Wednesday, July 16, 2008

The Square Is Not Your Bedroom


Wednesday night on the Square. Great crowd. Great music. Lots of people of all age groups. No dogs. No bikes in the Square itself.

But how casual is too casual? Where are the parents? I don't consider myself a prude, but there is such a thing as Public Display of Affection, and this type of behavior is not appropriate. OK, so it's just my opinion.

Maybe someone knows these kids and would like to pass this along to their parents. But even as I write this, I wonder ... will the parents even care?

I say, if YOU care, then confront this type of behavior. Do not allow it. Why did all the folks sitting around them accept it?

How long did it go on before the Woodstock police officer approached these kids?
© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excuse me but you have no right to take pictures of anyone. YOu need to get this picture off this website or we are going to have a problem. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT, NO ONES PERMISSION!

Gus said...

Sorry, but a picture taken in a public place does not require anyone's permission. What kind of problem are you suggesting?

Unknown said...

Thats enough! I could agree with some of the other stuff you say on here but you draw the line. I happen to be a family member. You are lucky that I wasnt there because I would recognize you and I would have taken your camera to get rid of your wierd habit. Expect a call from the cops for harassment and possibly libel you little piece of crap! Thats right, you like to get on people for calling you a sex offender but YOU can write stuff that isnt true? Its time for the law to work against you for the 100th time. I would have confronted your behavior and turned you into a cop if there was one. And how did you know that is public affection? Study the picture closely, dont forget your glasses! Do you see any affection here, I DONT! GUS, YOUR BEHAVIOR IS NOT APPROPRIATE!!!!!!!!!!!

Gus said...

Hey, ace; thanks for posting. Never let it be said that I censor all postings.

Now, about the PDA. You didn't see what was going on before I took the picture. I walked by and then later went back and took the picture. And, remember that a picture is a snapshot - maybe 1/200 of a second.

Do tell me; how are you going to turn me into a cop? Will I get a badge? gun? cuffs? maybe even a Segway with red & blue lights? My own ticket book?

Bring your magic wand...

Unknown said...

We have witnesses that can tell you there was nothing going on. So your proof is just this snapshot with no PDA? Now you just set yourself up. With no other proof you got nothing. I know all about your censoring and let it be said I censor this blog!

AS YOU ALWAYS SAY, NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!

Anonymous said...

i just so happened to be sitting near this couple and i saw no public affection. You say you saw them twice but what about the rest of the evening? I think you need to go get a life and stop harassing others. You should take the picture of the internet like the other people have mentioned and go get a real job.

Unknown said...

Well Gus, only you would take something and turn it into an ugly, negative situation. Sounds like you actually confronted a police officer. It's too bad they know you and didn't respond to your blithering accusations. It's too bad you don't practice what you preach. I know you're a parent and I'm sure you care about your kid's offensive behavior, otherwise you would have confronted it already. Just my opinion, right? You ask, "why did all the folks sit around and accept it?". It's because there was nothing inappropriate to accept. Behave YOURSELF already.

Anonymous said...

You are a sick, sleezy, PERVERT. You know what they say.........Some men that don't have "any" will compensate big in a different way to make up for it. You seem to be trying to sound so much the "BIG" guy with your so called information. The picture in no way suggests what you are trying to make it suggest. In fact maybe it turns you on to think of it that way. The key word here is "THINK". Again trying to compensate for something you don't have. You are a sick pervert with nothing better to do and I mean PERVERT.
You Sick SOB!!!!!!!

Happy Gilmore said...

Gus, I was just wondering how your rejection to an ACTUAL writing job is going? It must have been hard having your mindless bullshit thrown back in your face by every newspaper in the county. After reading the work you call "writing" on this little wasteland of a website you have I can see why they kicked your ass to the curb the moment you walked in the door. I feel sorry for you that you feel it is worth your time to harrass two young innocent kids without provocation while they are enjoying each others company as they are listening to as music concert in the park. I feel ashamed of how you take our First Amendment Rights and abuse them such as you do. I feel sorry for you that your life has now become a mindless pursuit of taking pictures of things that only seem to piss YOU off. Please find yourself some help soon because unlike you I am unwilling to devote my life to rediculous tasks such as these.

Dave Labuz said...

Wow, Gus really hit some nerves out there! LOL!

Back in the day, this couple would have been shouted at to, “get a room,” or, “pass the salt!” Such an outburst would usually take care of the problem, embarrassment would kick in, and problem solved. Sadly, few bystanders these days would volunteer such a public corrective, but understandably so. All too often, violent physical acts are the typical response for calling people out. I’m so glad we’ve been focusing so much attention on self-esteem in the schools. Perhaps the system is failing them too, in that whether or not the parents do so, schools are no longer able to take little if any corrective action on kids’ social deportment and respect for themselves and others.

