It's just shy of midnight, and more women are sitting at the bar than dancing at one of Kansas City's older strip clubs. Sally is behind the bar, joking with the few regulars who are here, pouring shots when they're called for. There are only a few customers now, and this is as quiet as a Friday is likely to be.
Sally doesn't dance and doesn't plan to start. Not that she's a stranger to strip clubs. When she was a little younger, she went to them with friends because the clubs stayed open later than most bars.
Tonight, as on most nights lately, the patrons and dancers are talking about her family.
"He's just against anyone having fun," says one dark-haired dancer on the way outside to smoke a cigarette.
"Bartle's the guy who passed that law about open coolers on the river, right?" asks a man at the bar. "What the hell's his problem?"
Sally doesn't answer. The man they're talking about is Matt Bartle, a Republican state senator from Lee's Summit who has spent his political career trying to close the doors of every adult store and strip club in the state. Though he doesn't know it, one of his relatives would be among the people losing jobs if he managed to shut down the industry.
Sally has asked The Pitch not to reveal her identity because, right now, her family doesn't know that she has been serving drinks at this club on the outskirts of the metro for almost a year. She's not a member of the senator's immediate family, though she says their paths might cross at a family reunion. (Bartle did not return calls for this story.)
"They're all very conservative," she says of the Bartle family.
A week ago, Sally sent a letter to Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon asking him to veto Missouri Senate Bill 586 that Bartle, in his final term, at last pushed through this year. She says closing topless joints and nude cabarets would make life dangerous for the workers left behind.
"I don't want to lose my job, but that's just part of it," she says. "I don't think he needs to tell people what they can and can't do. We should have more freedom than that."
On a sweltering June afternoon, a tavern in Columbia serves as the meeting place for 40 or so men and women who together employ almost 3,000 people, all of whom might be out of work by the end of the summer.
Among them are Dick Snow and Joe Spinello, competitors under any other circumstances. Snow owns Bazooka's Showgirls, a nude revue and adult arcade on Main Street in Kansas City. Spinello operates the Shady Lady, a topless bar in KC's Northeast neighborhood. Both men are veterans of the adult industry. Snow started out in Colorado in the 1970s, where he owned an adult theater during the Deep Throat era — the golden age of pornography. Spinello's parents owned the Shady Lady beginning in the 1930s, when a different name was painted on the door and live country-and-western acts shared bills with cabaret dancers. He spent 20 years working for Anheuser-Busch before returning to the family trade.
They've come to this Columbia bar to rally Missouri members of the Association of Club Executives, a national trade organization for adult-bookstore and strip-club owners. Snow is the state chapter's vice president. The first item on today's agenda is to make sure everyone knows why Missouri is about to have as many rules regulating nipples as it does guns. The second is to prepare for the possibility of a long and probably expensive legal battle.
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I live within 5 minutes of two strip clubs and an adult video store (that sells sex toys as well). My house has only gone up in value since I've bought it, our area is one of the least stricken with crime in the city, I dont know of any of my neighbors that are divorced and my wife and myself are very happy together, and the neghborhood is in very good shape...did I mention that there is an elementary school not 500 feet from one of the strip clubs (my child will be going there) and those kids are just as well educated as the rest of the cities school children that dont go to school near a strip club. Where you gettin your facts? I'm getting mine from the real world.
Don't like strip clubs? Then don't patronize them. It's that simple.
Folks, we are not done with this douche. He's a lawyer and I'll bet he's thinking of someplace else to live off the public dole. If he gets near another ballot hopefully it will only be to cast a vote.
Folks, we are not done with this douche. He's a lawyer and I'll bet he's thinking of someplace else to live off the public dole. If he gets near another ballot hopefully it will only be to cast a vote.
