The penis of actor Nick Stahl has been arrested for making a public appearance in Los Angeles. Although the actor himself is often sought after for public appearances, his penis does not receive the same courtesy. When it appeared at a Los Angeles adult book store, police swarmed in and grabbed the offending member.

The front page of today's NY Times features a picture of happy, smiling police officers as they graduate from the Police Academy. The size of the class alone is larger than most community police departments. But will these officers still be smiling when they find they have to work undercover in adult book stores?

Pundits may say that the photo represents the last time the police will ever be seen smiling, but one should not expect them to waste their time arresting men who do what every man does. If the adult book store is known as a place where a man can go to satisfy a natural need, then why send the police there to arrest the man for doing the very thing he needs to do? Are the cops not going to masturbate when the need comes?

It would be different if Mr. Stahl were masturbating in a real public setting. If it was the Castro, guys would flock to watch. If in a schoolyard, well, no he wouldn't be rewarded for that choice. As it is, it is surprising that he needs to do the deed himself, but he did, and he should have been left alone.

Stahl

I'll take a flier and volunteer to cuff him. Maybe we can come together to turn this bust into more pleasant experience. Puns intended.

I'm just shocked at the discourtesy of Mr. Stahl's fellow customers.

Clearly Mr. Stahl had injured himself. If I had been there, I would have offered to kiss it all better, or at the very less offer a soothing massage. What is the world coming to when you can't count on your fellow man to help you in your time of need? In the christmas season too!