The Portland Press Herald / The Maine Sunday Telegram

245 COMMENTS

Wingnut said...

Perhaps if the reason for the walk would've been for something along the lines of bringing attention to breast cancer, it might have had a better (and more dignified) turnout. As my husband points out to me all the time, men are all about breasts. While it was wonderful that you ladies felt comfortable to march downtown baring your breasts, all you did was give the men preceding you and following you (with cameras) a free show.

April 3, 2010 at 2:17 PM Report abuse

SoPoYo said...

Why would she be enraged that men came to watch?? Seriously!?? What did she expect??

April 3, 2010 at 2:26 PM Report abuse

Jireckagic said...

This was a first for Portland. That is probably the reason it brought such a crowd. It definetly brought awareness. I'm sure every single one of those guy onlookers will happily inform their female friends that it is legal to be topless next time they're sunning on the Eastern Promenade. So where the organizer thinks it was so horrible so many men showed up, I think it still accomplished the same goal. She should atleast be grateful for that.

April 3, 2010 at 2:26 PM Report abuse

mainer said...

Well at least they were keeping us ABREAST of the walk...

April 3, 2010 at 2:31 PM Report abuse

Ricky105 said...

There is also a "DOUBLE STANDARD" for men wearing women's clothing. If a man walked down the street wearing a dress and heels,he would be stared at and talked about,but yet women can wear any clothing they want without ridicule. So yes "double Standards" work both ways!!! Same women that marched today would probably be enraged if a man walked down the street with a dress on and high heels....Truth

April 3, 2010 at 2:32 PM Report abuse

ElSkipper said...

This article is useless without photos!!!!

April 3, 2010 at 2:49 PM Report abuse

Jack said...

Be outraged Ty McD! There is a difference between men and women. We like to ogle women,get over it. We will look at you if you are good looking whether you are clothed or not. When is the next march?

April 3, 2010 at 2:56 PM Report abuse

aloysius said...

"enraged" she must be a complete phony or an idiot.

April 3, 2010 at 2:58 PM Report abuse

Chew said...

And why would anyone be suprised that men would be the primary onlookers? Men are visual creatures and an opportunity to see topless ladies is.. Well.. An opportunity...

April 3, 2010 at 3:00 PM Report abuse

Rich said...

Makes no differents. I do believe that if its ok for a man to walk the street bare chested so do the women. Problem being Its been Illeagle for so long that people stare when they see a womens breasts.. But think nothing of a man walking bare chested!!I say what the hell.. let them go bare chested it will eventully be seen as just another person walking down the road or street for this matter!

April 3, 2010 at 3:02 PM Report abuse

Janie said...

Give me one big honkin break! With society as it is did anyone in their right mind expect any less from the leering men that showed up? Come on, we buy things because there is a nice pair of boobs in the picture! I personally don't care if women's breasts are covered or uncovered, men always have and always will want to see them, just a fact of life.

April 3, 2010 at 3:04 PM Report abuse

T1dNWUVZRVM%3D said...

I think today went a long way at getting rid of the double standard. Much like people do for fat, shirtless men, all you could do today was look, think, "oh, my eyes!", and look away. Good work ladies!

April 3, 2010 at 3:13 PM Report abuse

Dino90000000 said...

I'm still not totally convinced. Many more of these protest marchers are in order. Pretty please?

April 3, 2010 at 3:21 PM Report abuse

null said...

I agree with you 100% ricky I'm so sick of these woman activist talking about "equal" right when really what they are looking for is "specail rights" I'm all about equal rights no sex or race or sexuality is better than the other but no one has it perfect whether you are gay straight male female white black or anything else so just deal with it!! honestly what did this woman think, men will pay to see boobs obviously they're going to go see boobs for free.

April 3, 2010 at 3:26 PM Report abuse

MainelyJack said...

Just add this "demonstration" to the nutty things that go on in Portland. Anyone who was "enraged" that men were interested in seeing bare breated women doesn't understand the sexes or what interests men about women. Breasts can be a real attention getter and any woman with an ounce of feminie sexuality knows it. I hope for the benefit of those who watched that those who marched were more attractive than the run of the mill San Francisco or Berkley topless marcher who is usually sagging and dragging their pathetic bodies in protest of cutting trees or using bombs. I'm sure the pictures will surface, however not in these pages.

April 3, 2010 at 3:31 PM Report abuse

Hipupchuck said...

What, no pictures? What's wrong with this sick society?

April 3, 2010 at 3:47 PM Report abuse

Ym9ybmN5bmlj said...

Ty McDowell, who organized the march, said she was "enraged" by the turnout of men attracted to the demonstration. ------ And her IQ is.... What did she think? Thousands of intellectuals were going going to show up and quietly applaud? What planet is she from?

