Richard Thruster

Kevin Mannix has dropped his effort to amend the state constitution to allow regulation of strip clubs.  It’s obviously good news for clubs, but I think it’s also good news for the 2008 election.  At least that’s my opinion.  I’ve had about enough of “wedge issues” on the ballot just to drive up turnout for one side or the other.  But that’s just me editorializing.

The bottom line for this particular issue was the reluctance of Mannix’s prime money man, Loren Parks, to bankroll this particular issue.  Does he think it’s a loser?  Does he like having the clubs around when he visits Oregon?  Who knows.  Whatever the reason, my favorite local industry is safe for the time being.  Woo hoo!

Beginning January 1, walking into a strip club in Texas will cost an extra five bucks. The state believes the tax will get them an extra $40 million per year. The proceeds will go toward helping rape victims.

“This is an industry that largely employs women, and this gives them an opportunity to raise funds for a crime that affects women,” said state Rep. Ellen Cohen, a Houston Democrat who sponsored the bill, approved by the Legislature in May.

“I’ve been told the fees to get into these places can be $10, $15. I don’t think another $5 is going to prevent someone from going,” said Cohen, who is also president of a women’s center that could get funding from the new law.

“I’ve been told?” Nice. She is right though that an extra $5 isn’t going to stop anyone. It’s the principle. Taxing unappealing speech can create serious unintended problems. If only strip clubs had a lobby like the NRA.