The naked truth
The article "Cops Seek New Law for Deviants" (6/10/11) implies sexual deviance and perversion for nakedness along with public masturbation and voyeurism. Its inclusion in a proposed "public indecency ordinance" mistakenly asserts a causal link between sexual activity and nakedness. Its inherent role in human identity is expressed throughout the world in many healthy and natural ways such as the spontaneous nakedness of children, so-called primitive societies, civilizations with communal bathing traditions, and in medical settings. Are those activities inherently sexual? Of course not! To suppress and be ashamed of one's natural identity is psychologically disturbing for both individuals and society.
To the contrary, lewdness, like pornography, is a misguided attempt to fulfill an essential human need for intimacy. Punishing natural traits along with maladaptive behaviors is naively unjust and produces consequences that exacerbate the problem. Just like protections for race and sex, we need protection for nakedness from identification with sexually inappropriate activities. Oppressive legislation that punishes inherent identity traits such as race, sex and nakedness along with maladaptive behaviors such as lewdness is unjust and should be strongly opposed by anyone of conscience.
Eric Kietzke
Armed and loaded
Nathan Comp's article "Arms and the Man" (6/24/11) contains an inaccurate statement.
The article reads, "While it isn't illegal to drink while armed...." In truth, Wisconsin Statute 941.20(1)(b) states the following: "Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor: ...Operates or goes armed with a firearm while he or she is under the influence of an intoxicant...."
I am pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment and in favor of open- and concealed-carry; but, like many gun owners, I believe that it is irresponsible to be drinking while you are carrying.
Craig Konencik, Fitchburg
Mr. Good Times
In your June 24 Tell All column "Grumpy Town," in which a letter writer complained about Mayor Paul Soglin's dourness, you overlooked a crucial facet of the classiest political humor I've ever witnessed: Not only did Hizzonor show up at a 1970s Common Council meeting in a duck suit, but, as a lame duck mayor, he hobbled in on a single crutch. Dour? I think not.
Having just returned to Ithaca after a 10-day odyssey in the Mad City, I'm still wondering why I ever moved away. In my opinion you are very lucky to have Mayor Soglin back at the helm; with his wealth of experience and well-honed sensibilities you can't go wrong.
Hizzoner and his city rock!
John Lenz, Ithaca, N.Y.
