The state of the culture

Happy Father's Day a l early. Here are some recipes you might want to try for the big cookout (the blackberry barbecued ribs are intriguing). And below is a Father's Day column about "rampant nowism" I wrote back in 1991. I used a shortened and modified version for Saturday's editorial page, but I think the long version holds up pretty well 19 years later.

God hates fags! Er, flags. OK, both:

Chalk up another one on the list of random things the Westboro Baptist Church hates: Flags.

In honor of Flag Day, the WBC issued a (probably unintentionally) hilarious press release -- which came a day late, because evidently it takes a little while to write a song about how "They'll face the wrath of God for sure/Cuz they worshipped a filthy flag."

The dunderheads in the education profession apparently feel they haven't caused enough damage. Now they want to do away with best friends:

But increasingly, some educators and other professionals who work with children are asking a question that might surprise their parents: Should a child really have a best friend?

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Google News kicked out this story based on my "Indiana" word search because it's from Evansville, but it turns out to be Evansville, Wisc. I almost passed on it, but it's perversely fascinating and raises an interesting question:

A Wisconsin man is accused of secretly videotaping young children at a Florida nude beach.

[. . .]

The Indianapolis Star tries to have it both ways over the news that the American College of Sports Medicine has judged its city's residents among the most unhealthy in the nation:

We all know the "falsely shouting fire in a crowded theater" exception to the First Amendment (see Schenck v. U.S.). Can a case be made that statements or activities could be actionable even if the standard of falsity isn't met but the person making the statement knows mayhem is likely to ensue, perhaps even wants it to? The thought springs from a reading of "Nightclub lot shooting incites group response," a lengthy story in Frost Illustrated that is recommended reading.

If you've had your heart set on a naked picnic in Morgan County this summer, sorry about that:

A proposed clothing optional campground in Morgan County was denied zoning approval Monday night to begin operation.

[. . .]

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously denied the request, citing traffic concerns, road problems and a perceived adverse effect on property values, drawing a standing ovation from about 100 residents at the meeting.

Guess we're evolving. Not only are obscenities objectionable, but the symbols we use to show where the obscenties reside are in bad taste:

Watch it, you'll put somebody's eye out with those!

Struggling Playboy magazine has an eye-popping new trick to attract readers - put its centerfold in 3-D.