To the editor:
As a past runner in the Shamrock Shuffle and an occasional patron of the Flamingo Club, I take exception with Mark Jarboe’s unfair, ridiculous criticism of the Flamingo’s association with the St. Patrick’s Day events. I really get tired of hearing self-righteous people pass judgment and try to force their values on others.
No one forces ladies to dance for a living or forces people to view such events. People do so because they enjoy it and it is their choice. Patrons rarely disrespect the ladies, and putting hands on the dancers is prohibited. I have talked to numerous dancers over the years and none have felt like they were degrading themselves. There has even been an occasional men’s dance group such as Chippendales perform at the club with numerous female patrons attending. So is this also crude and degrading?
Let’s be honest. Most American men enjoy observing attractive ladies disrobe and dance, it’s only natural. Men that deny it are not being honest, so why not permit ladies that choose so be able to profit from it? The Flamingo for many years has been associated with the St. Patrick’s day events with the owner generously donating his time, money and club for the festivities. I hope this association with the St. Patrick’s day events continues. I know there are thousands of Lawrence people who agree with me and appreciate the sacrifices and generosities the owner and employees of the Flamingo have made. Mr. Jarboe is entitled to his views but I believe him to be in a minority!
Comments
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HogJiver (anonymous) says…
As a 40+ year patron of the Flamingo I agree with Mr. Tucker.
Go Wes
purplesage (anonymous) says…
The answer to the Chippendale's question: "Yes."
Just because something could be "enjoyed" does not mean it should be and it does not make it right.
Lust is lust.
kansasmutt (anonymous) says…
The choice to go or not go is part of the American way. We have a choice. I think it is a great place and those who dont can go to church instead. I have known many dancers over my lifetime and it is the choice they have to dance or not dance. Wes is one of the original starters of the Parade and i personaly thank him for the many years of helping the kids out with Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. Thank you Wes. Keep up the great work. Wes does more for your comunity than all the negative people put together.
patrickj (anonymous) says…
And yet another example of a minority group of people trying to push their values on the rest of the population. And they are probably all non-smokers too.
inbetweentowns (anonymous) says…
It really is sad that people are so close minded. Thanks for your letter Mr. Tucker. Keep up all your support Wes, Lawrence will one day recognize.
sherbert (anonymous) says…
spoken like a true man. of course the girls are going to say they don't think it's degrading, they're strippers, they have to justify it in their own minds. other than that, I agree, it's a personal choice, but be real about it.
LarryNative (anonymous) says…
I always thought Wes organized the original St. Pats Day parade. Isn't this parade the Flamingo's baby?
LarryNative (anonymous) says…
I find it more offensive that people celebrate St. Patrick's Day in an English pub (Red Lyon). No true Irishmen would be caught dead in an English pub unless they were burning it to the ground.
acg (anonymous) says…
Okay, let's be real about it sherbert. These girls don't have to strip for a living. They could wait tables, they could work in fast food, they could clean hotel rooms or they could work telemarketing or telelconferencing. There are a lot of fields that these girls can get jobs in that don't require degrees from school or special skill sets. They choose to be strippers because they make bank and that's what it all boils down to. The only people that have a problem with a gentleman's club either a: lying about it to appear more moral to a certain group of people or b: are extremely uptight about nudity or sexuality. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm personally tired of uptight bible beaters and folks that are afraid of their own naked form trying to foist their fears and BS beliefs off on the rest of us.
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
"I have talked to numerous dancers over the years and none have felt like they were degrading themselves."
While on the job, who would call it degrading? Sometimes you have to distance yourself from a situation before you can have eyes to see how bad it was. Lots of abused spouses think they are in a good marriage, and often believe that for some time after a relationship has ended before they come to and realize how horrible it all was. Have you talked to numerous FORMER dancers?
muddfoot55 (anonymous) says…
Might I remind everyone that the St Patrick's Day parade used to start at the Flamingo and end at the Jet Lag because there were those at the City level that wouldn't let the parade go through downtown. The owners and patrons of these 2 clubs came up with the idea. It wasn't until the city and downtown merchants saw what a success the parade was that it was allowed downtown.
If it wasn't for these 2 clubs there might not be a parade at all.
And how short memories are....the Flamingo used to provide a community Christmas dinner at the club, picking up those without rides and delivering meals to those who couldn't get out......and everyone kept their clothes on. And how do I know....I was there to help!
Get over yourselves Lawrence!
meggers (anonymous) says…
It's sexist and demeaning to the intellect of women to imply that they are somehow victimized by their choice of professions. Good letter.
trinity (anonymous) says…
really good letter. and oh mah gawsh, am i seeing right-ljw, are you allowing a small plug for the bird?? god knows there's been plenty of promotion for the outhouse in this paper (blogs) lately!
LoveThsLife (anonymous) says…
Making "bank" huh? What exactly is your definition of "making bank"?
I agree with sherbert's comments. It IS a personal choice, just be real about it.
georgiahawk (anonymous) says…
what is the difference between women getting paid for their body and athletes who get paid for their body?
KansasPerson (anonymous) says…
Muddfoot, does the Bird no longer do the Christmas dinner?
grammaddy (anonymous) says…
Great LTE Mr. Tucker! Keep on doing what you do Wes. You are appreciated!!
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
"It's sexist and demeaning to the intellect of women to imply that they are somehow victimized by their choice of professions."
