WOW...this is so off. You can be walking in the mall and look at Spencers and see to girls on a poster in swim suits, then look across the hall and see girls on a poster in bras and underwear at Vicoria Secret...Tell me where that is ok. Spencers employees are constintly walking around the store and checking to see if people need help and also making sure underage kids are not back in the "toy" section. Spencers is mostly all jokes and funny things to buy for people. If anybody can go on the internet and pretend they are 18 and look at porn, and see the werid and nasty things that the internet has then why is it not ok that Spencers cant sell what they sell. If anything it should only be allowed for 18 year olds and high to buy the "toys". If other younger people see things that Spencers sells who cares. Half the kids dont even know what it is for. What is the difference of kids finding it on the internet or in a store. Spencers is my favorite store in the mall and I mostly go to Spencers when i am at the mall. I may just walk in the stores to look around but i mostly will buy something from Spencers because they have some pretty funny things in there and it is an amazing store. Closing Spencers would just cut down a lot of the money coming into the malls!

RUSerious No i never went to school in janesville i went to school in U DUB DUB...its jus i know people who live there and my friend happens to work at spencers. and yes there are parents that want spencers out of the mall because its "distasteful" well sorry but who ever asked you ...right! but im saying for all who want it here vs those who dont im pretty sure theres enough people to keep it here. the city council is going about this all wrong and aparently they are just looking for a simple target. i believe if they didnt waste there time and were actually concerned about janesville citizens then i guess janesville woulnt have a big unemployment rate. maybe they should get rid of vicrotias secret to because they display things that kids shouldnt see...but then again thats different i suppose according to them...like people are saying the mall isnt a day care...so if parents are so worried about there kid than i suppose they should do a better job at parents is my suggustion. i personally dont have a problem with spencers but then you get those prude people who do. the city councle is wasting there time on this store because they dont want to look at real issues that take more work apparently. perhaps the city councle should go back to school and realize that procrastinationg only puts them behind more yeah!?

I just read the paper today, and I think the city needs to be more worried about how to afford their expantion of the Bar, I mean Ice rink, now that the estimated price has gone above and beyond their aproved budget (350,000 compared to the agreed 200,00) than attacking Spencers gifts.

Seriously, you can get a vibrator at Walgreens along with lube and condoms.

Every grocery store has a condom and lube section in the regular aisles... some featuring vibrating items.

Do these stores have to put these items in a room separate from the rest of the store?

Really, this is a non-issue in the age of Girls Gone Wild and tweenagers in thongs.
Kinda late in the game to start worrying about kids being exposed to adult materials when there's sex available on tv and the internet.

Look at it this way...The article states "City zoning codes allow adult-oriented businesses in business highway districts. Minors are not allowed in such stores." meaning that this type of stuff shouldn't be sold in malls and should be in its own building away from other stores. Has anyone seen a Spencer's store NOT in a mall? and as for all the parents that are siding with the city, granted i have no children of my own but i have nieces and nephews and to be 100% honest, i would rather have my nieces go out and buy a vibrator when they reach the age of wanting to know about sex or are thinking about becomming sexually active than have to try and help them raise a child of their own at 15 years old so that they don't have to worry about dropping out of school or having to work all the time just to supposrt their child. Schools now a days are talking to parents of teen mothers and pretty much telling them "your daughter can't continue attending school here while she is pregnant because we don't want other kids seeing it and having to deal with the fact that one of their classmates went out and got pregnant so you need to look into an alternative choice of schooling for your child"

crimpage-no one suggested closing the store-especially no one quoted in the story. miixed mamii just misread (or didn't read) the article. (Did you?) As for me, I was just being silly with my comments to him/her-it always happens when the clock strikes 12.

Are you serious? The unemployment rate in Janesville is ridiculously high and you want to ban a store from the mall and put more people out of a job because they sell "sexually explicite" products? Shouldn't the city be more concerned about helping people find jobs and not put more people OUT of a job because some parents don't know how to just talk to their kids? My argument: Would you rather have your teens go out and get pregnant or get a girl pregnant OR have a vibrator and NOT get pregnant? The difference in my opinion between spencer's and shockwaves is that spencer's does not display nudity as where shockwaves does and that is the reason you have to be 18+ to enter their store. I'm a frequent shopper at that Janesville mall and I can't believe the amount of young teens just walking around the mall causing problems. Maybe if parents would stop looking at the mall as a babysitter and as a place of business then these problems would not occur. Spencer's has been selling those types of products for YEARS and no one seemed to care about it until now. Explain to me why it is such a problem now that our country is in an economic crisis, people are losing their jobs, getting laid off, losing their houses, their cars and yet back to my point...what is the big deal? In today's society parents will do anything and everything to blame television, radio, stores, and other people just to avoid facing the facts that they are not doing their job as a parent. Parents need to understand that as parents they are the only ones who can teach their children right from wrong because the media will portray anything that will grab a viewers attention and it isn't always the right thing. Just leave Spencer's alone and start thinking about the real issues that effect everyone!

