Story Archive

What’s “Cool” is Flouting Dumb Laws

City councilman Frank Goodman of Dadeville, Ala., proposed a new law to prohibit men from wearing “saggy pants” in public. Goodman said he wanted to ban “slacking” because “I think [slacking] gives our younger generation the wrong impression of what is cool.” Further, he said for the record, “I prayed about this. I know that God would not go around with pants down.” Councilwoman Stephanie Kelley said the proposal didn’t go far enough. “My concern is it should be for everybody,” she said. “I think for the girls, with these shorts up so high looking like undergarments and dresses so short, I don’t want us to be showing favoritism.” Councilman James Tarpley agreed, saying that he’s had more support for such a law “than I have on anything else since I have been on the council.” And it was unanimous: “Everything that has been said here, I agree with,” said councilman Randy Foster. Town attorney Robin Reynolds promised to have the ordinance ready by the next council meeting, but so many citizens spoke out against the idea at the next meeting, the council didn’t even bring the ordinance up for a vote. (RC/Alex City Outlook) ...Councilwoman Kelley says she’s worried about showing “favoritism,” but I don’t think that’s what she’s worried about showing.