April 3, 2010 at 4:15 PM Report abuse

othermissy said...

This Ty woman is obviously a dimwit. What did she think the men were going to do? Bow their heads in respect for her cause? They didn't know what these loony women were doing.. my husband son, dad etc they all would have ogled too.. and I would have chuckled.. foolishness..just plain foolishness. Too bad I wasn't there with my camera..

April 3, 2010 at 4:20 PM Report abuse

heyjoe said...

Yes, but could they pass the pencil test???

April 3, 2010 at 4:49 PM Report abuse

oldgrump said...

First of all, TY, men are pigs, or so we men have been told all our lives. So you are surprised?? Second. Our country was founded by people so puritanical the English kicked them out (they weren't called puritans because of their love to party). So we are surprised that a nation colonized by elitist white men would have a "double standard" for women? Third, the reason why the clothing optional double standard needs to go is, the more we hide something the more desirable it becomes. In Europe, females are not ashamed of their breast or forced to hide them. Though the men still admire women's breast, they don't hold the "mystic attraction" that they do to the men of the USA.

April 3, 2010 at 4:54 PM Report abuse

constrict said...

This could have went better if it wasn't AS announced and more organized. Too many creeps were able to find out about it and follow the entire time. Also, starting it at, Longfellow Sq.....come on now...weirdo central, not a good choice. This should have been totally random and unannounced until the very last minute. Hopefully the next time this will be better organized to keep the total perverts/pedo's attending to a minimum. As a photographer (and Male) I'm also offended by some of the actions of some of the 'Guys with Cameras' who were getting a certain girl to pose and things that is directly opposite of what this event was intended for.

April 3, 2010 at 4:56 PM Report abuse

heyjoe said...

I clicked to enlarge but the ladies showed no improvement....pasty white with side saddles...lovely..

April 3, 2010 at 4:57 PM Report abuse

Jack said...

On second thought--put your clothes back on.This is the first time that the hairy chests of the females rivaled that of the loony male marchers.

April 3, 2010 at 5:01 PM Report abuse

barrylincoln said...

Question: what kind of bees give milk? . . . Answer: boobies!

April 3, 2010 at 5:08 PM Report abuse

TG90dGU%3D said...

I'm a close friend of Ty's and was also in the walk today. 1st, it wasn't really a demonstration, or a protest or a march, it's already legal, so that would be pointless. 2nd, Ty's not some like political organizer, this all started on Facebook, it was just something some friends were going to be doing together, than the media got hold of it, and soon there were more spectators than participators. When we saw the huge crowd, we were all shocked (and a little scared). Ty was more surprised and yeah a little disgusted (but that's just Ty) and I don't ever recall her being enraged. I think there were so many people because the female form is SO hidden, and people were just curious. I won't sit here and say I didn't look at some of the womyn, I totally did, and I was participating! lol. I think as usual both sides just need to cut the other one some slack. 'Course if that were the case, this wouldn't be in the news! lol

April 3, 2010 at 5:17 PM Report abuse

heyjoe said...

TG90 summed it up beautifully...Now will these people just go away...March half naked for something will ya!!!!!

April 3, 2010 at 5:25 PM Report abuse

silky said...

other missy is on the mark.count the bagman in-- moving back to maine-starting to warm up.i rcall the burning of bras in the sixties.iwas the guy with the zippo--yahoo!

April 3, 2010 at 6:01 PM Report abuse

Rob2 said...

Doesn't impress me. Who wants to see a bunch of overweight women flashing their fat you know whats all over town? Talk about a turnoff! It's like a fat man wearing a speedo at that beach. Gross.

April 3, 2010 at 6:19 PM Report abuse

Avflyer said...

I saw a few of them walking through Portland today and while I support their cause. I did think a couple of them would have done better to leave their shirts on.

April 3, 2010 at 6:32 PM Report abuse

jack33 said...

Ty McDowell was outraged by people (men; but I bet a few women also stared) who came to stare? How NAIVE... it's because boobs in public are not even seen. But no one will stare if it happens all the time. Is she giving up?

April 3, 2010 at 6:45 PM Report abuse

Mainedog said...

Men came and watched, why else did you do it! Please keep me abreast of how things went!

April 3, 2010 at 6:45 PM Report abuse

TG90dGU%3D said...

Ah but see, the point was not whether spectators thought the participants were "hot/sexy" or not. It was about average natural people, just being...natural. Of course, I'm speaking from an open mind and I don't allow the media to condition my ideas of beauty, it also helps that I am a woman myself, and know first hand what real womyn's bodies look like.