Shane 06/28/2010 9:22:16 AM
"It is a provable fact that once liquor stores, adult bookstores and bars start scarring the landscape, the neighborhood goes down, crime goes up, property values plummet and families are broken at a staggering pace. Not that the abscence of these seedy dives are the guarantee of pure, incident-free paradise, but where there are fewer or none present, you will find that they suffer far less than where they thrive. There's no denying it when you look at the facts."
Thank you for the laugh, I actually shot milk from my nose reading this.
You don't do history do you (unless it comes in the form of a book whose stories were agreed upon in 315 A.D)?
Do you remember a little time called prohibition? That was where all liqueur sales were banned (except by DR's prescription oh yeah and sacramental wine). If you don't recall the problems that came about from that, ask some one from Chicago about St. Valentines day and ask about the roots of NASCAR (you like that don't ya). But you are SOOOOOOOO right in your statement "There's no denying it when you look at the facts.".
ANNE ROBERTSON 06/25/2010 1:36:26 AM
Oh, Mayson, I couldn't let you off the hook. You have no valid argument. So like a juvenile delinquent in remedial reading class you charge "he's a homosexual". Which isn't too smart on any count not the least of which it appears you are ridiculing a certain segment of the population. So how can you be so open-minded about porn and so totally rude about homosexuals. Plus, like I said, its the kind of smart aleck retort you get from juveniles. So are you a juvie?
He has no valid argument Anne? Really?
He seems to have a preponderance of history to back him up.
In each and every case where there has been either a politician or religious figure so strongly against anything "immoral" that they get laws passed to ban it, it turns up at some point in the future that that person had an addiction to said "immoral" activity.
The old truism of "He doth protest to much" may be rote but it holds true 99.999% of the time.
The more strongly a espoused religious view the more strongly the guilt is felt.
Shane 06/28/2010 9:22:16 AM "It is a provable fact that once liquor stores, adult bookstores and bars start scarring the landscape, the neighborhood goes down, crime goes up, property values plummet and families are broken at a staggering pace. Not that the abscence of these seedy dives are the guarantee of pure, incident-free paradise, but where there are fewer or none present, you will find that they suffer far less than where they thrive. There's no denying it when you look at the facts." Thank you for the laugh, I actually shot milk from my nose reading this. You don't do history do you (unless it comes in the form of a book whose stories were agreed upon in 315 A.D)? Do you remember a little time called prohibition? That was where all liqueur sales were banned (except by DR's prescription oh yeah and sacramental wine). If you don't recall the problems that came about from that, ask some one from Chicago about St. Valentines day and ask about the roots of NASCAR (you like that don't ya). But you are SOOOOOOOO right in your statement "There's no denying it when you look at the facts.".
ANNE ROBERTSON 06/25/2010 1:36:26 AM Oh, Mayson, I couldn't let you off the hook. You have no valid argument. So like a juvenile delinquent in remedial reading class you charge "he's a homosexual". Which isn't too smart on any count not the least of which it appears you are ridiculing a certain segment of the population. So how can you be so open-minded about porn and so totally rude about homosexuals. Plus, like I said, its the kind of smart aleck retort you get from juveniles. So are you a juvie? He has no valid argument Anne? Really? He seems to have a preponderance of history to back him up. In each and every case where there has been either a politician or religious figure so strongly against anything "immoral" that they get laws passed to ban it, it turns up at some point in the future that that person had an addiction to said "immoral" activity. The old truism of "He doth protest to much" may be rote but it holds true 99.999% of the time. The more strongly a espoused religious view the more strongly the guilt is felt.
This conservative is struggling with this issue simply because my alternative is to vote for a liberal ticket. I can appreciate Bartle's view's from a personal standpoint, but that's as far as it goes. We shouldn't be legislating morality, what next? a fatwa creating the morality police?? Screw that path.... I don't want anyone telling me where and when I can worship or whether or not I can go get a lap dance. We are watching our free society slowly legislate itself into something other than what it should be. Bartle is supposed to be running for "small government" is he not? So the Dems bring socialism and big government and the GOP is limiting our freedoms. WTF? It's un-American not to vote, but the hell for?