MiiXED_MAMii; I, for one, would never call you nieve. But I didn't know there were "parents who agree to get rid of spencers"! That makes me mad, too. Just because they have some goods that should be more discreetly displayed is no reason to close them down.
But you're right about another thing, "they should look at acutal issues in janesville"...maybe educational priorities. By the way, did you go to school in Janesville?

Well honestly...i think its a bunch of crap...if parents dont want there kids seeing whats inside spencers well then i guess they better keep a close eye on there kids then...sooner or later kids are going to be exposed to this kinda stuff so why not jus let them see it...chances are when thy grow older they mite use some of the stuff from spencers...god spencers has been around for many years and now theres an issue...honestly if people dont like it there they can shop somewhere else...i think they should look at the unemployment rate thats a bigger issue than a store that sells virbrators and stripper poll. Call me nieve or what ever some of you mite think...but come on this is not something you can hide from the world...you cant keep your kids from seeing things like this...i guess if parents are so worried about it then i guess they would maybe try and do a better job at watching there kids perhaps. parents who agree to get rid of spencers think of it this way your kids are more apt to go on porn site than to walk into a spencers store to get something...i think some people are real prude about this. spencers is all about gag gifts and bachlorette and bachlor partys...its all about having fun. no where does it say in spencers that if you walk in your must buy something or you cant come in. i think this is completly idiotic that they think spencers is a big issue. but then again they mite want to get rid of the sporting store where sam goody used to be cuz they are advertising drinking and beer...and smoking as well...plus some of there cardboard cut out of half naked women...soo maybe they should look at acutal issues in janesville...not a store!!!!

JimPl-maybe I missed the part where people said these things shouldn't be sold....it seemed to me these people you must be referring to objected to the items being displayed openly where they could be viewed by children. And-to counter your remark, if these "objecters" have children, I guess they don't need you to tell them how to operate certain parts of their anatomy. Your theory is quite a stretch. I could suggest another theory based on the other point of view: those who object to the objections probably allow their children full view and access to their adult activities...but I don't believe that either. But it makes as much sense as saying people don't know how to "get it on" unless they allow their young children to view "adult only" sex toys.

I've a feeling many folks are thinking this, so I'll take one for the team and say it.

I'd hazard a guess that many of the people who are so vehemently opposed to these products being sold are probably the people who could derive the most benefit from the use of said products.

I write this as I watch the commericals for Shockwave video store. which mind you comes on EVERY station (if you have charter) but the spanish, disneys, toons, and nicks.

So Spencers is a bad store for carrying misc. sexual related material in the back corner of the store on a what 5x5 stand? I guess that means Victorias Secret should get be removed as well from the mall since they sell sex clothing and I do not think have ANY signs. Better yet, how about after the town drives away spencers (which then results in the loss of jobs and another reason for people not the go to the mall (which results in loss of other mall stores revenue(but that is a whole different story)) We should be sure to go after those other bad stores that are runing our youth. Fye; since they literally sell pornographic movies that anyone with half a brain can move the little see though platic covers to see the dvd's (No warning label in thier store). Gamestop; they sell video games with sexual material (sometimes right on the cover) again no label. Perhaps we should attack Walden books since they sell adult material (with again no label).

Last but not least, if lord forbid you need to buy or want to buy something sexual for whatever reason, would'nt it better to buy it at Spencers for sometimes half the price as say Shockwave, naughty but nice, or even Walgreens?

I will assume that most people who have an issue with the content of the store are parents. One tip I have for those people....it's called PARENTING! Try it...it really does work. If you don't want your childen exposed to what you consider "harmful" content don't let them go in there. The mall is not a babysitting agency it is not there for you to drop your children off and leave them there for hours on end. Also everytime I have ever been in Spencers the employees ask for photo ID or a parent. Don't expect someone to monitor you kids when it's clearly not in their job description.

Has anyone ever really looked in Spencers from the store front? There is a sign in the left front window about adult content. Tell me can you see the stuff that's "harmful" to children? I find this whole thing just a way to relieve responsibility off parents. Honestly people if you don't want your kids to see it DON'T LET THEM GO TO THE STORE!!! I have seen the workers at the store ask for a high school ID or a parent otherwise they can't enter. They do watch the kids that go in. They have cracked down on the children that go there. The mall is not a babysitting service. Don't drop your kids off and leave and then demand what they did and be surprised. I do believe that the mall rules are 12 years and younger and they have to have a parent. Honestly people think a little.

