Yes, but it's Louisiana. One has to expect this sort of brilliance from an elected official there (remember David Duke?)

Hopefully, someone in the legislature or the Governor's office will realize how completely stupid this makes them all look. On the other hand, we live in a representative democracy, so these idiots apparently represent their constituents - who get the idiots they deserve.

I forgot to add: here is that fool's e-mail address

larep087@legis.state.la.us

To Rep Shepherd:

Just so I've got this straight, this IS the state that's probably best known for Mardi Gras where women show their breasts for plastic beads and people get drunk and vomit or urinate in the streets. Right?

And if it's not just parents who can't or don't control their kids but also people in their 20s and 30s who are fashion conscious and happy with their bodies?

And pregnant women who's tops no longer reach all the way around but are due in a week or so and don't want to have to buy a new one to run to the grocery store?

And toddlers who care not if they're naked in public?

And people on their way to and from the gym?

And do you no longer have summer in Louisiana?

Sounds like a great way to increase state profits without increasing taxes...except who are you planning to pay to enforce this? Shouldn't the police be busy with thing like crime and community safety? And doesn't jail time cost more than $500 and wouldn't all that money spent on enforcing and prosecuting and jailing be better spent on education?

this whole country is turning into communism slowly but surely.

Dave - it's been a few decades since I studied political science in college, but I don't think Representative Shepherd's stupid bill reflects the country turning to communism. More likely, it would indicate a fascist ideology, which is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Governmental control of individual behaviors is a fascist theory, while communism, as I recall, focuses on government ownership and control of production. They ain't the same.

Perhaps Dave is talking about the country's slow grind towards collectivization and away from individualism. Communism's economic control, in any event, must extend into the personal sphere because that's where all economic decisions are ultimately made and implemented. Communists, for all their high-minded rhetoric, are out to control individuals.

Fascism is a better term for what we're dealing with here, though.

When do you think our generation will hit office? I think its about time we got these old morons with 50's values out of office and actually put some progressives with some idea of what their doing in there.

I have written a paper on this because it irritated me so much and i have submitted it to a school newspaper and i will soon send it to larger newspapers, i agree with you on the most part

It is an absolute disgrace the way young people dress. There should definitely be a dress code - cover your caboose, your chest. When I was in school, boys had to tuck in their shirts and wear a belt w/their jeans - girls dresses - pants are fine but there is no pride or respect - whatever happen to nice dress pants and sweater or knit top - the guys jeans are practically falling down - they all need a course on how to dress and behave in public - Wake up parents !!!!

Well, Sandi, fortunately, we live in the United States and not Afghanistan! Remember the Taliban? That's what you're asking for when you talk about mandating a dress code. I am definitely going to support Mr. Shepherds opposition in 2008.

Sandi, what we need are fewer people like you who think they have the right to boss others around on how to live concerning the weightiest matters on macroeconomics all the way down to the height of your FUCKING HEMLINE. Of all the *real* problems to be concerned with, of all the *genuine* issues facing Americans today, you think we should fine and jail people for wearing the wrong clothing.

You don't own me or my clothing and I don't own you or your clothing. End. Of. Story.

Dear Sandi,

Thank you Universal Maternal Unit for your concern towards people who are not your children. Your overbearing over-protection of us is an inspiration to parents the world around who feel that they only have to teach their own children what is right in the world, and not those of others. We need more people making blanket-rules that apply to everyone equally and oppressively.