This conservative is struggling with this issue simply because my alternative is to vote for a liberal ticket. I can appreciate Bartle's view's from a personal standpoint, but that's as far as it goes. We shouldn't be legislating morality, what next? a fatwa creating the morality police?? Screw that path.... I don't want anyone telling me where and when I can worship or whether or not I can go get a lap dance. We are watching our free society slowly legislate itself into something other than what it should be. Bartle is supposed to be running for "small government" is he not? So the Dems bring socialism and big government and the GOP is limiting our freedoms. WTF? It's un-American not to vote, but the hell for?
Won't be long, MATT BARTLE, will be trying to close the Casino's thru out Missouri, as its against his Mixed up, confused Religious Views, (he probably likes the Phelps family too), and can you Imagine this Bartle Idiot running for President soon ?? You wouldn't even be able to go to the public swimming pool in a Bikini, he'd consider that indecent exposure and you'd be arrested, it'd be against his Religious right wing so-called conservative views within the Republi-goon party, that he so clammers to ! Matt Bartle, typical NEO-CON "NUT BAG" !!
REPUBLI-GOON "MATT BARTLE" of Missouri, is a typical "Republi-Goon" moron, so caught up in his Religious Right Wing B.S. Propaganda, he's Braindead, he claims he's a Conserative, typical talk for Republi-goons, the same bunch that told us there was WMD's in IRAQ, and pulled troops out of Afganastan, to go to Iraq, with little body armour protection for troops, that were ill prepared, over 4000 killed !! The same Party that Spent this country deep into Debt with this war, and made Corrupt Contractors Extremely Rich, with very little over sight ( Halliburton/KBR- Bechetel - Blackwater ), and this Same Senator "Matt Bartle", from Lee Summit , Missouri, just recently in July 2010, was against, the Kansas City FORD PLANT Bill, to keep jobs here and the Plant open, Bartle was against offering them a Tax Break to keep them here, meaning if it closed thousands of jobs would be lost ! Typical Republi-goon and their right wing Religious Nut Bag ideas, they don't care about working people, yet they want to raise Taxes when their in financial dispair, and would rather you give to the Corrupt Churches whom are TAX EXEMPT from paying Taxes, and then we'll hear how another Priest involved in child sex with another Boy,(Homo Sex at that), apparently Bartle wants to cater to that Venue, more than Jobs for American famalies and revenue for communities. Bartle could be on Fire, and I wouldn't STOP to Urinate on him to save him ! He's worthless Scum Republi-goon !
Won't be long, MATT BARTLE, will be trying to close the Casino's thru out Missouri, as its against his Mixed up, confused Religious Views, (he probably likes the Phelps family too), and can you Imagine this Bartle Idiot running for President soon ?? You wouldn't even be able to go to the public swimming pool in a Bikini, he'd consider that indecent exposure and you'd be arrested, it'd be against his Religious right wing so-called conservative views within the Republi-goon party, that he so clammers to ! Matt Bartle, typical NEO-CON "NUT BAG" !!
REPUBLI-GOON "MATT BARTLE" of Missouri, is a typical "Republi-Goon" moron, so caught up in his Religious Right Wing B.S. Propaganda, he's Braindead, he claims he's a Conserative, typical talk for Republi-goons, the same bunch that told us there was WMD's in IRAQ, and pulled troops out of Afganastan, to go to Iraq, with little body armour protection for troops, that were ill prepared, over 4000 killed !! The same Party that Spent this country deep into Debt with this war, and made Corrupt Contractors Extremely Rich, with very little over sight ( Halliburton/KBR- Bechetel - Blackwater ), and this Same Senator "Matt Bartle", from Lee Summit , Missouri, just recently in July 2010, was against, the Kansas City FORD PLANT Bill, to keep jobs here and the Plant open, Bartle was against offering them a Tax Break to keep them here, meaning if it closed thousands of jobs would be lost ! Typical Republi-goon and their right wing Religious Nut Bag ideas, they don't care about working people, yet they want to raise Taxes when their in financial dispair, and would rather you give to the Corrupt Churches whom are TAX EXEMPT from paying Taxes, and then we'll hear how another Priest involved in child sex with another Boy,(Homo Sex at that), apparently Bartle wants to cater to that Venue, more than Jobs for American famalies and revenue for communities. Bartle could be on Fire, and I wouldn't STOP to Urinate on him to save him ! He's worthless Scum Republi-goon !