Correction to the analogy: Similar to NOT admitting ...

Intheloop, what would be so wrong about a 17-year old child seeing a vibrator? Does the morality change a year later when this child becomes an adult? My theory is that this whole "morality" issue is just a pretext for an unwillingness on the part of the parents to discuss sexuality with their children. Similar to admitting that they once smoked dope, maybe the parents don't want to admit that Mommy and Daddy sometimes play "doctor." But even a 10-year old can readily detect that his or her parents would rather lie than answer a sexual question honestly. Should parents really be teaching their children to be embarrassed and ashamed about sex?

Just because someone feels that a vibrator is a non-threatening item for teenagers to see, doesn't mean we are the cause of how bad society is.
.
I have no problem with teenagers seeing vibrators and I feel that I am not doing any harm to society. I stop at stop signs, I slow down at yellow lights, I throw my garbage in the garbage CAN (I don't litter), I recycle as much as I know I'm able to (I may be throwing away recyclables that I don't know are recyclables), I don't steal, I rarely lie, I'm faithful, I'm caring, when I go out and drink, I set up a designated driver, I budget my money and spend only what I can spend (I have excellent credit), I don't believe in violence, I do believe in the golden rule. I can go on, but I won't.
.
Please tell me why *I'm* part of the reason as to why our society is going down a cesspool.

Those of you that feel it's okay for these items to be openly displayed where children may be present are the very reasons why our society is going down a cesspool. That's all I have to say about that.

Two points I'd like to make.

First, Wal-Mart routinely sells thongs and other suggestive clothing for VERY young girls. Why is no one up in arms about this? Not too long ago, I saw in Wal-Mart a pair of panties that probably wouldn't fit any girl over the age of 8 that had written across the butt - You Wish. Who wishes? The parent? Because that's the ONLY person who should be seeing those words.

Secondly, what is it exactly that is so offensive with these adult toys being displayed? That's an honest, serious question. Is it that parents don't want to answer uncomfortable questions? I don't go to Spencer's all that often but as I recall, the items in question are in the far back of the store, not displayed in the front windows of the store. Is it that parents feel seeing those items for sale will encourage sexual behavior among the kids? If so, I'd have to point out that while I don't necessarily condone the purchase of said products by a minor, no one ever got pregnant by a vibrator.

Ruserious: I agree, you don't have to be religous to instill morals in your children. You also don't and shouldn't need Russ Steeber's help in doing so, either. While I have different viewpoints than you and Gidget regarding the impact of sexually explicit material on children and who should be regulating said material, I think (hope) that we can agree on one thing...In light of what's going on in Janesville right now, this is not an issue. Russ Steeber took a walk through the mall, found something he finds potentially offensive for children, and it's become an actual priority? Seriously?
+
Oh, and balancepoint, I definitely voted. Not for Steeber, of course. I just couldn't bring myself to vote for someone who thinks a bike tunnel and regulating the merchandise at Spencers (or where it's shelved) are issues.

If parents are concerned that their children may see something questionable in a store, it is THEIR responsibility to keep the child out of the store. If the consumers don't like something a business is doing, they'll show it by not patronizing the business.

This issue is one where it requires the involvement of the parents, not the government!

Turtle - be a part of the solution, not part of the problem. If voters don't vote, then they can't complain about what our council members do.

If you didn't vote on April 7th, you have given up the right to complain. If you did vote - who did you vote for? Because the same old guys got re-elected! Start showing up at Council meetings - there is one tonight. They are voting on the beer at the ice arena, and you can voice your opinion about the stuff at Spencer's - and ask Mr Steeber yourself for answers.

Lets get real, this isnt going to stop or prevent anything not with the internet and all. Why doesnt Russ get a life the stores been there for years and your going to force its closure with a city ordiance. What if that was your business Russ would you want the city telling you what to do?

What's stupid is comparing hockey games to vibrators.

You know what's really hypocritical about these City Council people? They'll use children /minors at any expense to promote themselves. Like the new $1,000,000 Janesville Hockey Center.

It's ..." for the kids." However, they've gotta slam through a liquor license for the place, to make it viable. I'd rather have kids exposed to "questionable" sexual material in the mall than more drunk adults!! You can't even go golfing in Janesville w/o seeing drunks wandering around the public courses, legally drinking in public there, too.

Or, how about the oxymoronics of Beloit Schools not allowing Sex Education in there schools, BUT they'll provide a Daycare facility on campus. Hmmmm, so damn stupid it's comical!