April 3, 2010 at 6:46 PM Report abuse

Robert said...

"I think there were so many people because the female form is SO hidden" I disagree. Women today are wearing fewer clothes, more form-fitting clothes, and showing more skin than ever before in the United States. Ironically, much of this is due to mostly male-controlled media influencing choices. A large portion of the female population doesn't realize that they're being played. Perhaps the organizer is pi**ed because today's march backfired, but what would was her expectation? That everyone would politely applaud with eyes averted?

April 3, 2010 at 6:47 PM Report abuse

spud said...

I wish I would have gone now. I would have offered Ms McDowell some "support"

April 3, 2010 at 7:01 PM Report abuse

ontherun said...

So I suppose men should march to expose the double standard that women can have children and men can't?

April 3, 2010 at 7:02 PM Report abuse

TG90dGU%3D said...

You're right Robert. The clothing is getting less and less. So I guess, a better way to put it is the simple, and just bare aspect of womyn's bodies. Where as the clothing is typically designed to 'make women sexy'. But I do agree with you that the reaction we got should have been expected. I would have expected it, had I anticipated the crowd, I though it was just gonna be my close friends. lol.

April 3, 2010 at 7:03 PM Report abuse

TG90dGU%3D said...

lol @ spud Actually 'Ontherun' , I can't argue with that. I agree man and womyn are different. lol. But, we all should have the right to be topless! ^_^

April 3, 2010 at 7:10 PM Report abuse

MaineHiker said...

In equality? Women can dress however they want while men must be drab and trussed up with ties, vests and bustiers to be attractive. A woman at an elite cocktail would be seen as most fashionable if she wore the least clothing. ... In other species of animals, the male is noted for being the gender most trussed up to court the female. What a strange turn around of affairs. I really like bright Hawaiian shirts. And,m I do so love breasts and support their protection.

April 3, 2010 at 7:17 PM Report abuse

henryelm said...

Full moon??? April fool's? Hilarous. If you are asking for attention and get it, then don't complain. It's like those teens or 20 somethings that get upset when people gawk at their piercings. HELLO??? Knock knock. Anyone home??

April 3, 2010 at 7:19 PM Report abuse

laloo said...

Its really awful that people feel the need to post about the bodies/looks of the women participating. If you didn't like it, don't look. Its just hurtful and mean to trash people for how their bodies look.

April 3, 2010 at 7:23 PM Report abuse

TG90dGU%3D said...

right on laloo!!!!

April 3, 2010 at 7:36 PM Report abuse

henryelm said...

east end beach: the new riveria!!! think of the increased revenue!!!

April 3, 2010 at 7:50 PM Report abuse

TWFpbmUyQ2F0cw%3D%3D said...

What is the point? Breasts are different from chests, and I never before heard of anyone complaining about the requirement that women cover their breasts to at least a minimal extent. As one who came of age in the 60s, I didn't own a bra for ten years, but I never wanted to doff my t-shirt in public. I'm afraid I don't get this one.

April 3, 2010 at 7:58 PM Report abuse

ExileMaine said...

Perhaps they wanted to flaunt their shallowness and moral bankruptcy...

April 3, 2010 at 8:21 PM Report abuse

c2hpcG1hdGU%3D said...

It is normal for men to look at women's breasts, so this group should have expected it. Men cannot change who they are. It's human nature.

April 3, 2010 at 8:41 PM Report abuse

umpy said...

well there were a couple worth looking at but the rest well maybe one 30 pack !

April 3, 2010 at 8:43 PM Report abuse

FNMYRICK said...

"Ty McDowell, who organized the march, said she was "enraged" by the turnout of men attracted to the demonstration." ???? Come on lady, thats like having a Subaru Station Wagon Parade and not expecting any lesbians to show up

April 3, 2010 at 8:58 PM Report abuse

LBJ said...

Anyone know that guy in the PPH photo that has all that photog equipment with him? I want to check his new Facebook photos

April 3, 2010 at 9:08 PM Report abuse

mluche said...

Rickey105--actually, I'd guess all of those women that marched today were feminists and have no issue with men wearing women's clothing. It would be those men that showed up to watch that would have issue with other men cross dressing and some would even feel so inclined to bash them for doing so.

April 3, 2010 at 9:10 PM Report abuse

Badoog said...

yawn...

April 3, 2010 at 9:17 PM Report abuse

Lytning said...

Wonder how this would work in Iran?

April 3, 2010 at 9:43 PM Report abuse

Peetree said...

Good luck with the discouragements. Might I suggest you recruit elderly former strippers? Perhaps Nancy Pelosi would come up and help out. Guffaw, guffaw, guffaw, back slap, back slap, knee slap.