Dear Shane, I won't waste time dissecting your comment phrase-by-phrase, just the highlights. I am in my late forties, and working in construction, have to been to my share of these joints. A very few strip clubs are seeds for other crimes. The vast majority are profitable businesses, and their owners keep other elements, like drugs and prostitutions, out. Some girls are in trouble, go to work there, and don't get out. Again, a minority. They are typically a tight group, they cheer for each other when they move on, or are putting earnings toward educations, or toward getting their kids into catholic grade schools, or other very decent activities. Finally, the Constitution does not allow for the regulation of 'decency'. That is becuase the authors foresaw self-important, pious, pompous individuals using that little word to control others actions, and made conscious decision not to use it.
Dear Shane, I won't waste time dissecting your comment phrase-by-phrase, just the highlights. I am in my late forties, and working in construction, have to been to my share of these joints. A very few strip clubs are seeds for other crimes. The vast majority are profitable businesses, and their owners keep other elements, like drugs and prostitutions, out. Some girls are in trouble, go to work there, and don't get out. Again, a minority. They are typically a tight group, they cheer for each other when they move on, or are putting earnings toward educations, or toward getting their kids into catholic grade schools, or other very decent activities. Finally, the Constitution does not allow for the regulation of 'decency'. That is becuase the authors foresaw self-important, pious, pompous individuals using that little word to control others actions, and made conscious decision not to use it.
I copy pasted that site "the Dirty" and search kcmo as far as "the Dirty" goes in comments and articles these girls were targets for various hate groups
(*media)
Feminist?,
workforce groups,
NormL,
Milittia's,
Church groups,
MUM's,
KKK,
VICE,
DEA
even investigators of all ranks hired by many
etc...
""Imagine that all in one day.... when is over intruded recognized as a crime?""
Strippers, Escorts, sexy impersonators, massages therapist's, dating services, no strings, casual encounters.... money is the only dirty I see, if regulated it could help recession and thus the government is just not justified but instead being lazy by creating hate.
Media is't being any better but instead falsely helping conduct traps all over unconnecting maps its so fake its offending to be single and American. I mean logicaly & naturaly give industry's boundries dont take away arts of sway make/help it to improve instead of making it ugly.
Seriously its back to burn the witches. Its so similiar instead of cosmetics, independent women are being forced to be stay at home, unemployed, barefoot, pregnant and on welfare FOR $??? Reasons "look a purple elephant", duh kcmo "LowEmployment".
Judgements without even meeting? brainwash, "get yer' head out of the boob tube!"
Regulation and direction was all these people needed. But then again no one is reading...
I copy pasted that site "the Dirty" and search kcmo as far as "the Dirty" goes in comments and articles these girls were targets for various hate groups (*media) Feminist?, workforce groups, NormL, Milittia's, Church groups, MUM's, KKK, VICE, DEA even investigators of all ranks hired by many etc... ""Imagine that all in one day.... when is over intruded recognized as a crime?"" Strippers, Escorts, sexy impersonators, massages therapist's, dating services, no strings, casual encounters.... money is the only dirty I see, if regulated it could help recession and thus the government is just not justified but instead being lazy by creating hate. Media is't being any better but instead falsely helping conduct traps all over unconnecting maps its so fake its offending to be single and American. I mean logicaly & naturaly give industry's boundries dont take away arts of sway make/help it to improve instead of making it ugly. Seriously its back to burn the witches. Its so similiar instead of cosmetics, independent women are being forced to be stay at home, unemployed, barefoot, pregnant and on welfare FOR $??? Reasons "look a purple elephant", duh kcmo "LowEmployment". Judgements without even meeting? brainwash, "get yer' head out of the boob tube!" Regulation and direction was all these people needed. But then again no one is reading...