Related to an earlier exchange with Lakennedy: Well (endearment left blank), I suppose religion may or may not enter in to such a discussion depending on your beliefs, or lack of same. When you're talking about a subject where morals could possibly come into play (depending on your attitude), why couldn't religion enter into it by some whose religion helps guide their morals? And how can you say what should or should not enter into any discussion as long as it could be related? I didn't seriously think you were appointed moderator, nor should you feel like one.
But you don't have to be religious to try to instill morals in your children, and as soon as you can't see any difference in whether your child sees disposable drinking cups, scotch tape, "magic" playing cards, squirting flowers, strap on dildos, or bondage tape hanging on the store shelves he or she is walking through, then I'm afraid it's a sad, sad day (opinion). Use 'em all-use them all in the same activity (use your imagination), I don't care (nor is any of my business). And the stuff available on the internet? Content on tv that has escalated in prurience? That is used as an argument for allowing it to be in public view anywhere by anyone? I'm not talking about normal sexual curiosity, and I'm sure not suggesting "silence" as the preferred method of sex education. And, without going into details, "playfulness" between consenting adults is an important part of a healthy relationship. But-what is wrong with keeping such merchandise out of view of a curious child, and visible only to its intended audience? We're not talking underwear here-everyone wears underwear, we're talking about items, for example, meant to be inserted into the female (or male?) anatomy for other than medical purposes.
To be fair, though-I haven't been to Spencers in years...is it a place where you might normally be expected to walk with your 7 year old to buy a Halloween costume, turn a corner and stumble over a dildo, or are children kept from entering? Of course, that would make a big difference.

I think a lot of parents are up in arms about this because they are unable to talk with their children about sex. They hope to "maintain the innocence" as long as possible until one day when the children magically know about sex without ever asking their parents. The children eventually learn by talking with their friends, visiting the library, or searching the Internet. They also learn that talking about sex with their parents is awkward and taboo, and the parent-child communication path begins to break down. The parents have issues, and they pass these issues on to their children.

Ooops I meant Sheriffs Deputy, I don't need the spell check police coming down on me. Just read my comment and think about it don't spell check it.

If you don't want your kids to see this stuff it's pretty simple tell them to stay out of Spencers! Besides that why is Russ Steeber in the back area of the store? These ADULT items can not, I repeat CAN NOT be seen from outside the store, I also think if the city tries to tell Spencers what they can and can not carry in this store they will leave Janesville and I can't say as I blaim them, Spencers has been in Madison for many many years and that location carries the same merchandise as this one. How in the world did we allow Russ Steeber to get re-elected I thought we had all heard and seen enough of him? Why isn't anyone questioning why he was in the back of Spencers in that dept. I just have to ask again? I have to say if that is the biggest concern Mr. Steeber can come up with these days, his head must be in the sand! Hey Russ what about the areas drug problem, A blow-up doll won't kill my kids but Heroin could! And yes he should be concerned REMEMBER PEOPLE HE'S A SHERRIF DEPUTY, AND THEY CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT FIRST!

I noticed that Victoria Secrets is right across the walkway from Spencer's. Well, of course I noticed, because I'm a guy. I couldn't even tell you what department store Victoria Secrets is right by, because that store doesn't have enough sex appeal, apparently.
°
Spencer's does have some items that seem a little racy. I'll agree with that. I don't think it's anything to be concerned about, though. Keep your kids out of Spencer's if you don't like that. If your kids are old enough that they go to the mall on their own with friends and whatnot, then guess what. They're old enough to already know what sex is and all about it. Stop trying to shelter them.
°
What's wrong with keeping your children innocent as long as possible? I've seen a few real life examples of exactly what's wrong with that... to help people understand, just think of the Brady Bunch ;-).
°
Gidget, in response to a question asking (not necessarily just) you about why there isn't protesting done about the type of content children can see at a gas station, you wrote, "But okay, if you want I can agree that a child shouldn't be able to purchase a porno mag from a gas station either."
I don't know for a fact that you live in Wisconsin, or even the United State's of America, but here in Wisconsin you have to be at least 18 years old in order to purchase pornographic material, not just from a gas station, but from anywhere. So it seems your job is done before you even got started. By the way, did I read correctly when you said you have kids? I don't like to criticize, but I think you might need a review on things such as when a person can buy a fire arm, porn, tobacco, and alcohol. If there are any other things you might be confused about, google is a great tool. I use it often. If you still find yourself at a dead end, message me. I'm very good with using the internet and it's most likely that I can answer or provide you to the answer of any of your questions.

iLIKEturtles- Now THAT is funny...