April 3, 2010 at 9:48 PM Report abuse

mtc said...

Face it there are differences between the sexes. These women probably got brainwashed by some crazy sociologist. Chicks are sexier with their shirts on guessing keeps you in suspense. They look like a white National Geographic magazine shoot.

April 3, 2010 at 10:31 PM Report abuse

balou said...

NICE RACKS!!!

April 3, 2010 at 10:47 PM Report abuse

Jack said...

I checked out the photos again. Excuse me,I got to vomit. And that is only because of the men in the picture.Suck it in and go to the gym!

April 3, 2010 at 11:00 PM Report abuse

MM said...

Topless women walking down the street and Ty is surprised that men came to see. What planet do you come from Ty?

April 3, 2010 at 11:05 PM Report abuse

Jack said...

Laloo: you are way off base. If there are any derogatory comments here on female bodies it is that they have opened themselves up to ridicule.These plus sized women have stripped off their clothes in an area that is normally a commercial area. If this was Sebago Lake or the East End beach, there would be no comments,that is , assuming they had a top.

April 3, 2010 at 11:29 PM Report abuse

constrict said...

It wasn't the fact that there were men present and looking at breasts, it's the fact that those so-called men were disgusting perverts and/or pedophiles, absolute white trash and I felt it was a disgrace to the male gender and offensive to the reason for this event. I'm all for boobs n' all but 90% of these guys were just total d-bags. Next time, don't advertise this, organize it but do it spur of the moment or start at a random spot that's not where weirdos are known to be hanging out. I.E. longfellow sq.

April 4, 2010 at 1:21 AM Report abuse

Q2hyaXNNaWtl said...

I'm not saying this would be a solution, but it would be far more affective if you just had women all over Maine participate in this as a social movement (not an event) wherever shirts aren't required and whenever men and women, as equals, felt like it. Everyday. Don't schedule an event. Don't have women gather together. To do otherwise recognizes the double-standard and brings in all the oglers to take pictures that the organizer is against.

April 4, 2010 at 1:46 AM Report abuse

null said...

damn fools. u cant prove society wrong by showing your breast. men pay good money to see breast and u just gave a free show.

April 4, 2010 at 3:52 AM Report abuse

shiprex said...

It doesn't matter what they look like or what "they have", it's their right to go topless if they want. I was there with my wife and we both agree it may have brought out some "peeps", but that was expected, but it did do one thing, it got the word out that it's legal to take their shirts off. So to those that marched, thank you.

April 4, 2010 at 4:33 AM Report abuse

mohonk said...

is PPH going to post the schedule?

April 4, 2010 at 5:36 AM Report abuse

DTOM said...

"But, she said, the picture-taking was particularly upsetting." ---- reeeeally ? ---- "A lot of people were taking pictures without even asking," she said. "Even if you're somewhere where people are fully clothed, you should ask." ---- reeeeally ? ---- ---- Sounds to me like she reeeeally hadn't thought this through.

April 4, 2010 at 5:41 AM Report abuse

Pamela057 said...

I just think if you see more women running around like that....your going to see the rape go up...sorry but that reality

April 4, 2010 at 7:13 AM Report abuse

Merrigan said...

Oh Portland, I predict you'll be famous nationwide for your idiocy. Bad bad bad men! The enraged commentary by La Organizer is so hilarious!!!!! Happy Easter!

April 4, 2010 at 7:31 AM Report abuse

Merrigan said...

"but it would be far more affective if you just had women all over Maine participate in this as a social movement (not an event) wherever shirts aren't required and whenever men and women, as equals, felt like it....I was there with my wife and we both agree it may have brought out some "peeps", but that was expected, but it did do one thing, it got the word out that it's legal to take their shirts off. So to those that marched, thank you." Is everyone in Portland this humorless and PC? These comments are a SCREAM!

April 4, 2010 at 7:54 AM Report abuse

trisailer said...

Like any change, this draws a lot of attention now but as people become accustomed to seeing women naked it will become common and no big deal. Anyone who has ever spent anytime on a nude beach knows that the excitement wears off and sexual projections that we put on women go away so we can begin to have a real conversation with women without all the sexual tension. The first time it happened to me it was life changing. Most men have a long way to go to discover that what they are looking for from women they will never find. I used to go to all of the fantasy fests in key west, but stopped because I got sick of seeing men act so stupid, like they never saw a naked body before. It was embarrasing.

April 4, 2010 at 9:32 AM Report abuse

null said...

Having covered a variety of protests over the years, one thing becomes obvious: the same small group of people show up to these things. Scream for peace. Wear black to protest war. Another useless feel-good exercise. And now? Well, they love Obama and miss all those Bush-era protests so it's time to expose their ... deep desire for a bit of attention.