No it's not. Everyone makes mistakes. These comments are not about ALL women, they are about the ones who think it's a good idea to become part of the sex trade.
Hundreds of thousands of Chinese laborers "chose" to become railway workers in the USA. It was their "choice of profession", and they were victimized. Does that imply that Chinese people are all dumb? No.
bunnyhawk (anonymous) says…
For all you fellows who think the sex trade is just 'innocent' entertainment..............Hey! Just send me addresses and phone numbers for your daughters and granddaughters so I can send them applications for the Flamingo and other area 'gentlemen's clubs'.
If it's ok for the women who work at the Flamingo, surely, it's equally okay for the women in your family????????? Let's have some family outings to the Flamingo! Bring the girls so they can see how it's done!
Heaven forbid any of you fellows should take responsibility for your disrespectful behavior toward women.
tomatogrower (anonymous) says…
patrickj (anonymous) says…
And yet another example of a minority group of people trying to push their values on the rest of the population. And they are probably all non-smokers too
patrickj, smokers are the minority group.
BostonJayhawk88 (anonymous) says…
purplesage (anonymous) says...
Just because something could be "enjoyed" does not mean it should be and it does not make it right.
Lust is lust.
************************************************************************************
Next on Geraldo... "Why I don't want a raise at work." AND "Why I prefer uncomfortable shoes"
raerae (anonymous) says…
Purplesage, yes, lust is lust, so be sure to close your eyes and think of England, or whatever color you need to paint the ceiling. "Just because something could be enjoyed doesn't mean it should be."
Wes, we love your place, your values, and we thank you for being such a great supporter of the community.. all of the community, not just the church folks or the narrow-minded.
LarryNative: You're funny. But that argument doesn't wash. the Red Lyon is not an English Pub. It's a British themed American "Tavern". You'll find the flags of all the British Isles' countries on the wall there. The Lyon doesn't discriminate. :)
Bunnyhawk, that's not such a shocking idea, we all went out there one night for Xmas, although the daughter wasn't impressed with the dancing, it was a fun night out for all of us.
jehovah_bob (anonymous) says…
I have on more than one occasion suggested my wife apply at the flamingo and if my daughter wishes to as well, then that is her prerogative, I only patronize the Outhouse.
Kontum1972 (anonymous) says…
okay AnnA......UndCvr..........wru?
HIT IT!
7texdude (anonymous) says…
There is a difference between a stripper and a whore. Sometimes they do mix, but that has never happened to me, even in Vegas. I don't know the local scene, but back inTexas dancers do make boatloads more than a waitress or housekeeper. It is ridiculous to get judgemental about this. Would you rather do a lap dance or clean toilets?
akt2 (anonymous) says…
Some of you need to get a grip. The subject is a St. Patrick's Day parade. An event that is tradition for some of the local business' to participate in. No one is stripping or giving lap dances 24/7. They must take time out for the parade and corned beef and cabbage.
blue73harley (anonymous) says…
I've read this award winning paper a long time and I cannot recall ever seeing a police report regarding The Bird. Compare that record to the other gin joints in town.
beatrice (anonymous) says…
Indeed, the subject is a St. Patrick's Day parade -- not Mardi Gras.
From the letter: "Let’s be honest. Most American men enjoy observing attractive ladies disrobe and dance, it’s only natural."
Yes it is. So is relieving one's bladder and bowels. Mind if I do it in the middle of the street in front of your family? It's only natural.
7-dude: "Would you rather do a lap dance or clean toilets?"
Oh yes, those are the only two choices women have. What a moronic thing to write. (hint: this is how it can be seen as demeaning for all women, when people start to think women don't have real choices in life)
Yes, stripping is legal, but there are a lot of legal things adults enjoy that probably shouldn't be thrown into a town parade. Keep the strippers in the clubs, the bathroom doors closed, and bring on the Shriners and their little cars!
Jane (anonymous) says…
St Patrick's Day celebration in Lawrence? Are you celebrants trying to push your religion down my throat with the parade and the green beer drinking?
ivalueamerica (anonymous) says…
yes, some self rightous blow-hard had a hissy fit about the Flamigo.
Most of us just blinked a couple times...said ...are you finished yet..then went about our business.
It is just an opinion, he has the right to be wrong.
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
"I've read this award winning paper a long time and I cannot recall ever seeing a police report regarding The Bird. Compare that record to the other gin joints in town."
And, there are a lot of other gin joints that do a good job of keeping the peace as well. I think that's more about management than anything else. The Bird does have a strong reputation in this town as being well managed; I'll admit that. If your wife had did a pole dance for a few thousand men would you be OK with that simply because the cops were never called?
windjammer (anonymous) says…
I would think if you don't like the Flamingo being involved in the parade you should just stay at home. Right on to Wes.
BigPrune (anonymous) says…
Isn't the bird outside the City limits? Maybe that's why there aren't any police reports, since it would be the sheriff doing the reporting.
Guys go to the Flamingo for their delicious buffet (or so I've heard), just like guys read Playboy for the articles (or so I've heard).
blue73harley (anonymous) says…
Dad - Choosing to participate in the parade (which my family has done) is kinda different than our choice of careers. I was simply trying to point out that this club makes an effort to be a good neighbor in more ways than one. On the other hand, the little woman might enjoy the stripper pole. One of her favorite movies is "True Lies" and the scene with Jamie Lee Curtis in the hotel room.
Kontum1972 (anonymous) says…
the BIRD is great
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
so is the ham steak lunch dinner