What's swinging from bumpers annoys Florida Senate

TALLAHASSEE — Watch out, Florida! The state Senate wants to neuter your back bumper.

That's right, for 30 minutes over the past two days, the Legislature's upper chamber has discussed banning a car accessory that resembles the reproductive parts of a bull.

Sold as Truck Nutz, Bulls Balls or Bumper Balls, the tacky novelties began hanging from bumpers, truck hitches and rearview mirrors at least three years ago. They come in chrome and colored plastic — think bright purple.

"If we overlook the small obscenity, then it could grow into a larger one, and we'd have more problems in the future," says the gun shop owner from Eustis.

So Baker attached a measure to a larger transportation bill (SB 1992) that would make it a noncriminal moving violation to hang "reproductive glands" from cars and trucks.

It would also allow police to stop drivers who display any "obscene word, image or device."

For two days, Sen. Jim King, R-Jacksonville, whose Chevy Suburban sports the reproductive bull glands, has tried to stop the ban, saying it could affect a lot of drivers.

Although other senators supported his efforts, he twice failed to kill the ban, overruled by voice votes from the chamber.

"At what point do you say, big brother or big government are stepping in areas they shouldn't?" King asked.

Comments on this article

by Al	Apr 24, 2008 6:29 PM
Apparently Baker didn't hear Reagan when he said government was the problem. . What is even more troubling is the provision that would allow police to stop anyone displaying any obscene word image or device. Who defines obsecenity?

by Tom	Apr 24, 2008 6:13 PM
I have a lighted set, and I think it's great. Spend time and money on more important things. By the way Dana, your mouth open is offending

by Lori	Apr 24, 2008 11:49 AM
I agree they are tacky.....but to try to legislate! Get real...more important issues in this world.

by Karin	Apr 21, 2008 4:59 PM
You can't legislate "offensive." It's too controversial, relates to the "trash" - "treasure" issue. We're losing our rights to freedom so slowly people aren't noticing. There are very importan

by Karin	Apr 21, 2008 4:58 PM
What is the government doing wasting time on this "stuff" when there are more important issues that need addressing? What a waste of time and tax money. Our government at work.

by 727guy	Apr 20, 2008 11:02 AM
I'm offended by those "W" stickers. Lets ban those, too.

by Maggie	Apr 20, 2008 10:23 AM
Let me see.. The masses are being laid off and unemployment is so bad you can't pay your rent, yet Sen. Carey Baker and friends are waisting time and our money on this?? Go home Senator you don't deserve that important job. Worry about what

by Dan	Apr 19, 2008 11:52 AM
Ya I don't like to see them either but so what. There are bigger problems and the politicians are just jealous because they don't have any. If they did the state wouldn't be in such bad shape.

by clint	Apr 19, 2008 11:25 AM
I want Sen. Baker out of office IMMEDIATELY! I dont need some idiot like him telling me that those things are stupid & shouldnt be displayed, I HAVE a brain to figure that out for myself! Worry about the important things & stop legislating mo

by Honey	Apr 18, 2008 11:53 PM
Only illiterate redneck morons would consider that this type of object belongs on a truck; neuter them.

by Sarah	Apr 18, 2008 3:03 PM
Penny's absolutely right. Gents: unless you're built like Michelangelo's David, it's probably not nice to look at, lol. Maybe those plastic ones are an improvement. I cant' stop laughing.

by Penny	Apr 18, 2008 1:57 PM
I HATE those horrible plastic things. So far I have managed to dodge explaining what they are to my two young daughters but that won't last. Men really don't know how ugly naked man-parts are...

by Penny	Apr 18, 2008 1:54 PM
I HATE those horrible plastic things. So far I have managed to dodge explaining what they are to my two young daughters but that won't last. Men really don't know how ugly naked man-parts are...

by Ken	Apr 18, 2008 1:54 PM
Dang. Once they are outlawed we won't be able to tell the morons from everybody else.

by John	Apr 18, 2008 11:54 AM
Am I to assume that all of the problems in this state are fixed? Once again our fearless leaders are trying to legislate morality. PLEASE. Find something else to address before none of you clowns have a job soon.

by Brittany	Apr 18, 2008 10:20 AM
I bought my dad a set of those for his truck! To show that "his truck had huevos" it's a BIG truck..It deserved to have them! haha. Come on, get over this garbage!

by Me	Apr 18, 2008 10:20 AM
I'm sorry, I find hundreds of bumper stickers offensive - especially political ones, who do I need to see to make sure that they're all banned by the legislator so they don't hurt my feelings or offend my sensibilities? ABSURD!!

by Jeff	Apr 18, 2008 10:19 AM
I'm offended by the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. It is a giant phallic symbol that kids should not see. Let's ban it now, now, now!!!

by Dana	Apr 18, 2008 10:19 AM
They are discusting and should be banned. One of my coworkers has them and I am offended by them

by Hunglow	Apr 18, 2008 10:19 AM
"Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech." A slippery slope indeed. I hope our rational thinking elected officials (if we have any left)will grow "a pair" and strike down this stupid bill.

by fozzy	Apr 18, 2008 10:18 AM
But...but...then what will Brandine get Cletus for Christmas this year? What's sad is that a State Senator actually has these idiotic things on his ride. R-Moron.

by 727guy	Apr 18, 2008 10:17 AM
I think even the most jaded florida citizen/voter would agree that this is such a huge waste of time in the face of much larger and relevant problems the state is facing. However, it probably comes as a surprise to no one. Way to go, Florida senators

by JT	Apr 18, 2008 9:22 AM
While most of the gals probably don't like these things and prefer they not be shown (tackey is an understatement) I just hope the censure doesn't become a tit for tat and it causes those shapely figures on mud flaps to be removed

by Jay	Apr 18, 2008 9:20 AM
This is a bit closer to what our legislators should be doing. Its not taxes, nor insurance, but its close.

by Dave	Apr 18, 2008 9:20 AM
Any chance we can get some real government work done?

by geezer	Apr 18, 2008 8:35 AM
And we're paying these guys? Unbelievable. I hope the house has the sense to let this die! The bumper sticker part is especially troubling. Just another excuse to pull motorists over on flimsy causes.