September 12, 2008 02:22 pm
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The commissioners in Cherokee County, Kan., have a sticky situation on their hands.
Recently, the Globe reported that a club — which allegedly features nude dancing and mixed drinks — has opened its doors in an unincorporated part of the county west of Columbus.
In June, another establishment that sells sexually oriented videos, sex toys and other novelties, Terry’s Outlet, opened near Crestline. Sensations Gentleman’s Club, the first business of its kind in the county, has operated south of Galena since 2004.
In response to the sudden influx of adult-oriented businesses, the commissioners passed a resolution aimed at stopping their expansion in the county. The resolution — which targets adult bookstores, cabarets and movie arcades — places restrictions on the locations where such businesses may operate and the type of signs they may display. Now, the commissioners are looking for additional ways to nip the growing problem of sexually oriented businesses in the bud.
The news of yet another adult-oriented operation opening in the county came as a surprise to many Globe readers. Apparently the county commissioners were taken by surprise as well. They said that they had heard rumors of the new business — which operates under a suggestive name — but only had it confirmed when contacted by the Globe.
The news of the business elicited a surprising response from our online users in the comments section at joplinglobe.com.
“Here we go again! Tempers are flaring over an adult club. The Bible-thumpers need to get off their rocking chairs and get with the times. This is a gigantic waste of taxpayers’ money for the commission to go after strip clubs, adult video stores, boys and girls holding hands, people not married having premarital fun. Why doesn’t the Kansas county start burning evil people at the stake? That would show these evil people. HA! And how in the heck is ‘T*%*^&##*@s’ offensive? People need to get a hold of themselves. My final thoughts: With the Bible-thumpers, hypocrisy knows no bounds.”
— Mister How-it-is
What’s America’s problem?
The vast majority of those who submitted comments for publication had no problem with another club of this kind opening in the county. In fact, the problem they had is with people attempting to stifle free enterprise. Who knew?
“I don’t know what your problem is with some nude dancing. It’s not like they’re coming to your front lawn or in the public streets. These people don’t come and raise hell every time you open a church. Hell, church members come to your door preaching. These people are behind closed doors. If you don’t like it, don’t visit the establishment. What are they hurting? Are you suffering from their dancing? I didn’t think so.”
— Ray
“Whatever happened to ‘free country,’ ‘free choice’ and ‘free enterprise?’ Stay out of private business. ADULTS have the choice to go or not.”
— CITIZEN
“What is America’s problem with breasts? Our ancestors had statues showing exposed female breasts. People get upset if a woman breast-feeds her child in church. Get over it and return to sanity. The owner of the club should pledge to donate money for breast-cancer research, then all will be well again.”
— WhatsUp
Free enterprise, capitalism
Many of those commenting on this story called the county commissioners on the carpet for failing to realize that the business had even opened and resurrected other contentious issues on which they feel the county’s fathers had failed them.
“I am so thankful that our county commissioners are so vigilant and enthusiastic in fulfilling their duties and watching out for the citizens’ well-being. Where were they when Norman bailed out on his sheriff’s duties for six months? I think the citizens of Cherokee Country can decide if they want to patronize a strip club. If they don’t, then it will go out if business.”
— George
“Well, it looks like (the county commissioners) have yet another chance to put on their little play ‘Phony self-righteous indignation.” It’s what passes for community theater in these parts. Suddenly from over the horizon, a dark and ominous cloud begins to darken the entire county. What could be darkening our perpetually blue skies? Is it a thunderstorm? No! Is it a dust cloud? Not a chance! Oh my goodness, it’s silicone implants! Shield your eyes and padlock your minds! If only there were some group of democratically elected officials with the power to pass zoning laws to block this sort of thing!”
— Hypocrisy the greatest luxury
Sleeping on the job
While most of the comments submitted were thoughtful and laid bare the issue at hand, a few — as usual — left me laughing.
“Here is a typical meeting of the commissioners of Cherokee county: ‘ZzzzzzzzZZZZZzzzzzzzz ... yawn.. Did someone say something? ... ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZ ... I signed for a van? ... ZZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZz ... the sheriff has a bus? ... ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzZZzzzzz ... you say a strip club and a video store? ... zzzzzzzZZZZZZzzzzz.’ You guys keep up the good work, if it includes sleeping on the job.”
— Cherokee
“This place is called ‘T*%*^&##*@s.’ That’s the funniest thing I have ever heard! It is even better if you say it out loud! Hahaha!”
— Funnystuff
Dave Woods is new media editor for The Joplin Globe.
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