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Published Sunday, March 15, 2009 in Opinion
Nudes 'pretty decent guys and gals'
Opinion Column by JEFF BISHOP
jeff@newnan.com
Starting around April Fools Day, they'll be wearing orange vests and nothing else at all, picking up litter along Georgia's highways.
They are members of Georgia Nude, a nude rights organization that adopted a one-mile section along Georgia Highway 34 East in Coweta County under the Georgia Adopt-a-Highway program.
Georgia Nude's community service is part of a new campaign to let the public know they're just a group of "pretty decent guys and gals" who are continuing to champion for the right to fully express themselves.
"We're going to be picking up trash nude to show people that we're good guys like everyone else," said Jenny Henny, a Georgia Nude member and local nudist colony organizer.
The 2,000-member organization adopted the section of state Highway 34 from I-85 to Shenandoah Boulevard. The sign along the highway was erected last week. The one-year-old group plans to adopt more roadsides throughout the state for the recognition and to continue their advocacy of nude rights.
President Eli Sunshine of Sharpsburg confirmed the organization is currently pursuing other roads to adopt in other counties. Sunshine said most of them are concentrated in the Atlanta metro area, but they're actively working on an application in Savannah, too.
Sunshine and Georgia Nude were instrumental in passing Georgia's recent law that allows nudists to cavort in state parks, on public transportation, and in restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the nudist does not drink.
In addition to performing community service and continuing their advocacy campaign, Sunshine explained the group is hoping to dispel any negative misperceptions about their group.
He said he realizes that many are afraid of people who wear no clothing. So the idea, sprung from a member's Web posting, is so "people can see how nice we are and that we're not kooks."
"We want people to realize that you can drive by somebody who's naked and they're not going to try to molest you. A lot of people are deathly afraid of nakedness and I understand that, but most people in the South are used to that," he said.
He added that Georgia Nude is a diverse group that includes men and women of all races who range in age from 18 to 75 years old.
"It's a real cross-section of America ... that share the interest of protecting our First Amendment rights," he said.
The state's Adopt-a-Highway program, a partnership between the Georgia Department of Transportation and Keep Georgia Beautiful, enlists citizen volunteers to help remove litter from state roadsides. Each volunteer group adopts at least a one-mile stretch of highway and agrees to remove litter from both sides of the road at least four times a year for a two-year period.
P.S. This Georgia Nude column was inspired by Georgia Carry, a gun rights organization that recently adopted a one-mile section along Georgia Highway 34 East. Georgia Carry plans to pack sidearms when they go on trash duty to prove that they aren't kooks, either.
"They absolutely have a right to bear arms, at all times, even while picking up trash on the side of the road," said Sunshine. "And so we figured, hey, we have a right to bare all. Let's do this thing. The human body is a beautiful thing. Why put it under a bushel? Let it shine, let it shine."
Commenting on this story has ended.
Jeff Bishop, you have a right under the 1st Amendment to say and write what you feel. We have a right under the 2nd Amendment to carry arms legally. It is very important that neither of us violates these rights. Comparing GaCarry.org to nudists isn't funny. Just a liberals way to get at someone else's rights because that don't like that right. We have that right and we will fight for our rights and we will fight people like you.
Posted by Richard Cash at 9:44 AM
I want to see a naked guy, or gal, use their, um, nudity, to prevent a crime. This article is obvioulsy written by a liberal who most likely is simply afraid of guns, and the people with the courage to stand up for basic human rights. Sad really, when you consider that this alleged journalist could not practice his freedom of the press it it were not for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
Posted by Rusty Gray at 8:59 AM
I cancelled my subscription to your paper years ago because of your overly liberal views. Thank goodness for the internet. The right to keep and bear arms is a sacred RIGHT. Your lampoon is in very poor taste. Report the news! We don't need your political opinion!
Posted by Charles Jefts at 8:42 AM
There was a time when most people waited until April Fool's Day to write like a fool. I guess that Jeff Bishop thinks that newspaper writers or "Journalists" as they like to be called, are an exception. But then again, last I heard, print journalism is not exactly a growth industry that would attract the best and brightest.
Posted by Bob Spooner at 8:19 AM
As a proud gun owner of the state and a active member of GeorgiaCarry.org, I regret reading a column utilizing such childish mannerisms in an attempt to derail a group's good deeds. Mr. Bishop your community holds you to a higher standard of professionalism and you failed us. Let us all hope that this has been a vast learning experience for you and your editors. God Bless...
Posted by GeorgiaOutdoorHeritages at 8:12 AM
I guess picking up trash in the nude is okay as long as they face the road when they bend over!
Posted by GWOC at 8:09 AM
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the free publicity for GeorgiaCarry.org! The more people that visit the site, the more members we get!