http://thedirty.com/dirty-search-results/?cx=015001713642220899692%3A9ixkmrerzac&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8&q=kansas+city#0
I find this new bill very disturbing.....Extremely disturbing. As a long time MO resident, I can officially say I'm ashamed of my own state. Udderly ridiculous! Is this 2010? Or 1950? Hmmmmmm......Matt Bartle is a total asshole. He should be forced to wear a scarlet 'A' on his forehead .....No, not for adultery......But, for being an 'ASSHOLE'!!!!!!!
Better yet, he should be locked up in a mental institution. That's where he belongs; NOT in public office. It's folks like this that gives the USA a bad name. But I guess it's no surprise.
Our 'great' country was founded by a bunch of self-hating, repressive, oppressive, delusional, fascist, uptight, Christian nutcases that got kicked out of Europe because they were too extremist for European tastes......Ahhhhh, the wonderful Puritans and their like. For those of you are still sane in the state of MO, please celebrate your next Thanksgiving Holiday by realizing you have ESCAPED such silliness!
Unfortunately, my fear is that it is only going to get worse. TOO MANY religious nutcases believe the world is ending in a couple years......and they are doing whatever [however] they can to get on the 'Good Girls/Boys List' that God is going to read off on Judgment Day. Amen, brothers and sisters!
I find this new bill very disturbing.....Extremely disturbing. As a long time MO resident, I can officially say I'm ashamed of my own state. Udderly ridiculous! Is this 2010? Or 1950? Hmmmmmm......Matt Bartle is a total asshole. He should be forced to wear a scarlet 'A' on his forehead .....No, not for adultery......But, for being an 'ASSHOLE'!!!!!!! Better yet, he should be locked up in a mental institution. That's where he belongs; NOT in public office. It's folks like this that gives the USA a bad name. But I guess it's no surprise. Our 'great' country was founded by a bunch of self-hating, repressive, oppressive, delusional, fascist, uptight, Christian nutcases that got kicked out of Europe because they were too extremist for European tastes......Ahhhhh, the wonderful Puritans and their like. For those of you are still sane in the state of MO, please celebrate your next Thanksgiving Holiday by realizing you have ESCAPED such silliness! Unfortunately, my fear is that it is only going to get worse. TOO MANY religious nutcases believe the world is ending in a couple years......and they are doing whatever [however] they can to get on the 'Good Girls/Boys List' that God is going to read off on Judgment Day. Amen, brothers and sisters!
@ Uh…Clem, Apparently, you missed the part about the undeniable rise in criminal activity that goes hand-in-hand with the presence of these dives. So your assertion that no one is harmed by these *ahem* "businesses" is incorrect. Neighborhoods ALWAYS go down in quality when these people move in. Every. Time. Families are affected by the increase in crime and the decline in property values, and it becomes just another slum in a big city (or sometimes even a small town). How many marriages have been broken, how many children exposed to reprehensible behavior in the name of "entertainment"? How many women prostitute themselves out for a bunch of slobbering reprobates that are more animal than human, all for "easy" money? Nevermind their lost dignity, self-respect and peace. Your argument is typical. Scare tactics about the government taking away freedoms. There is no constitutional right for prostitution (and that's what stripping is-they sexually sell/exploit their bodies for money, pornography is the same thing), any more than there is a right to yell "FIRE!" in a crowded theater undert the guise of "Freedom of Speech". It's about decency and the quality of life for our neighborhoods and our citizens. That used to matter to most Americans.
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