This is the world we live in
And these are the hands we're given
Use them and let's start trying
To make is a place worth living in

Oh Superman where are you now
Everything's gone wrong somehow
The men of steel, men of power
Are losing control by the hour

---- Genesis, "Land of Confusion"


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

The state House of Delegates passed a bill 60-34 Tuesday authorizing a $50 fine for anyone who displays his or her underpants in a "lewd or indecent manner."

Lionell Spruill Sr., a Democrat who opposed the bill, had pleaded with his colleagues to remember their own youthful fashion follies. He said the measure was an unconstitutional attack on young blacks that would force parents to take off work to accompany their children to court for making a fashion statement.

The bill's sponsor, Algie T. Howell, has said constituents were offended by the exposed underwear. Howell, also a Democrat, and Spruill are both black.

-----Associated Press


Phil Collins is so irrelevant most of the time. Even in this little ditty, he doesn't make much sense. But, at the same time, he makes a lot of sense.

Yes, this is the world we live in. A world in which states can make laws ruling on how WE CAN WEAR OUR PANTS. WOW. Is the state of Virginia the new FCC? Does Michael Powell live there? Is he counting votes?

Also, I found this article in the Variety section of the online version of a few newspapers. Is this really VARIETY material? Are editors around the nation missing the significance of this? Virginia is taking away their residents' rights --- Probably due to some of our friends on the religious right, no doubt. Just disgusting. This nation is spinning out of control on the limitations it is placing on its citizens' rights.

Jumping around on the big topics: First the censorship of the 1980's (thank you Nancy Regan), then the Patriot Act (thank you John Ashcroft), then the dire restraint on the broadcast systems (thank you Michael Powell), now this... If you can't wear your pants correctly, you will be subject to a $50 fine.

Of course, I'm skipping over a large number of relevant events and issues, including the obvious racial bent of this legislation, but easy, Man. I've only got so much space and time to rant on these types of things...

Genesis: The men of power are losing control by the hour. I don't know, Mr. Phil. Only if you're referring to the American public -- and if that's the case, you're right. Dead on. Especially with the "open government policy," that Albert Gonzalez claims is "important to a democratic society." Bullshit. They've got 45 snipers, 70 guard dogs, 56 land mines, 4 booby traps, a standard household sieve and a fortified CE-ment wall protecting the information coming out of the White House...

By the time I'm 70, I won't be surprised if I'm mandated to wear a senior citizen uniform provided by the government. Hell, they might even force me to be Catholic. It's really not too big of a stretch.

For now, at least I can wear my pants around my knees if I feel like it. No guarantee that I won't get my ass kicked, but at least I won't have to pay Uncle Sam $50 to boot.