George,

I don't quite understand Mr. McCrystal's response to my comment about the underwear story appearing in le Soir. Perhaps in Mr. Mc Crystal's eagerness to respond to my comment he misconstrued the reason why I wrote the comment.

First of all, I'm not making the story up. I'll personally send Mr. Mc Crystal a copy if he wishes, or he can look in le Soir's online archives at http://www.lesoir.be .

Secondly, I don't see what this issue has to do with being a Republican or a Democrat. It was ridiculous to introduce the bill in the first place, period. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to fall victim to the "Crossfire" mentality. I've no use for this "liberal vs. conservative" BS because it's a total disservice to try to froce Americans into a logical false dilemma regarding their politics and their politicians.

I think VA §18.2-387 does a pretty good job of covering the indecent exposure issue without the need to introduce new legislation about the wearing of underwear. I think everyone with common sense knows what constitutes indecent exposure, especially law enforcement officials, and I still think, regardless of what Mr. Mc Crystal may think of me, that it was silly for a bill like HB 1981 to be introduced. The text of HB 1981 does not specify what constitutes exposure of "below-waist undergarments in a lewd or indecent manner," thus leaving it open to interpretaion (or misinterpretation) by the person or persons who would potentially administer the fine. Quite often the top of a person's underwear may be exposed when in a seated position or when bending over. It happens all the time. Virginians have enough to worry about without having to worry about how much their underwear might be showing. Why does the government feel the need to regulate every minor aspect of its constitutents' behavior? This isn't facist Spain under Franco here, this is the United States of America.

HB 1981 is ridiculous, in my opinion, and what's even more ridiculous is the fact that Virginia legislators are being paid good money by Virginia taxpayers to debate and vote on ridiculous laws. Virginia lawmakers should be devoted to giving every constituent the most for his or her money.

As for my comment on Bush, I was pointing out that the article in le Soir was timed to appear in conjunction with the U.S. President's visit to Brussels early last week (Duh!). America was consequently on the minds of most Bruxellois. Europeans really don't care to read about American partisan politics in their daily newspapers unless something amusing or outrageous occurs. The underwear law is certainly outrageous, and a bit creepy to boot.

I hope I've put this issue to rest now, thank you.

Joseph Cheek (electronic mail, February 26, 2005)