Posted by GeorgiaCarry.org Memeber at 7:15 AM
I hope this is a joke.But if not we may as well let the Starship store in if our commissionera aloud this.Maybe we all need to do this we would be locked up and should be.Maybe this is a joke.
Posted by Donna Brown at 6:28 AM
Knowing that there is no such thing as bad publicity (especially when one is doing a good thing), this GeorgiaCarry.Org member says, "Thank You!" for the newspaper coverage.
Posted by Ben G. at 4:59 AM
The irony of this story is that the Times-Herald will probably be the majority of the "trash" GeorgiaCarry members will be ridding our streets of. I guess with writers like Mr. Bishop and editors who publish stories like this, about the only positive impact the Times-Herald can make for our community is to bolster our recycled trash bins. What a wonderful piece of "journalism"....you must be proud!
Posted by LarryG at 4:53 AM
Mr. Bishop your article is cute, at best for an apprentice. Reminds me of those comments juveniles write on restroom walls. And the kind of trash, these honorable men and women will be cleaning up.
Posted by David McCrerey at 1:00 AM
What a crop of nuts. Something good happens and a political view is hatched. Nudes and guns.What a concept!!Be seen in Newnan.
Posted by Milton at 12:53 AM
Is it any wonder that the newspaper medium is dying. We'll still be fighting for gun rights long after you close you doors in the next year or two. Good luck writing articles that no one will read.
Posted by J. Smith at 12:08 AM
Jeff, Perhaps you could rally your own group to sponsor a section of highway. "Journalists who Write about Real News and with Unbiased Integrity". Should cover at least a .001 mile.
Posted by jlauzon at 11:58 PM
1. Rutledge Bypass to their facility on Hospital road 2. Knights of Columbus Rossco Rd from jackson to christian dr. 3. GeorgiaCarry.org Thats sad people fuss here and on the original georgia carry article if you so upset find out this info quickly for your self. Also get your group together and go get your own mile. Nice joke but its kind of irks me for a staff writer to stab at group for doing this deed that it seems few in this town are willing to do.
Posted by Tom F. at 5:46 PM
I think that this is a joke. They are probably going to set up a camera to see how many people drive by. LOL. What serious writer puts PS at the bottom of their article?
Posted by Jay at 9:33 AM
Goodness Lady, lighten up!! Maybe you should pick up a piece of trash or two on side the road, I'm sure the fresh air could do you some good.
Posted by SHines at 2:56 AM
Hey Jeff much thanks for the publicity you have directed our way, people are talking and believe it or not your article will bring even more people to our cause. Not to mention reinforcing the need for more highway miles to be adopted by other truly concerned,proactive and responsible Georgia advocacy groups. Georgiacarry.org wishes to thank you for your shameless plug to our site and I would be remiss if I didn't also thank you for the new members that will be joining because of the recent articles "Exposure". Avid Fan
Posted by TecRsq at 1:09 AM
It's its a prank (april fools day is ahead) then good work Times-herald! If it is not a prank - Please see the new ordinance that shut down Starship, because people DO fine stimulation with viewing a naked body and someone call Thomas Crossroads as I am SURE they'll have an opinion!
Posted by Jen at 8:22 PM
Man! Isn't the traffic backed up enough already? All I can say is, if it's NOT a joke, please, only allow the ones with a decent body to do it..Get the barf bags ready...
Posted by Susan at 7:29 PM
Cute Jeff! First, the sight of the "beautiful" human form stooping, crouching or otherwise bending down to pick up trash is not one I want to see. (Remember that Seinfeld episode?) Yes, I'd rather see the trash than the aforemention sight removing that trash. Second, this is uncomfortable because it could EASILY be true! Remember when Seattle recently said it was OK to be naked in public parks??? Google it. Incrementally, bit-by-bit, that's how something seemingly silly and ridiculous becomes part of the norm. Today's joke is tomorrow's reality. That's why your "funny" story made me uncomfortable! Ugh.
Posted by Don't Wanna See THAT! at 2:33 PM
Oh. My. Word.
Posted by KS at 1:25 PM
It struck me that when I picked up trash on the side of the road, there were fine dust particles flying all around me and when I got home I had dust all over me! You might find covering strategic areas of the body helpful!
Posted by Karen at 12:11 PM
This was an excellent joke and I love the way it has flushed out all these dummies who think this will really happen. Now - everybody who believed it please pack your things and move out of the county by midnight. You are too stupid to live here with us.
Posted by felix at 10:57 AM
I think if this is a joke it's a very sick joke. I think if you can't find better things to write about Mr. Bishop that YOU need to be picking up trash. You may not mind your children seeing this kind of trash but I DO. If your that bored with your job than get another one.