PIGGY PIGLET –

>>>> Excuse me but you have no right to take pictures of anyone. YOu need to get this picture off this website or we are going to have a problem. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT, NO ONES PERMISSION

ANYTHING in plain sight in or from a public place is fair game for a photo. Any court would rule that this couple, in such a place, surrounded by hundreds of people, could not have ANY expectations of privacy whatsoever. Provided there is no use of this photo for personal financial gain, and since it is used in a greater context of numerous postings to illustrate the deteriorating quality of life, particularly for those who would wish to enjoy The Square, I don’t see how it’s inappropriate for use.

Such a situation is used by law enforcement all the time. If something suspicious is going on in, or is viewable in plain sight, police can use such to search a car or premises without a warrant.

ACE –

>>>> Thats enough! I could agree with some of the other stuff you say on here but you draw the line. I happen to be a family member. You are lucky that I wasnt there because I would recognize you and I would have taken your camera to get rid of your wierd habit.

Any you would have then been arrested for assault and battery.

>>>> Expect a call from the cops for harassment and possibly libel you little piece of crap!

An-ti-cipation…… is making us wait.

>>>> Thats right, you like to get on people for calling you a sex offender but YOU can write stuff that isnt true?

Gus called it for what it appears to be – a display of public affection. He implies nothing more.

>>>> I would have confronted your behavior and turned you into a cop if there was one.

And not theirs, apparently.

>>>> And how did you know that is public affection?

Oh! (slaps forehead!) I get it now! They must have been wrestling or something! On the other hand, some like it rough, LOL!

>>>> Study the picture closely, dont forget your glasses! Do you see any affection here, I DONT! GUS, YOUR BEHAVIOR IS NOT APPROPRIATE!!!!!!!!!!!

When is it not appropriate, then? When zippers are open? When they’re lying on top of each other, and if so, for how long? What, when there is insertion? Who are you, Bill Clinton?

HAPPY GILMORE -

>>>> I feel sorry for you that you feel it is worth your time to harrass two young innocent kids without provocation while they are enjoying each others company as they are listening to as music concert in the park.

I can’t see that they’re listening to the music - can you? What of families with young children in attendance? Do you think that this is the type of behavior they wish to see modeled for their children? What would you say to them? Would you tell them not to attend public events in a park?

Unfortunately, many of them have decided to do just that, and as Gus has pointed out in other posts, this results in fewer and fewer people of the greater community to occupy these public spaces, abandoning them to people who are making everyone else uncomfortable, diminishing civic cohesion and resulting in public places that are less enjoyable for all.

>>>> I feel ashamed of how you take our First Amendment Rights and abuse them such as you do. I feel sorry for you that your life has now become a mindless pursuit of taking pictures of things that only seem to piss YOU off. Please find yourself some help soon because unlike you I am unwilling to devote my life to rediculous tasks such as these

Of course you are willing to devote your life to the “ridiculous” – you’re here.

If there is something that pisses YOU off, contact Gus with the info and he’ll cover them with a posting and photos here. He continually solicits all such items of interest that he might be missing.


Perhaps the overall behavior you’re all so worked up about is innocent.

QUESTION: If so, why are you all so upset about it?

ANSWER: Because, as characterized by Gus as a PDA, the viewer, whether here on the website, or as a family in attendance with children, cannot determine whether or not Gus’ assertion is true!

And if THAT bothers you, then conduct yourselves accordingly! DUH!

DBTR

Richard W Gorski, M.D. said...

Wow! I was not there so can't comment on the behavior but I can comment on the response...wow! I have not seen this much response to a blog since Al Gore 'invented' the Internet. All I can say is the hormones, all sorts of them, must have been really flowing that night in the square. Glad to see that people actually read anymore...now if they would actually do something. Next time they will bring a tent...privacy you know.

Anonymous said...

If someones face was plastered on a website then I would think you would need thier permission. Clearly people are mad because they saw the couple and no such of PDA was being shown. I'm sure thier family was sitting behind them and if they saw something that they didn't like then they would have said something to them! And if anyone else around this couple had a problem that wasnt family they should have done something. Oh and no cop approched them therefore they weren't showing any signs of PDA, and weren't bothering anyone but you.

Awesomeman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Awesomeman said...

oh and gus...i forgot to tell you...no one is fooled by your other aliases....too bad no real person visits your site so you have to make up imaginary friends...its funny how people with no life and no friends can make up such blastphomy...you really are a piece of work

Unknown said...

Oh boy Gus, you be stirring the pot with this one! Isn't it better to love than to hate? With all the pain and suffering in the worldm why can't we just get a long. I think I'd enjoy life a lot better if could crawl under a blanket in the square with my firned, the the lovely Miss Hipshot, and enjoy a little affection. She and I go back quite a way and we'd sure like to get re-aquanited. If the public display of affection is a problem, we should get your pal the Code Enforcement dude to go out to the Park and take care iof bidness. If that was Michael jackson and Lil' Rodney under the blanket, I'm sure Ace and his pals would be right there with them. Gus, you da' man and when Robby M. and I grow up, we wanna be just like you!

