Probably the wrong approach to the problem

The Department of Not The Best Way To Go About It brings us this story about a misguided attempt by the Virginia Legislature to make snot-nosed fuckwitted kids do what they're supposed to be doing anyway - that is to say, pull up their pants and quit being a godawful embarrassment to their parents.

Virginia lawmakers dropped their droopy-pants bill Thursday after the whole thing became just too embarrassing.

The bill, which would have slapped a $50 fine on people who wear their pants so low that their underwear is visible in "a lewd or indecent manner," passed the state House on Tuesday but was killed by a Senate committee two days later in a unanimous vote.

Now, don't get me wrong - I think this is a hellacious idea.  There are few things I personally want to see less than some shitheaded 17-year-old smartass saying "Duuuude!  Lookit my BVDs!!!  Duuuuuuude!!!".

Republican Sen. Thomas K. Norment said news reports implied that lawmakers were preoccupied with droopy pants.

"I find that an indignation, which dampens my humor," Norment said.

Senator, I think the real  indignation would be for the Virginia Lege to pass a law banning old men from pulling up their pants halfway to their nipples, y'know?

The committee hearing drew a standing-room-only crowd that included about 75 government students from Surry County High School.

"If people in Florida can wear bikinis, a little underwear showing isn't going to hurt anybody," 17-year-old Elvyn Shaw said.

Apples & oranges, sweet cheeks.  Bikinis are designed  to be worn in Florida, particularly at the beaches.  IOW, they're made to be seen.

I don't know of jeans that are designed to be worn in such a way as to show me a punk-ass brat's Fruit Of The Looms - although I hear Cal Klein's looking into it...

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Delegate Algie T. Howell, declined to answer reporters' questions Thursday but issued a statement saying the bill "was in direct response to a number of my constituents who found this to be a very important issue."

He has said the constituents included customers at his barber shop who were offended by exposed underwear.

Add this Republican to that list.  Wow - an issue where I actually side with the Democrats against the GOP.  Hope you Denizens were sitting down.

Thing is, I don't know if I would have gone about it in quite this, um, fashion  (pun only semi-intended).  Fining a snot-nose $50 for something his parents ought to be busting his ass for seems a bit pointless & counterproductive.

I think I  would have gone about it this way:  Grant immunity from prosecution to anyone willing to kick the ass of one of these punks.  Call it...oh, I dunno...the Wedgie Bill? (snicker)