April 4, 2010 at 9:43 AM Report abuse

KayElAch said...

Seriously ladies, as a feminist from way back, I think most would agree that there are WAY bigger issues to worry about in the realm of women's rights (or lack thereof). Instead of being enraged that there's a double standard regarding toplessness, how about some outrage about lack of affordable quality daycare, domestic violence, sexual violence, discriminatory healthcare practices, wage discrepancies, eating disorders, and job opportunities for women? And those are just the issues facing the US--for even more challenging cultural misogyny go overseas and take a look at genital mutiliation, "honor" killings, and genocide via rape and violence. Focusing on toplessness instead of the bigger (read: more important) issues makes all of us look like we have nothing better to do than make idiots out of ourselves.

April 4, 2010 at 9:47 AM Report abuse

mcallas said...

How utterly absurd. You can't break societal norms and expect society to respond respectfully or healthily. This demonstration was "Girls Gone Wild," not "Take Back The Night." It essentially created a frenzy of idiotic men leering at topless women. How feminist was that? How successful did the participants feel with nasty old men videotapeding them? What message will children who observed get from this? Will girl children feel empowered? Will boy children learn to respect women's bodies? How did this effect our multicultural community? Time and place, Ty.

April 4, 2010 at 10:13 AM Report abuse

trisailer said...

The embarrassing thing was how the men behaved and while it is probably hopeless to beleve that this demonstration gave the men an opportunity to take a look at themselves and perhaps one or two might see themselves for the idiots that I see. Men give women way too much power, they are ambivialent because of it and I think that is what is behind the love/hate relationship that men have with women. Sexuality is the catalyst. The result is domestic violence and abuse. Maine men are still in the dark ages when it comes to understanding that.

April 4, 2010 at 11:15 AM Report abuse

mcallas said...

trisailer, you said "Men give women way too much power, they are ambivialent because of it and I think that is what is behind the love/hate relationship that men have with women. Sexuality is the catalyst. The result is domestic violence and abuse." What are you talking about? Domestic violence is a result of men's ambivalence? Sexuality is the catalyst to abuse? Men "give women too much power?" Sounds like somebody has issues.

April 4, 2010 at 11:22 AM Report abuse

DeathCultt said...

"What did she think? Thousands of intellectuals were going going to show up and quietly applaud? What planet is she from?" That's funny. Breasts are not a sexual organ, 1st and foremost they R milk dispesarys. You know. "MOO"

April 4, 2010 at 11:22 AM Report abuse

trisailer said...

My observation is that most men are with women because they need to be not because they choose to be. Men go into relationships with women beleving that women will complete them in some way but they never can because women are haveing a completly different life experence. I know far too many men who stay in unhappy relationships because they can't leave. They feel like they can't be without a relationship with a woman and so they dive right back into one. The only ones who understand men are other men, but because of our homophobia and competition most men cannot establish intimate (nonsexual)relationships with other men, thus men continue to look for something where it will never be found and become frustrated and blame women. IMO the men who appear to love women the most are the ones who hate them the most at a subconscience level. I think it is what fuels domestic violence and Maine has a poor record in that area.

April 4, 2010 at 11:53 AM Report abuse

trisailer said...

Most men attempt to have close relationships with other men through sports but that too is frustrating because it can never supply the intimacy that men need. Men in combat get as close as anyone can but it has it's own love/hate elements. I believe these things because I was a part of a mens group since the early 90's and it completly changed my life to have intimate relationships with other men. All of us in the group agree that it has made our relationships with women much better because we are more balanced. Only men are capable of understanding men. Maine I think still has an orgainization called Mainely Men. The hold an annual meeting with workshops to assist men to become more balanced. My son and I have attended many of these and he is a much more balanced man because of it. He is also a man's man. He graduated top of his boot camp class and is a drill instructor. Men can be warriors for the right causes

April 4, 2010 at 12:04 PM Report abuse

common_cents said...

YIKES....promoting MELANOMA & LYME DISEASE ..what were these irresponsible women thinking...where's the shot of the sun block rub in; the crevice inspections for ticks...what in the Hell is happening to Liberal women???

April 4, 2010 at 12:12 PM Report abuse

trisailer said...

I didn't do a very good job of answering you question. Let me try again. Sex is a powerful thing because of the brain chemicals and all that. So we want it. Ok, no problem there but many men cross a line to get it and for some it becomes an obsession because the men obsessed are only looking at the sex. Women provide an outlet for the sex which is the fuel but men are also attracted to the intimacy, but they don't understand those feelings, they just know they are powerful. All these powerful feelings makes it hard to sort out what the answer is. It's like the drug addict who kills his dealer because he wouldn't supply the drug. Most men expect too much from relationships with women and when the woman can't supply what they need they get angry and frequently abusive. Most don't have a clue of what is motivating them.