RUSerious... seems we struck a "guilt" cord, don't ya think? How parents of teenagers have given up parenting..."can't do anything with a 15 year old", they do as they please. "I did the best I could", parenting...

Wow... how did the JCPenny catalog get into this conversation... Reaching for straws? We never even brought up religion!!! Can we say "guilty conscience"???

I was referring to "parents" (and I use that term loosely) who do not care what their children are exposed to. Let the teachers deal with them (what are my taxes paying for...) the government owes me (since I can't make good financial decisions on my own)...

The best excuse ever... I'm the parent, don't judge my child/my morals/my right to be stupid/etc... These people who "make babies" only because "that Friday night" was a blur... should be mandated to give up the offspring they produced out of stupidity. Look at the posts we have here. These children would be so much better off with parents who would love them, protect them and nurture them to be great kids, who wouldn't feel like they are in the parents' way and cramping "their style"...

Before everyone jumps all over me.... of COURSE, not all unexpected pregnancies are doomed. Most are well taken care of... loved and nurtured. The one's that REALLY tick me off are the ones that dump their kids on anyone that will take them. The fathers that have nothing to do with their own kids...pay NO child support and just keep makin' more babies!!!

All I expect from parents is to assume some moral responsibility for the life they brought into this world. I don't care if you are Hindu/Methodist/protestant/atheist... Do you really want a young mind to have to see this kind of adult material? Seriously... can you even actually stop crucifying other posters long enough to know what these kids are exposed to? As a parent... as a parent... as a parent.....

Oh, and if you'd like to nominate me for "moderator," go right ahead...I'll be graduating soon and am looking for a job...

No apology necessary, sweetie. And I did miss other posts referring to religon. I just don't think it has a place in this argument...did you? I mean, to you, is this a religous issue? If so, is there an issue to you that doesn't involve religon? Just out of curiosity.

lakennedy claims: "You're dying to bring religon into this one, too?" Me? As a matter of fact it was not ME who brought it up. Didn't you read: ""BIBLE BELT" communities down south..."repressed" people in our midst.. "Sister Mary Better than You" or "Rev. I am god's Best Friend"? I read that-and considered it to be mocking people with Christian principles who, as a matter of fact, are not the only ones with opinions on the subject.
As for your comment "You're dying to bring religon into this one, too?"-I couldn't believe it-under ANY story that IS related to Christianity, and even those directed ESPECIALLY TO Christians on the Gazetteextra...they are highjacked by non-Christians. So your comment was totally out of line.
I do apologize, however, if you have been appointed moderator and I missed it. In that case, congratulations.

I was curious about sex as a teenager (starting at age 14 to be specific) and I was never in a Spencer's that sold adult products at that point in time. I don't think they even carried that merchandise 10 years ago. My own hormones and my body "growing up" is what got *me* interested. So no, I don't think that teenagers seeing these products would make them any more curious about sex.

Oh, and Gidget, next time you help a fifteen year old who was pregnant and her parents kicked her out of the house, be sure you ask her what sort of a role Spencers played in her life...I"m sure it'll be the root cause of her poor choices.

my word...

...Doesn't the city council have bigger fish to fry than THIS???

I'll grant that Spencers has some things that kids shouldn't see...hell, I don't really want to see them.

HOWEVER, what that being said...how long has Spencers been in the mall and why hasn't ANYONE complained about this before?

Is Russ Steeber out looking for things that he can shout down in order to look better after the mess the council that he is on has gotten this city into?

"Yes, the council isn't doing it's job on may fronts, Citizens, but at least you don't have to worry about Little Johnny seeing bondage gear. Oh, sorry about the fact that we have to raise your taxes again, but we need the cash to enforce more rules that aren't really needed. And can I count on your vote in the elections that are coming up? Thank you for your support"

If, as a parent, you have a problem with your child seeing the stuff at Spencers, keep your child OUT of Spencers...issue solved.

NOW can we do something about the taxes in this city, Mr. Steeber?

I"m not sure how much time you spend volunteering. I can say, with all certainty, that you have spent a significant amount of time defending Russ Steebers moronic agenda on this webpage alone, Gidget.
+
I do not, for one second, believe that putting strap ons, etc. in a back room will stop kids curiosity towards sex.
+
As parents, it is our job to discuss the topic with our chilren. Your excuses are a scapegoat, at best. Do you not think that a stroll by Victorias Secrets would inspire the same emotions? I have no doubt that there are underage pregnancies out there, and that is unfortunate. I do have serious doubts as to the impact a dildo has on those numbers.
+
As a parent, I take responsiblity for my child. That includes educating them when it comes to sex. I do not need Russ Steeber to help with this. What I need him to do is to get his priorities straight and get to work on some of the REAL problems facing Janesville right now. I'm sorry if you feel that Steeber should be in charge of what material your and other people's chilren are exposed to, but as a parent, I ask you to stop. I do not need your help raising my child.

