Scribbled Sign Of The Times Passes From Spokane Scene
Most walls divide. They separate what’s on one side from what’s on the other.
The “wall” being demolished at the north end of the Monroe Street Bridge was different. It united. It connected.
The former railroad overpass abutment linked people throughout the Spokane area on occasions of shared importance - celebrations, bereavements, amusements.
In the beginning the wall was an eyesore, left over from the urban cleanup efforts that preceded Expo ‘74. Popular culture soon converted it into a public billboard. Those who decorated it in the dead of night, considered vandals at first, came to be viewed as muralists.
Now the wall is giving way, after nearly a quarter-century of impromptu signboard service, to a commercial and residential development along the north bank of the Spokane River.
About 20 people assembled on Saturday to watch the demolition begin. Many mourned.
Ordinarily, poignant thoughts on the wall’s demise might have been painted on the wall itself. Any leftover eulogies for the departed can be sent to Bagpipes, however.
It’s been a show business doing pleasure with you, sort of
Is adult entertainment in Spokane County about to suffer the aforementioned Monroe Street wall’s fate - de-lapidation.?
Spokane County commissioners are considering ordinances that would seriously crimp the art form known as the “lap dance.”
If the proposals are adopted, nude or seminude dancers would have to stay at least four feet from customers. They would be able to accept tips only after dancing, not before. Tips would have to be placed in a tip jar or the dancer’s hand, as opposed to … Oh well, never mind.
Among the arguments that have been raised against the regulations is one submitted to the county commissioners, presumably by an employee of one of the three businesses affected:
“This would force other entertainers and I to seek public assistance at great cost to taxpayers of Washington state.”
Which social cause is more pressing, public decency or full employment for lap dancers?
Subtle reminder: VOTE!!!
This is election day. If you haven’t voted yet, you have until 8 p.m., assuming you’re registered. If you aren’t registered, that’s your homework assignment for this week.
, DataTimes MEMO: “Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone; or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.