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89 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, August 2, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend August 1, 2004 Since WE Asked: The Naked Truth in Ashland Mid-week, the Mail Tribune did a story about reactions to nudity in Ashland and, as might be expected there, folks found it much ado about nothing. But our Web poll proved a more mixed bag, ranging somewhere between a comedy of errors and a mid-summer night’s dream. We asked: "What is your opinion of Ashland’s new ordinance prohibiting the public display of genitalia, which has sparked a number of nude protests in the city?" Your answers follow. There’s no need to disrobe to read them. Be sure to take a moment and help us with this week’s new question. Advertisement Ashland is the artists’ Mecca of Oregon. The last thing it needs is a bunch of over-zealous Christians passing laws limiting what can be displayed. What’s next? Veil the women, run the gay community out of town? Let art be art. Religion is obscene, not genitalia. — Tyler R., Talent I am in favor of this ordinance. What has happened to this country? This is one issue that should be just kept in a person's own home and not for public display. — K. Mulry, Medford The new ordinance against display of genitalia in Ashland is pretty funny, since all but a few rare humans are born with genitalia. The idea that the mere sight of a naked male or female would cause moral issues in the minds of the viewers is patently ridiculous, and wouldn't be the fault of the naked person even if it did. And what about the children? If they turn into wild demon-children after glimpsing such an individual, perhaps one might need to hang up his or her parenting license and do something at which he or she is better. The human body is not a sin, evil or wrong, and Ashland's ordinance should be repealed. — Jon A., White City While I don't wish to see nudity in public, is this really worth the time and effort of city officials? There are more important issues. — C. Danes, Ashland Ashland's public officials should hit the brakes on pandering to the "nuts." Otherwise, they will lose their tax base, and we know what that means. — Mark K., Medford Am I to believe that the thought-to-be Mecca of free speech in Southern Oregon is becoming closed-minded? Are they playing to the right? Shame on them. — Gay H., Jacksonville Nudity needs to be kept private, in the home. Public nudity may lead to public sex, and with children around it would be inappropriate. — James D., Medford Public nudity should be reserved for nudist camps. I can't believe it hasn't always been an ordinance, especially considering the exposure around kids. — Rick S., Grants Pass I favor Ashland's ordinance that prohibits the public display of genitalia. Who wants to see another person's private parts? The protesters should be arrested. — Edward Y., Medford People are people, bodies are bodies ... if folks would just get over the shock value, the supposed offenders would fade away. No problem with nudity here.— Rebecca C., Talent Nudity offends our community and leaves a bad impression on tourists. Nudist camps exist for those who have no respect for others or self-pride. — Jerry M., Medford I am against nudity in any part of our city. The ordinance obviously does not address this problem. Change it NOW!!!!!! I demand my rights. — Luella M., Ashland I am in favor of a strong ordinance to curb the exhibitionists from displaying their genitalia and nudity. Council must act now. — Edward M., Ashland I place the "nude-niks" in the same category as the "tree-huggers": If you ignore them, they will go away! Their motives are strictly publicity. — Maurice G., Medford Keep Ashland decent for families to shop and visit the park. Nudity belongs in the privacy of the home. Keep the anti-nudity law! — Barbara, Medford There is true beauty in modesty. Uphold and expand the law to protect our kids. Until then, I will shop, dine, and entertain elsewhere. — Nancy E., Medford Great ordinance for inspiring the good citizens of Ashland to play naked in the parks. Michelangelo's David is also naked ... Go, freedom of speech. — Marsha S., Ashland We are living in a time when we see our freedoms eroding. Let's choose our battles. Remember, 'He who cares the least, wins.' Get over it! — Connie H., Rogue River What’s the big deal? Id rather see a naked person than a smashed mailbox or broken window after a robbery. Lighten up and smile. — Ken H., Rogue River I favor Ashland's ordinance prohibiting public nudity. The nudists infringe upon the civil rights of all who are offended by their behavior. — Mary D., Ashland I find it sad that simple decency doesn't stop people from displaying their genitals in public, and that people feel it necessary to protest when the law steps in to regulate behavior that should be regulated by common decency. — Jamie, Medford Personally, I don't care to see any stranger publicly displaying their genitalia while I'm visiting Ashland. I say impose those new fines on the protesters! — Susie S., Medford I am a Vice President of a local nudist club here in the Rogue Valley. We are a family-oriented club and believe the naked body is beautiful; there are no tens or ones. It is natural to be naked when we can and clothed when necessary. However, we do not go around parading ourselves or being exhibitionists. We are private and do not want hurtful or hateful comments. We also do not want our rights to be trampled on because someone has their hormones running amuck. We do respect how others believe and want them to respect our belief. Just because you’re naked when you have sex, does not mean you have to have sex when you’re naked. There is a difference between being nude and being sexually aroused. — M.T., Concerned member of the American Association for Nude Recreation This week’s question One down, one to go. The Democrats had their party in Boston, and the Republicans will follow in New York. We need some conventional wisdom, so to speak, from the people. We ask: "Do the Democratic and Republican national conventions still serve a useful purpose, or are they overrated as part of the presidential election campaign?" Please keep your responses brief and on point. Responses without your name and town can not be considered for publication. 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