Essay 554

Just another midweek MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• A group of graffiti artists backed by designer Marc Ecko (pictured above) is suing New York City for the freedom to tag. The group claims a new anti-graffiti law violates their constitutional rights by banning anyone under 21 from having spray paint or big markers. Ecko argued, “An 18-year-old can buy cigarettes, vote, and go into the army, but he can’t buy a can of spray paint in Manhattan. It’s silly.” Wait till the lawmakers hear about acid graffiti (see Essay 551).

• Former FEMA failure Michael D. Brown has started a new consulting firm where he’ll continue to help folks in disaster and crisis scenarios. Brown bragged his new role comes with a bigger salary. “I will be making more,” he said. “Significantly more.” Bet Hurricane Katrina victims will be happy to hear that.

• Shareholders at Kraft Foods Inc. nixed an effort to cut sponsorship for the 2006 Gay Games. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, a shareholder proposed abandoning the event because it “promotes gay activity that increases the likelihood of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and is inconsistent with the company’s health-focused initiatives…” But in the end, 99 percent voted against the proposal. Considering that Kraft produces stuff like Jell-O, Oreos and Kool-Aid, one could argue the company’s products are inconsistent with its health-focused initiatives.

• Mickey D’s has been experimenting with offering DVD rentals to its customers. Leave it to the Golden Arches to supplement its fat-inducing food with couch-potato-inducing entertainment. Wonder if folks will be able to pick up a copy of “Super Size Me.”