I'd like the last 30 seconds of my life that I spent reading RuSerious's post back. At best, it's a joke. Seriously? You're dying to bring religon into this one, too?

Lakennedy, you have no idea how I do volunteer my time. Until you do, do not suggest that I spend my time more meaningfully. And until you can honestly tell me that exposure to sex and sexual materials cannot create a curiosity for a child to have sex please do not try to tell me that this isn't a meaningful issue. The next time I try to help a young woman who's parents kicked her out at age 15 because of an unplanned pregnancy I will remember your argument. And remember, unplanned pregnancies happen both with and without birth control- the only way to end them in teens is to teach them not to have sex before they are emotionally and financially ready. Putting material in front of them that encourages this does not help in the least.

gmaof3 is asking: "What will be left for children in 20 years?Kids are knocked up at 13 years old... abandoned by crack head parents... abused, neglected and emotionally wrecked."
I'll bet you, gmaof3, that in 20 years there will be those who belittle the repressed Christians who try to prevent laws legalizing 13 year old drinking, marriage licenses for 10 year olds (same-sex licenses goes without saying...), and maybe even door to door porn sales by elementary school kids. They'll laugh at "holier than thou" Christians or others who might try to stop condoms and aphrodisiacs from being dispensed with school lunches (just before recess, of course), and they'll be furious with those parents who will try to remove "The Deflowering of Junie B. Jones" from the elementary school library.
These people think they are making headway in a repressive, restrictive society-but you're right-more 13 year olds are getting pregnant than ever before. "That's the parent's fault/problem/responsibility." they say. Right-and if you don't have your own 13 year old (or similarly aged child), why keep parents who do have such a child from doing every possible thing that might help. Putting these items in an area not available to under 18 will not affect you one little bit. Or would it embarrass you to go "in the back room?"
You can get the same stuff on TV or the internet? True-but not everyone chooses to, and besides that-does that mean we might as well be totally saturated with it?
gmaof3, some of us are becoming desensitized, and we don't even know it.

Not that unique of a problem, really. I think the majority of parents could and do question other parents tactics. The thing is, that isn't your or their job. You deal with your kids, and let others deal with theirs. I hardly think that kids seeing a bra or a strap on are going to lead them to a life of criminal activity. If you're really that concerned about children who are the products of neglectful parents, I suggest you start volunteering your time in a more meaningful manner...or are you suggesting that keeping these kids safe from the horrors of crotchless panties will save their futures?

I do not think I at all misunderstand my job as a parent, thank you, lakennedy. My children do not go into Spencer's and I take care that they do not see harmful material. As it happens, my children are barely past being toddlers. I do not think you entirely understand my posts, however. It is not specifically my children that I am worried about at this point. It is also other people's children. If I were convinced that others were doing their jobs as parents perhaps I would not be quite so concerned.

Gidget, I agree that dildo's, strap-ons, etc. are not appropriate material for children. I also understand your posts. I think it would be very helpful if you would try to understand the following points:
+
1. How about you take the initiative to keep your children away from what you believe to be harmful material? What I am saying here is: Do your job as a parent.
+
2. In light of everything going on in Janesville right now, exactly how is this a priority? I mean really. This is on the level of my house being on fire, and me worrying about making sure the beds are made before I evacuate.
+
Again, there is harmful material out there. The world can be a horrifying place. The fact that my son may end up seeing a dildo for sale in the mall ranks pretty low on my list of horrors. If you are that concerned about it, keep your kids away from Spencers. My son definitely won't be going in there anytime soon. And I don't need Councilman Russ Steeber to help with that decision.

Thank you, gmaof3. I'm glad to see I am not alone in this issue =)

Seriously folks... what's wrong with wanting to preserve a child's innocence for as long as possible? With what the world has become in the past few decades is sickening.

Cell phones, internet, television and society in general really DOES promote the desensitization of our children. And who allows this kind of exposure, parents do. They buy their kids cell phones, give them unlimited internet access and unsupervised TV of any nature. This is the generation of NO morals. What will be left for children in 20 years? Kids are knocked up at 13 years old... abandoned by crack head parents... abused, neglected and emotionally wrecked.

I don't have any answers to stop it... but if pulling this crap out of public view, in a family oriented mall environment, why not?

Many parents don't seem to take any moral responsibility for their children anymore. They are too busy screwing up their own lives, to care about what is happening to their own kids!!

