Obscene behavior

Bartholomew County zoning inspector Frank Butler has declared the Venus di Milo and Michelangelo's David indecent according to Indiana laws. A business that sells replicas of the statues is visible from Interstate 65, and potentially a minor can see these supposedly offensive pieces of art. \nAccording to state law, a subject is indecent if "considered as a whole, it lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors." Are these people actually saying that Michelangelo's most famous work, David, and the statue of Venus di Milo have no artistic value?\nIt seems this community in southern Indiana will not tolerate the imposition of classical art on its eyes. \nAt least somebody is finally standing up for the issues that matter.\nIt merits the question: Traveling at 60 miles per hour on I-65, how long can a child in a car seat be exposed to the nudity of David and Venus?\nOf course, Edinburgh isn't the only Indiana locality that has nude sculptures visible to minors. Here at IU, the state law could allow zealous zoning inspectors to makeover our "immoral" campus in favor of a more child-friendly environment. \nFirst on the list would be Showalter Fountain, cradling a frightfully obscene mermaid bearing observant passers-by her seductively full bosom in broad daylight. What she needs is a little string bikini top -- although with state budget cuts bearing down on the University, duct tape might be cheaper. \nNext on the cover-up list could be the statue in the Old Crescent with not one, but two nude figures. Maybe they could get away with wearing basketball jerseys?\nThis crackdown is not enforcing the law -- that is, unless someone is willing to claim, in public, with their high school art teachers looming over their shoulders, that Michelangelo's work has no artistic purpose. This is just another example of three people imposing their narrow world view on a private business. If you want to protect your children, start in your own home.\nBy fighting for silly, nonsensical causes, the two people who filed complaints have ignored social issues that matter. If you really want to do something for your children, try volunteering at their elementary school.\nEven if the store owner offended the sensitive busybodies who called in and complained, the owner is not corrupting American youth. If anything -- all post-modern criticism of the mass production of classical works aside -- the store owner is beautifying his little stretch of community with replicas of some of the world's greatest artwork on the side of the road.\nThis supposed law enforcement is a case of the ignorant rallying behind a worn-out cause. People need to look past their tunnel vision to the greater good: celebrating history, culture and art without prejudice.