Sagging legislation debated in ATL

Coming out of A.T.L. (Atlanta, Georgia for you lames) in late August '07, the anti-sagging law introduced by City Councilman C.T. Martin ignited national news and spawned similar legislation in Baltimore, Dallas and parts of Florida and Louisiana.

Depending on where you live the punishment's severity varies. For example, according to the NY Times, in the small town of Delcambre, La., population 2,231 and 80 miles southwest of Baton Rouge, sagging now carries a stiff fine of "as much as $500" and " up to a six-month sentence."

Critics say that not only are these laws an attack on hip-hop culture but also allow for further harrassment of young black males. Yesterday in ATL the proposal was debated.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Councilman Martin says he introduced the law not to punish young people but to start a conversation about the impact of the dress style on their lives.

Yeah. Right.

Like Martin, most city politicians who introduce these sorts of laws are also black. Thus the battle is more generational although there is a racial consequence to such legislation. Sadly these old Negro spiritual leaders and their outdated strategies have nothing better to offer. For many, there time is up. Instead of passing the torch or offering wisdom they perform an ancient ritual of sacrificing their children and grandchildren to the legal system. Granted, sagging is an ugly dress style but fines, community service sentences and jail time go beyond the pale.