon Benet Ramsey.
I'm not Sandra Fritz mind you. I've been to Big Al's. I felt weird and uncomfortable, but I didn't find it gross or nasty. Frankly the women on stage looked pretty damn bored.
The men at today's show, many of them fathers, looked very uncomfortable. I would be too, if my daughter was strutting around that way in lingerie - regardless of how old she was. There are somethings a parent (or child) should never have to see.
Black, thigh high stockings on elementary students? Are these parents nuts, completely asleep at the wheel, or what?! Maybe this country has been so overexposed to sexuality we don't really take notice anymore even when children are involved. If a little girl is strutting in front of several hundred people in next to nothing, can we really expect that she won't have sex by junior high? Aren't we essentially saying that sex isn't a big deal?
In all honesty, the girls were all incredibly talented and each likely has a future in dance. The dance was sexy, but I was too blown away by the costume to really take notes on how much undulating was occurring. Maybe this is what these women will choose to do on stage or in rock videos later, but at nine it shouldn't be an option.
I think the Alabama politician wanting to abolish sexy cheerleading overstepped the reasonable bounds of government. But Buddy, I sure do see your point. And I definitely feel your pain.
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