The Last Czarina?

Utah's budget shortfall has claimed the state's infamous porn czar, Paula Houston.

Among the public services Houston rendered was her finding that naked department store mannequins are not pornographic. Utah's stand against nudity did, however, cause trendy retailer Abercrombie & Fitch to stop sending its catalog into the state.

What Houston's brief reign demonstrates is that when government is flush with cash, it'll start doing loopy things. Choke down on the revenue and, wow, the state retreats.

Comments

[Mark S.]

"What Houston's brief reign demonstrates is that when government is flush with cash, it'll start doing loopy things."

That, and having that government staffed by religious fanatics who have a bug up their rentetive anuses about sex.

[jmarold]

> What Houston's brief reign demonstrates is that > when government is flush with cash, it'll start > doing loopy things. Choke down on the revenue
> and, wow, the state retreats.

if you right about this we're looking at a stampede here in California

[John]

My home state of Utah has made the news for something other than the Osmonds, bribing Olympic officials, and being Michael Jordan's warmup act.

It's funny how the 85% of the Utah State Legislature belongs to the party that is supposed to stand for the freedom and responsibility of the individual to make choices, low taxes and the reduction of the size and scope of government.

Then, they waste our money on the Extra Virgin Porn Czarina.

Actually, most Utahns would be willing to pay taxes to support an LA Lakers Czar. Someone to combat & eliminate all influence of the LA Lakers.

[Jim]

They're retreat if they know they can't get the public to pony up more money. In mostly liberal California, perhaps they will. I'm interested in seeing what happens here in Michigan with the new Governor. I heard her on the radio a week or so ago talking about making 'big cuts' and tighening our belts at the state level just like individual families have to do when times are tough. I found myself wondering if this could really be a Democrat talking, maybe we elected a secret Republican. However I know that many Democratic voters in Michigan (a lot of UAW workers) and everyone else is still reeling from the economic slowdown so new taxes would be political suicide. We'll see how long this lasts.