Gus said...

The above Comment of Awesomeman has been passed through by me for a very good reason. The People of Woodstock need to know what kind of rabble we really have in this town.
His comment has been forwarded to the Woodstock Police Department and the McHenry County State's Attorney for prosecution.

Anonymous said...

I think enough is enough. You have hurt some feelings here. It seems like the right thing to do is to remove it Gus. I understand that this website is a way for you to express your feelings on things that you dont like but come on, is all of this really proving anything? I dont think that this was would have been a big deal if no faces were shown but her face is showing. Not only are you almost exploiting her, you are embarrassing the two kids.
We cant say what exactly was done but if it was as bad as you make it seem, someone else would have said something but nobody did so where was the harm in relaxing and listening to music under a blanket? There wasnt. I think you owe the kids an apology and I think it should be removed as soon as possible.

Gus said...

cali, thanks for your Comment, but come on... It wasn't chilly last night. The only purpose of being under the blanket was to cover up whatever was going on under the blanket. There wasn't anyone else in the Square, out of hundreds, who was under a blanket. If their feelings are hurt, maybe they'll learn a lesson. By the way, I don't recall reading anything above from their parents. Has anyone directed their parents' attention to their kids' behavior? No, I'm not exploting her. And I have no doubt that they are NOT embarrassed. The picture stays. But thanks for writing and expressing your opinion.

Unknown said...

It must not have been chilly for you since you were working up a sweat planning on getting your picture without it being to obvious. Although you are a little sensitive when it comes to the air, just when you drove by that controlled burn and your throat got raspy. Wuss! You must have hurried out of the park after taking the picture in fear of getting a beating. Don't be walking in any alleys or you know what will be waiting for you. You say there was great music, but here you are worried about taking pictures. The first time you went by wasn't good enough, you had to grab your camera, prob from between the back two pockets, and come back stand there and take a picture with so many people watching you.
I have noticed you are getting mouthy with your replies. Could this be from fear?

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't be pleased (to put it mildly)to have my teenage daughter and her beau under a blanket in a public place. But I would also not be pleased to see their image posted on the internet. It's really disrespectful that you took their picture, and worse, feels salacious that you posted it on the internet.

Were their actions disrespectful? Yes. But they are the "youngsters", you are the adult. I have to wonder if this hasn't made them almost famous in their circle of friends. No such thing as bad publicity, right?

Not every real or imagined misdeed has to be noted, does it? Have you ever had an unexpressed thought? Or, how about this, use your powers of observation for good, not evil!

How was the music that night? Did you notice any families enjoying themselves? Friends greeting friends, people tapping their toes in time and humming along?

Just a wondering....

Leonidas said...

cmon man..just leave these two kids alone..i am asking you nicely...we all get your point..i think this is all a misunderstanding..be the bigger man here gus

Awesomeman said...

i live in your building silly face!

Gus said...

Awesomeman posted on July 15 at 3:15PM the following comment, which he later removed; however, he was too late, because his comment had already been screened, saved and printed.

"hey gus!...i see you didnt post my other comment so let me tell you this....you have angered me soo much that i am going to devote the rest of my life to making yours a living hell....you picked the wrong picture for me to see...your ass is mine"

That is a serious threat, and that's why it has been reported to the Woodstock Police Department and to the McHenry County State's Attorney.

Anonymous said...

FYI gus, the parents of the boy were sitting behind them, and the parents of the girl have seen your little blog. Be a man and delete it already. Oh and shes underage.... think about it.

Awesomeman said...

its ok..im not gonna do anything to you..dont even really care anymore..have fun doing what your doing..spur of the moment thing..no need to get all bent outta shape here

Awesomeman said...

and therefore i apologize for any distress caused..dont really need to come on here anymore..waste of my time

Unknown said...

Gee awesome man ... who's the wimp now? Our man Gus has the big ones today. How about you grow a pair before you start talking out yer you-know-what. Excuse the emotion Gus, but Snoozer and the boys don't tolerate studpity, especially when its repeated. You da' man, mi amigo! See you at Fiber-fest this weekend!

Anonymous said...

YOUR A CREEEEP!
seriously who goes around taking pictures of what appears to be something that really isnt. maybe you should stop focusing on what may appear to something bad and focus on something good. no one likes hearing false news where all it is is assumptions and twisted scenarios. get a real job and write some real news...and stop stalking people with a camera...its just cool...ur old and creepy..its not there fault you never got any affection of some sort.

Not My Advocate said...

"I say, if YOU care, then confront this type of behavior. Do not allow it. Why did all the folks sitting around them accept it?"

Did you confront it? You just take pictures and complain, but confrontation is not your thing. You take pictures, but if the person you are offended by says something, you threaten to sue.

You are what is wrong with society. Complain, complain, complain; don't do.