One thing that got missed last night was a poignant moment after Rep. Ellen Cohen passed her very first bill. While I wasn't a big fan of the $5 surcharge for strip clubs, it's really no skin off my nose because I don't go to strip clubs. After Rep. Cohen's bill passed, the gallery broke out into applause and several members rushed over to congratulate her and give her a hug. Even from where I was sitting you could tell she was emotional. Rep. Cohen had a lot invested in that bill and with all the drama in the House last night she let herself break down for a brief moment before regaining herself and giving the gallery a slight wave.
I guess in the middle of all that crap going on last night there was this tiny little reminder of why some people go into politics. They have a duty to serve and fight for what they believe in. Rep. Cohen just happens to believe in preventing sexual assaults. So, good for her.
Also...Rep. Villareal. You are quite a handsome man, BUT...you should know better than to wear blue jeans on the House floor. It is highly inappropriate and I'm going to have to reprimand you for such a serious breach.
The Photoshops are HILARIOUS from Superwow today. We'll pop them up to the top of the page throughout the day. Feel free to forward them to staffers to print out and post, I believe they may even be available in a poster form.
Oh fuck you.
Is there an elephant in the room or are you people really this mind-boggling ignorant?
Still think this is about the patrons?
The workforce is composed of sexual assault survivors.
The bill acknowledges that. It is a gesture of respect to the workforce.
Why do you think they do this work?
Sexual impropriety is their "issue." Notice that?
If you were a legislator who wanted to advocate for this population without getting into their business, without shaming, or correcting their so-called wayward lifestyle what would you do?
It's a stroke of brilliance, and should be recognized as such.
What the hell are you talking about? This whole bill is absurd. Screw her...oops, I mean, the hell with her. I don't care about her emotional bill passage.
Collaborate with evil and you're gonna pay.
Watching pigs squirm at five dollars a wank -- priceless.
Are you kidding me? You are nuts if you think the only reason those women work there is because they are sexual assault survivors. This is a terrible bill.
Where are they going?
Where have they been?
Where is the link between lap dances and sexual assaults? And how is it logical that $5 will stop sexual assaults? That's half the price of a mandatory beverage at a strip club! I don't get it -- how do you get from point A to point B? Enlighten me, please.