Posted by Concerned citizen at 10:36 AM
I do not think this article demeans Georgia Carry in anyway! They are the ones who said they did not want people to think they were a bunch of kooks. Lighten up! Get a good laugh out of it(which everyone needs) and move on!
Posted by Citizen at 9:16 AM
Your holding on a little tight there buddy! It is clear that most think this is a joke. Sounds like you need a vacation. Goosefrabah.......
Posted by By the way at 9:11 AM
Mr. Bishop, your joke at GeorgiaCarry.Org's expense is discouraging to other groups that want to do something good in this community in the future. According to the Georgia DOT, www.GeorgiaCarry.Org was only the third group to Adopt a Highway in this entire county - ever. Some other group reading your opinion column might just decide it is not worth participating in the Adopt a Highway program if the local paper is going to make fun of them. As a resident of Coweta County, it would be nice to see more miles of highway adopted here. You should be using your platform to encourage such commendable conduct by my neighbors rather than mocking a civil rights group that is stepping up to the plate and picking up Coweta County's trash.
Posted by Ed Stone at 6:57 PM
This sounds like an EXCELLENT way to solve several problems at once; clean up the roadsides, get people out to both do the cleaning and to observe, maybe even help out and increase the levels of Vitamin-D in a few people for healthier lives. Unfortunately, it sounds more like an April Fools joke. Son-cerely, Nathan Powers Christian Naturist.
Posted by Nathan Powers at 6:02 PM
Um- and Alex McRae didn't even write this. I have to say even though this appears to be an early April Fools article, this will only make the trash on the roadside problem even worse!
Posted by Mary at 4:17 PM
I can't wait to see the MASSIVE traffic jam, from the ones who think that this is a real story. Heck, I just may be out there to see how many folks do show up!!
Posted by Cali at 2:56 PM
Sorry guns frighten you. I bet you think Matt Dillion on Gunsmoke is evil. Poor little Robert.
Posted by tom at 2:54 PM
I'm so excied for this! This is going to liven up newnan and help us forget about the bad economic times and try to enjoy a little fun! Go Mr. Bishop for this awesome article and shine on Georgia Nude! :)
Posted by Briana at 2:48 PM
And just think, no sex toys are allowed in newnan or you can go to jail but we can take are clothes off. did we get new people on office? thats wishful thinking,where do we sign up at?
Posted by chris in newnan at 2:36 PM
If this helps get the trash picked up, it sounds like a great idea. Not much else seems to work. And, it makes a whole lot more sense than "GeorgiaCarry" does. At least nude people aren't a threat like the yahoos carrying weapons around for no good reason. They should try going nude, showing their guns...then they wouldn't need their weapons.
Posted by robert at 1:48 PM
In Newnan!!! What a great idea. We can build it at my house.
Posted by Dyark at 1:44 PM
You guys a great! Excellent way to start off a Monday. Thanks!
Posted by L at 11:40 AM
uh...okay...whatever. Good joke here! LOL
Posted by me at 11:23 AM
This is to funny for words!
Posted by : ) at 11:16 AM
"Times-Herald, get back to work and try for once to attempt to be a legit newspaper. The joke is not even beliveable." Apparently some people believe it judging by the comments below! I think we need more of this!! We all could use a good laugh in this economy. Good job NTH!!!!!!
Posted by You people crack me up-Joe Schmoe at 11:01 AM
So the protesters are saying... "No Newds are good Newds?" I know, I know, it's barely funny.
Posted by Hiker at 10:57 AM
It is possibly time to get a new writer for the Times-Herald if this is a so called "joke", if not, this county is in trouble. Write something helpful for the economy and those who need some positive reinforcement at this time.
Posted by Teejayz at 10:18 AM
I can't help but wonder which there will be more of, lookie-loos coming out to see the bare bottoms or the chatty cathies showing up to see the lookie-loos. Either way I suspect that stretch of the highway is going to be very heavily traveled somewhere around April Fools Day. How nice to read something besides all the doom and gloom we're seeing these days.
Posted by Miss Understood at 10:17 AM
It's about time we had a little humor here! Tom "Nordic God of Newnan"? LOL! Keep the replies coming this is hillarious!
Posted by By the way at 10:03 AM
I hope that bone-head Reverend Billy Ball does not know this is a prank and protests along the side of the highway. He can yell through his mega-phones at the semis that drive by instead of people walking their dogs downtown.
Posted by Joemama at 9:57 AM
The County better hurry up and pass another ordinance, this may lead to "stimulation of the genitals". Obviously a joke people so lighten up and have a laugh. The traffic along that stretch is bad enough, can you imagine the back up if there were some nudes along the route?