April 4, 2010 at 12:14 PM Report abuse

common_cents said...

men are pigs, and I'll show you how we can prove it...'no'we're not going to that topless donut shop either...most men can be replaced by sperm bank and a 'toy' chest...feminist manifesto, 2010 version.

April 4, 2010 at 12:22 PM Report abuse

VXJpbmFsR3Vt said...

Jesus, didn't they think of the children? All those poor little 12-year-olds walking around with painful erections because someone didn't want to wear a shirt. Shameful. /teach the controversy: http://www.urinalgum.com/?p=491

April 4, 2010 at 12:42 PM Report abuse

trisailer said...

fortunately we have several fellows anxious to prove my point.

April 4, 2010 at 12:52 PM Report abuse

Merrigan said...

Earth to Planet Intelligentsia ("Like any change, this draws a lot of attention now but as people become accustomed to seeing women naked it will become common and no big deal.") Men looking at women and vice versa is HUMAN NATURE, SORRY!

April 4, 2010 at 1:04 PM Report abuse

David said...

Proof, yet again, that the folks who actually take their shirts off are the ones who really shouldn't. Ouch.

April 4, 2010 at 1:33 PM Report abuse

mcallas said...

trisailer, you seem pretty comfortable speaking on behalf of all men, and on behalf of abusers. I suspect you have been abusive because of this. Regardless of that, I'd recommend considering that your point of view may not be that common. Not every man can relate to a sex obsession, or the frustrations with women that you experience. There is no valid "frustration" or "chemical" excuse for abuse. Ever.

April 4, 2010 at 1:38 PM Report abuse

David said...

It's hilarious to see people using the term "womyn." To have such gender hatred so as to deny the obvious substantial physical and psychological similarities between men and women borders on the psychopathic. People are so good at denying who and what they are.

April 4, 2010 at 1:40 PM Report abuse

David said...

It's hilarious to see people using the term "womyn." To have such gender hatred so as to deny the obvious substantial physical and psychological similarities between men and women borders on the psychopathic. People are so good at denying who and what they are.

April 4, 2010 at 1:40 PM Report abuse

Ladydiodes2 said...

I personally think this all done in poor taste. This is not a double standard, but don't these women have something better to do than to walk around without a top on? Sorry, I for one think they all should have been arrested for indecent exposure. I classify this people as women, as a lady would not lower her standards to be so tarty.

April 4, 2010 at 1:58 PM Report abuse

badjuju said...

Just the fact that it is not against the law negates the equality factor. Not illegal for men or women.(womyn for the dykes)That is equal.

April 4, 2010 at 2:38 PM Report abuse

trisailer said...

I'm not speaking on behalf of anyone other than myself. I was simply relating my own theory. I don't know a single man or woman who hasn't had issues understanding themselves and eachother in realationships. Perhaps you are unique in this regard. I was abusive once 25 years ago and I set out to understand it and get a handle on it. I never suggested that there is ever an excuse for abuse. About 2/3rds of the Maine women I've known in my lifetime have been abused by men, several are killed every year. Domestic violence hotlines average over 300 calls per day and every available bed for abused women in Maine is full so perhaps the world you live in is on another planet. The FBI reports that 18% of women are raped but only 26% is reportd. I think it is a serious problem.

April 4, 2010 at 3:36 PM Report abuse

gle said...

More floppies than an old IBM computer. None worth photographing.

April 4, 2010 at 4:30 PM Report abuse

Adam180 said...

This is hilarious, they were actually surprised men showed up to get a look? Did they really think that wouldn't happen? Sorry feminists, men are visual creatures. Don't be offended by nature!

April 4, 2010 at 4:33 PM Report abuse

bGFkeW1pZG5pZ2h0 said...

Interesting that a lot of men were disappointed because the breasts didn't fit their idea of beauty. During the time of the Salem Witch hunts, women were tied to a wagon and thrashed from one town to the next as punishment, but only the young women were bare-breasted. One older 'witch' noticed this and asked why she wasn't nude on top? The male council said that would be demeaning. haha Horny old goats don't change.

April 4, 2010 at 6:12 PM Report abuse

dfghdfghdfgh said...

All I saw was a fat girl with floatation devices hanging to her knees. She should have been marching for "save the whales", not "see my pontoons".

April 4, 2010 at 6:16 PM Report abuse

gle said...

It should have been titled "the march of the Baffoons." Ugle gals all.