Because I agree with the councilman you assume I take children to the naughty parts of the stores? That's brilliant. It's amazing how people react to others disagreeing with their opinions.

Let's see here... perhaps I didn't mention gas stations and other places because the article was specifically about Spencer's. But okay, if you want I can agree that a child shouldn't be able to purchase a porno mag from a gas station either. Your sarcasm exhausts me. I can't agree, even a little, that there should be exposure to such things simply because there can be.

Drugs, alcohol and jail may be more important issues. I guess it depends on what lessons are learned because of them. However it does not follow that just because of the four this may be the least important issue that it is not important.

It seems to me that part of the problem here is how desensitized people are these days about things like this. Children start having sex younger and younger, and I don't think it would be a bad thing to start looking at that. Even if it just starts small, like a seperate room at Spencer's, what can it hurt? Honestly, does it hurt anyone to separate she sexually explicit materially from the less potentially harmful things?

Give me a break. Do you know how many people take their kids to see R rated films? Films that have gruesome horror scenes, brief nudity, sex scenes, and very explicit language. Do you know how many times I've seen adults bring their kids, ages 10 and under, to see Watchmen? I don't think that, as a teenager, seeing a vibrator is something to worry about. Wouldn't you rather your teenage daughter have a relationship with a vibrator than going off and getting pregnant in order to please her very natural urges?
.
Let's face it, this is reality. Most teenagers have seen, heard, and done everything that Spencer's has.
.
I agree with crunch_munch, what harm is being done here exactly?

I find it very interesting that you make it personal. You assume I have kids. Let's say I do- do I want them exposed to this? No. Let's say I don't. Do I want your kids, or anyone's kids, exposed to it? No. But it's not a personal issue. And I don't recall a Kohl's or Penny's ad ever displaying a vibrator or Kama Sutra books.

Gonefishin- TV and internet both have parental controls. Spencer's does not, at least not as far as viewing goes. I think this issue is more about whether or not Spencer's should have a barrier to youth viewing sexual materials, not about whether or not it's available.

I am really amazed that this discussion is surviving at all. Leaving aside the issues of what kids see on TV, their phones, and with their friends, is it right for stores to knowingly expose children to them? "Up front, shoppers will find offbeat clothes for babies and toddlers, Elmo T-shirts...". Many people know and like Spencer's- I think it's a fun place, myself. Especially as a child, I liked to go into the store because of the joke items. It's almost a trap for youth- then they get inside and there are sex toys there?

I don't know and therefore can't argue about the city council guy- his past, agenda, whatever- but I can say that in this I really think he's right. Why let kids view more than they need to see? It would really be nothing to make the store put up a partition for adults only. Just keep it out of the public eye. How hard is that?

Way to go, Russ! I, for one, agree with you. Children, and grandchildren, are very impressionable. Russ is not censoring to elimination, just attempting to get responsible cooperation, so that adult material is regulated as just that. What is so bad about this that has some of you over-reacting? Or, is it just that you dislike Mr. Steeber because he is an officer?

Better get rid of the woman's mags at the checkout of the grocery store. "10 ways to please your man" "26 tricks he'll love in bed" "How to have a better orgasm"
+
If joke gifts at spencers are harmful then so are these.
+
Plus they give women a bad body image, nobody can live up to the photoshop image of women, not even the girls in the pictures

I dont think its necessary for this store to sell this stuff to minors at the mall..Infact there are specific stores for this kind of purchase, which require an ID. I mean most stores have condoms locked up, so I think Spencers sends a pretty mixed message and does promote "sex" to minors.

Lets just get rid of everything thats not suitable for a 12 year old! Hell according to this logic it is resonable to assume that a child may drink alcohol as well. We better ban Busweiser! The crap at spencers is mild compared to what teens see online

All I was trying to say is.. If you you don't like these types of stores, stay out of them.. Yes I have a child (of the teen years) and no she does not go into these types of stores... She uses her best judgement on the decision when she is out and about... Some may think that she is TOO much of a "Prude" to go into these places.. I commend her on that (as do some of her friends Parents).. How kids learn from these values, are usually from parents, Clergy, and teachers..And she was "Shocked" when she went into that Store, and never went back.. But all I was saying that is .. We have a choice, to patronize stores like that and I too made a choice ( as probably many of you).. not to spend my money in places like that (Give me a Toys "R" Us of Best Buy anytime)....

One would think there are more important things for Russ to fret about.

Where did we get these city council members, the bible belt? Lately they seem like a southern religious conservative council. Don't let your kids go in there then. It is called parenting people. You have to do it, the local, state, and federal government can't do it for you!