Posted by Joe S at 9:54 AM
Either way I will be available for photos and autographs.
Posted by tom at 9:25 AM
This reminds me of H.G.Wells, the War of the worlds and everyone believed it on the radio in the 50's. Can't you tell when someone is having some fun!! It's almost more funny to read the response of people that believe it. I guess these days and times it would be easy to believe though.
Posted by Debbie at 8:53 AM
The weird think is people are realling getting mad about this aritcle. Something tells me a crowd is going to show up looking for the nudes. Better yet somebody might actually show up nude to try to make a point.
Posted by c at 8:50 AM
Obviously a prank, but a good one at that! It'll be interesting to see all the hackles raised with this one.. Probably should have gone one step further and had them "adopting" the stretch of Hwy 34 in front of the Starship.
Posted by Concerned at 8:31 AM
I think the operative words in this article are in the intro -"Starting around April Fool's Day..." Best prank news article since NPR reported on 04/01/1992 that the Dem Nat'l Cmte planned to enlist George H. W. Bush as their candidate becasue at that point in time he looked unbeatable for re-election!
Posted by Greg at 8:30 AM
Times-Herald, get back to work and try for once to attempt to be a legit newspaper. The joke is not even beliveable... oh like the Chinese building a small replica of their Tienemen square right?
Posted by Joe Schmoe at 8:27 AM
Oh yeah, when donkeys fly. Ha Ha!
Posted by Coweta Citizen at 8:23 AM
ok let me get this right yall will agree on letting nude walk are streets but no starship thats a joke
Posted by naomi at 8:18 AM
This is just tastless and ment to cause a stir! There is no Georgia Nude and you know good a well public nudity is illegal.
Posted by Jane at 7:29 AM
Where are the county commissioners to enact a law against this?
Posted by downtowner at 7:19 AM
well if my brother hears this he will be there like a shot .. he wants to open a Nudist resort in Newnan soon ! this will just fuel him on ....
Posted by Ron Jones at 4:32 AM
This is too funny!! If it's not a paper-prank, I don't know what to think! I'm all about a "Fight Club." Anyone else interested?
Posted by Flabbergasted at 11:13 PM
That is at my house! Shoot you can come over and shed your vests. However I think we are being PRANKED. Public nudity is against the law.
Posted by Chester M at 10:53 PM
". . . Georgia's recent law that allows nudists to cavort in state parks, on public transportation, and in restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the nudist does not drink." All I can say is: "Yeah, right"!
Posted by P. Rapoport at 10:16 PM
I would join the nudist group but I don't want other men gettin envious and jealous and women falling in love with The Nordic God of Newnan.
Posted by tom at 9:32 PM
first we had gay right and now nude rights? what is wrong with this world? when we were children it was ok to run around naked but when you grow up some things are not meant to be seen. what happens if a little kid sees this, kids are only kids once and I think this is a way to steal their innocence. Get real this is not ok, not at all we are traveling down a dark road.
Posted by David at 9:32 PM
Did anyone bother doing a "google" on Georgia Nude, Jenny Henny or Eli Sunshine? I also believe we're getting prepared for April Fools Day bluff (should I say Buff?). The names are strange, but aptly appropriate for the article. Good Work Times Herald :))
Posted by Hiker at 9:09 PM
How would a nudist carry a gun? Very carefully, I suppose.
Posted by Bo Knows at 8:53 PM
What's next? A bunch of pot smoking high schoolers to promote the advocacy of legalizing marijuana? SO let me get this straight. I can be arrested for public indecency, yet if I am a member of a nude group I can be in the buff picking up trash and its perfectly okay???? Maybe they should have adopted the highway section near starship...
Posted by Armchair Vigilante at 8:18 PM
I knew as soon as I saw the word nude that there would be an uproar. As long as the nudity is not sexual in nature then it is absolutely natural and acceptable. I love being nude and if you don't then try it.
Posted by Oscar Valerious at 8:17 PM
This can't be true, I think the paper is setting up their readers for one big April fools prank.
Posted by M Britt at 7:55 PM
You've got to be kidding. Surely Jeff Bishop knows that legally carring a firearm cannot be compared to illegal public nudity.
Posted by barry at 7:32 PM
Oh boy! Newnan is going to go crazy over this one! I can almost hear all the uptight self-conscience people yelling for this group to be shut down even before they start. To Eli Sunshine and the rest of the group...do what ya gotta. Your group is every bit as important as the gun carrying group.
Posted by aab at 7:11 PM
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Georgia Carry better start worrying
3/19/2009
Link To This Comment
Better start worrying about Obama instead of this silly news article. I have heard that Obama plans to pretty much wipe out gun laws that allow regular citizens to carry guns.
Posted by c at 9:45 AM