From Reason‘s “Brickbats” (June 2006):
Uzbekistan has banned fur-lined underwear. Sales had been climbing during the cold winter months, but the government says teh undies lead to “unbridled fantasies.”
Uh, “unbridled fantasies”? Of what, pray tell?—riding bareback on the mane of a male lion? Getting a naked piggyback ride from Art Garfunkle? Humping Star Jones’ hair extensions?
Personally, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a pair of fur-lined panties (boxers? I’d consider it, if the tickle hit me just right), but that’s because they’re a bit too tacky for my tastes—much like thongs on anyone who doesn’t have a thorough tan and isn’t being followed around by a gaggle of professional swimsuit photographers and their equipment monkeys—not because I have any moral qualms.
Though this story does provide the answer to the age-old riddle, “What’s the similarity between the Uzbekistan government and many of the people who donate money to the 700 Club’”…?
Careful Jeff, the Left loves Islam Karamov because HE SPOKE TRUTH TO TEH AMERIKKKAN POWER!
We had the unmitigated gall to kvetch after he gunned down a bunch of protestors, and then held some show trials for good measure. Get out of Karshi-Khanabad airfield he said…
Just because the Russians are snuggling up to him, he shoots dissidents (kind of like here, right?) and has a Stalinesque Cult of Personality doesn’t mean you should be so critical of his sumptuary laws.
Oooh, I wonder what the Manolo would think?
They banned them? All they had to do was sell bridles to go with the fur underwear.
No, they’re so the other ladies at the pool don’t think you shave down there. Cause that would be immodest.
Pat Robertson in fur-lined underwear? The mind reels.
I don’t see why that would be such a shock. I mean, if it was good enough for J. Edgar Hoover, it’s probably good enough for Robertson.
They’re not into kitty porn I guess. Actually, what kinda fur is it?
Why unbridled fantasies of barebacking like Lady Godiva on a muppet, of course.
One Christmas my grandmother gave me silk boxers. No shit.
That is all.
Yeah, well while you joke it’s good to know some people are still doing real reporting.
WARNING: Remove all fur-lined underwear before initiating a bikini wax.
Don’t ask how I know that.
Dude, I posted on this back in January.
Enforcement should prove a real entertainment extravaganza.
unbridled fantasies of what?
Given the Uzbek winter, probably fantasies of not hearing your privates rattle down into your boottops now that you don’t have any furlined underwear.
But remember, Uzbeks are everybody’s problem! (3CP-TV, Moscow)
I heard an Uzbek underwear activist took the government to court on this issue but hirsute was thrown out.
Bravo!
Gail  That pun would have got a dozen glasses thrown in the fireplace.
Extra points if you get the reference.
Callahan’s Place, dude. Where else?
yeah, well who reads your crap blog?
There’s that calling I missed!
tw: There is no greater good…
Apparently the Uzbekistani government prefers bridles in their fantasies…
People kvetch that we should have been more diplomatic. We did what was right. As much as we have to compromise our ideals when we deal with unpleasant dictators (Saudi Arabia anyone?), that doesn’t mean our allies get a carte blanche.
The Left tells us we should have shut up with regard to Uzbekistan. Then they tell us we should speak up with regard to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, et cetera. Why can’t they make up their minds?
Besides, this was part of China’s and Russia’s wooing of Central Asian republics to join their side (a new Axis?) and ditch us.