Well, I for one, think these materials should be in a separate room. Video stores keep the "adult" content in separate rooms, why shouldn't a store in the mall... a family environment, be held to the same standards? I have grandchildren who are at the mall all the time. They grow up fast enough, why add confusion to their young lives?

This is a non-issue, in my estimation. The kids see more on their cell phones these days than they do in Spencers.

Is it only Russ Steeber that sees this problem?

Why is that???

RuSerious raises a good point. Do I put the National Geographic on the same level as a vibrator? Absolutely not. I would say, though, that just putting up a wall and having these "objects" behind it isn't going to solve anything. You know why? Because there is nothing to solve. Vibrators, dildos, strap ons, etc. exist. Do you need to have your children around them? No. You do need to be a responsible parent and take the initiative to keep your children away from these items if you think they're dangerous. I do not think these items are dangerous. They are inappropriate for a child to be around, but then again, as a mother, I'll take the inecentive and keep my child away from them.
+
What I am concerned with is Russ Steeber's "to do list." Seriously? This is a priority to you? Right now, you're top concern is making sure Spencer Gifts puts up a wall so our kids aren't subjected to the horrors of dildos? Get real. Our children are subjected to real horror everytime they glance at the front page of a newspaper. Everytime the Iraqi death count is read nonchalantly over the radio.
+
Oh, and don't worry Russ. I don't think you're a "prude." I've got more colorful terminology that I think adequately sums up your performance as a council man. I wouldn't dare say them outloud, though. What if a child overhears?

I have noticed that Spencers has a lot more "adult" items than they did when I was a teenager. But, my kids don't hang out at the mall, so I'm not worried about it. There is too much obnoxious behavior wandering the mall. I'm more worried about what they would see in the halls than what they see in Spencers.

lol RUSerious, very excellent point. If you wouldn't get it from the library - it's probably worth considering putting it in a "18+ Yr" room.

It seems to me that any store proprietor that has ethics and morals would have done this out of common sense - but I guess I'm expecting way too much today.

StaceyU2 "What next... censorship ???,, Do you want to see the library get rid of Nat'l Geographic?? art magazines??? and heaven forbid "PG" rated movies in our communities ??"
Stacey...The article distinctly said "“Harmful to minors” is defined as “...with respect to what is suitable sexual materials for minors,” and “lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.”
You don't think, for example, that a vibrator is a suitable sexual item for a minor, do you? How does that relate to a National Geographic being available at the library? But then, some people, I am sure, would think there would be nothing wrong with vibrators being available for loan at the library.

I still remember the Steeber actions. Pay for stuff that previous owners may have done to homes without building permits. And the interstate being blocked by snow, and Mrs. Steeber's reaction. Why do we keep electing them?

StaceyU2, how many kids do YOU have teeenage and younger? Are they girls? I am just curious because I as a parent of girls that age do not feel this is censorship, I feel it is in good taste and common sense to not display such items to kids. There are a lot of t-shirts, jewelry etc... that is geared toward younger people there so they should have an area where kids can freely view those items without having to see sex toys! Honestly, why is that so much to ask? Should this even be a conversation? And I think it is a shame you have such negative opinions of the Church during Holy week. It's sad that you see us that way. Did you ever think maybe Christians don't feel that way, maybe you just feel a bit defensive or paranoid? You are so open minded, why not consider that?

What next... censorship ???,, Do you want to see the library get rid of Nat'l Geographic?? art magazines??? and heaven forbid "PG" rated movies in our communities ?? (believe it or not) they still have this happen in some of the "BIBLE BELT" communities down south... I think the we have some "repressed" people in our midst.. Just wait until "Sister Mary Better than You" or "Rev. I am god's Best Friend" gets wind of this, we will be in Major trouble with this.. I agree with some of this but.. Come on people, take off the blinders, it's is free market and general commerce that prevails.. Don't like it DON'T go into these places

What next? Balancepoint I agree. Now if you get technical there are products on grocery shelves that are hameful maybe even fatal bleach/toilet bowl cleaners/OTC medications etc;etc; that kids can get in to, are we going to ban them also? I agree children see way to much smut, but if you are going to jump on one then jump on all things that could be harmful. That would include prime time TV shows and commercials and much more. Just my opinion. If parents don't want their kids seeing this don't take them in there. If it is to offensive do as video rentals do put it in adult room. Also kids see just as much or more harmful crap on video games, on the streets, and in parks then they see in stores. Again JMO

Maybe Steeber can contact Charter Media and do away with all the prime time smut that is on TV - you can't even change the channel without running across shows that are "harmful to minors".