April 4, 2010 at 7:47 PM Report abuse

micemen said...

Must admit, don't really enjoy seeing men walking around without shirts outside. I find it just as "inappropriate"especially given the shape that most of them are in.....

April 4, 2010 at 8:27 PM Report abuse

lot2say said...

I hope this didn't backfire and get some nanny state politician to make a new law banning toplessness! I think it was a good idea to get the word out that its not illegal!

April 4, 2010 at 8:51 PM Report abuse

ACHILLES said...

Wow trisailer, the more you blather on on any given topic the more I'm amazed at your infinite wisdom.

April 4, 2010 at 9:41 PM Report abuse

Z2xhc3NleWU%3D said...

what if the women were 50,60,70,80 years old with knee banger breasts? how many guys that are 'are all about breasts' would have their cameras out? because they are women as well... avec breasts.

April 4, 2010 at 9:56 PM Report abuse

trisailer said...

thank you ACHILLES, but you know what they say about opinions...I gotta do something with all this life experence even if it is only to annoy you.

April 4, 2010 at 10:31 PM Report abuse

limeade said...

Make sure to sign the "Women's constitutional right to go topless in public" petition. The online version has 2,601 signatures. Most places in US women r still being arrested. Google finds it fast Also be sure and come to the 3rd annual National Gotopless Day protest this August. It will take place in several cities.

April 5, 2010 at 12:59 AM Report abuse

Blanco said...

Pretty disapointed this morning wiht the PPH. The Click to enlarge feature on the picture didn't do what I was hoping it would.

April 5, 2010 at 7:22 AM Report abuse

Oak said...

Don't want oglers? Put a shirt on!

April 5, 2010 at 8:10 AM Report abuse

Roger said...

Without incident?! I'll never see boobies the same way again! My eyes are scorched. Ick

April 5, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse

fattubbo said...

"nudity is illegal in Maine only if genitals are displayed." Here's an example of a double standard that the marchers should be fighting for. Anyone remember the Frog Restaurant of Greenville offering the skinny dip sandwich? Anyone remember the two men and one woman who were charged for public indecency for taking the skinny dip challenge? Anyone remember that only the men were convicted of public indecency as the woman had no genitalia showing? I'm still trying to figure out whether an exposed vagina is or is not considered genitalia. Evidently in Maine, it is not. Reference http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/90388.html.

April 5, 2010 at 8:33 AM Report abuse

PAndrews said...

I heard a preacher once say, "The more sin there is in a society, the less people wear." Guess he was right. Just because it's legal, doesn't mean it's proper.

April 5, 2010 at 9:03 AM Report abuse

shouldbe said...

You know there are more women than men in the world, so there are more breasts than male chests, get over it. More negative feedback is needed for violence than for nudity/sex. Maybe nude beaches will help!!!

April 5, 2010 at 9:09 AM Report abuse

SiddFinch said...

I wonder if these oglers knew that some of these women are former men?

April 5, 2010 at 9:12 AM Report abuse

bfrank said...

exhibitionists that just want attention. kinda sad actually. right up there with bikers with loud machines. oh look at me ! look at me ! Y-A-W-N big deal

April 5, 2010 at 9:27 AM Report abuse

Gunner said...

I have a problem with this statement: "However, McDowell said she plans to organize similar demonstrations in the future and said she would be more "aggressive" in discouraging oglers." Just how is she going to be more aggressive?

April 5, 2010 at 10:21 AM Report abuse

Oak said...

Just how is she going to be more aggressive? I'm guessing they'll do it on a chillier day. Then they can use those pointed nipples to poke the eyes out of any ogler who gets too close.

April 5, 2010 at 10:24 AM Report abuse

hellrazzr said...

An early poster commented with disdain about this being a “free show”. Let’s examine the free aspects. It was free in that the current occupant of the White House couldn’t tax this free expression. It was a free physics demonstration of action/reaction pairs. It was a free vitamin D treatment (without Obamacare). It was an opportunity for people to practice (free) two skills simultaneously---leering and photography-----multitasking for the 21st century. It was a free stress test for old geezers and the terminally prudish. It was a free reality check for people who think women’s bare breasts in public would not be reacted to.

April 5, 2010 at 10:36 AM Report abuse

JazzBox said...

This has to be the most ridiculous thing in the world... it's not even illegal in Portland, so why have a demonstration? Find something productive to protest and demonstrate on behalf of. There is certainly no shortage of issues!

April 5, 2010 at 11:37 AM Report abuse

Dilli_Gaf said...

here is a follow-up story I found http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/5a52180b80/forehead-tittaes-w-marion-cotillard

April 5, 2010 at 12:21 PM Report abuse

Oak said...

