Fresh Eyes on Covering Sex at the Lege
Two stories I wrote this week -- one on a possible state cover charge at strip clubs, the other (coming Sunday) on HPV and abstinence education -- thrust me into some sexually-charged debates, and reminded me just how awkward it can be to talk about sex at the Lege.
Words I never wanted to say to Sen. Jane Nelson: "genital" and "warts."
The strip club story -- which I have to admit, was my first on the topic since I entered this illustrious field -- nearly caused me some grief. Particularly when I was spotted carrying around print-outs of the very colorful Web sites from Dallas' own Silver City and Baby Doll's to interviews with Sen. Royce West and Rep. Ellen Cohen. Raised a few eyebrows in the halls of the Capitol extension, I'm sure.
And who knew topless bars were going to be so touchy? (I know, I know). I put my colleague, Amy, through the wringer, forcing her to call pretty much every adult video store and strip club in Dallas to get a comment. Most shared none, but still gave us an earful of the bump-and-grind music in the background.
My story on HPV being the new frontier in the science vs. faith war, which you'll have to wait until Sunday to read, also hit a nerve. Talking to religious conservatives about abstinence education is one thing. Talking to them about "the bases" -- and at which points HPV infection is feasible -- is quite another. The convos are awkward, but I'll give them this: they're much quicker to return phone calls than the doctors and researchers I hassled.
Comments
I liked (and blogged) your story on the strip clubs bill.
I do not covet the fact that anyone would have to use the words "genital" and "warts" in conversation with Sen. Nelson or anyone else.
Just wait, because pretty soon, you'll be asking legislators if they still believe the earth revolves around the sun.
Posted by: Vince Leibowitz | February 16, 2007 6:26 PM
Now there's a way to liven up a Tuesday morning on the House floor...
Posted by: Brooks | February 16, 2007 11:39 PM
For all of DMN readers, Emily is one of several cracker jack reporters that the Dallas Morning News employs at the capitol. It is fine to utter the words you mention to Senator Nelson. Her only beef with the HPV vaccine is that citizens have been completely left out of the decision making process. This issue should not be decided by one person. It should be subject to public tesimony and have a vote in the Legislature (and not be vetoed!).
Posted by: Dave | February 21, 2007 9:05 PM
I'll assume "cracker jack" is a compliment?
/because it should be!
Posted by: Brooks | March 6, 2007 12:35 AM