All protests should now go through JazzBox for approval. If he feels the issue to be important enough, then he'll give a permit. Otherwise the protesters will be allowed to choose from a list of topics JazzBox feels are worthy of protest. If JazzBox doesn't feel that it is important then nobody - I repeat NOBODY - should be allowed to do it. All violators of JazzBox's protest policy will be shot on sight.

April 5, 2010 at 12:23 PM Report abuse

grumblestilt said...

Breastfeeding is a major health issue. CNN is reporting on a study - just today - in the jounral Pediatrics that reveals the US could save $13 billion annually and about 1,000 lives if breastfeeding rates were on target with medical recommendations. http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/05/breastfeeding.costs/?hpt=T2

April 5, 2010 at 12:29 PM Report abuse

other said...

God Almighty, what a pathetic bunch of women.....

April 5, 2010 at 12:31 PM Report abuse

other said...

These girls have way too much time on their hands.

April 5, 2010 at 12:39 PM Report abuse

R29vZGdvbGQ%3D said...

We live in Denver. If you have a rally here, please give us time to charge all of our camera and video equipment. LOOKING forward to it! ;-)

April 5, 2010 at 12:41 PM Report abuse

Deanna33 said...

A parade of Swamp Donkeys exposing their''diddies'' to the public in Portland is legal???? Crazy......they should have been cuffed by the ''SCOOBIES'' AND placed on the '' Bingo Bus'' headed to jail !!!! Next, ''DOGGIN'''' in public will be legal....

April 5, 2010 at 12:49 PM Report abuse

Deanna33 said...

A parade of Swamp Donkeys exposing their''diddies'' to the public in Portland is legal???? Crazy......they should have been cuffed by the ''SCOOBIES'' AND placed on the '' Bingo Bus'' headed to jail !!!! Next, ''DOGGIN'''' in public will be legal....

April 5, 2010 at 12:51 PM Report abuse

SGFycnlEdVBh said...

Police said there were no incidents and no arrests – nudity is illegal in Maine only if genitals are displayed. So, this bunch of 'Boobs' is protesting to get a right that they already have? Namely to present themselves for public view. Maybe the reason that men react with 'Shock and Awe' at the sight of bare female breasts is the fact that they don't see ENOUGH of them to get used to the sight. I would gladly volunteer for such an experiment to sort this out! I definately feel that this subject merrits further study!

April 5, 2010 at 12:51 PM Report abuse

reader said...

this story just made the drudge report ;)

April 5, 2010 at 12:56 PM Report abuse

Deanna33 said...

A parade of Swamp Donkeys exposing their''diddies'' to the public in Portland is legal???? Crazy......they should have been cuffed by the ''SCOOBIES'' AND placed on the '' Bingo Bus'' headed to jail !!!! Next, ''DOGGIN'''' in public will be legal....

April 5, 2010 at 12:56 PM Report abuse

dG50NGhpbQ%3D%3D said...

Its almost retarded to not realize that men are different then women. Men are designed by nature to notice the curves and shape of women. If it was not for that sexual attraction men would have killed off women a long time ago. The organizer of this event is really missing a simply biological fact here. Amazing.

April 5, 2010 at 1:00 PM Report abuse

JDavidB said...

Why would any woman want to be like a man who walks around without his shirt? That's not a great thing to imitate.

April 5, 2010 at 1:03 PM Report abuse

Deanna33 said...

A parade of Swamp Donkeys exposing their''diddies'' to the public in Portland is legal???? Crazy......they should have been cuffed by the ''SCOOBIES'' AND placed on the '' Bingo Bus'' headed to jail !!!! Next, ''DOGGIN'''' in public will be legal....

April 5, 2010 at 1:04 PM Report abuse

c21pbGxzODk%3D said...

I think one of these is in order in my home town next.. The ... uh... 'discrimination' is really bad around here. In all seriousness though.. she was angry because guys showed up? What do they want? It's already legal in Maine to have your shirt off as long as your genitals aren't showing (according to the article) you can't force guys not to oogle...

April 5, 2010 at 1:07 PM Report abuse

c21pbGxzODk%3D said...

Another thing I'd like to add, to the "women" in the march. My wife, being a true woman, has pride in herself and even if it were legal to walk around without her shirt on, still would not.

April 5, 2010 at 1:10 PM Report abuse

TmlnaHRTY3JpYmU%3D said...

Ty McD is unbelievably disingenuous. I don't believe for a New York minute she is surprised at the response. She yet another militant feminist who just wants to complain and get attention.

April 5, 2010 at 1:13 PM Report abuse

C3rvantes said...

There is a reason why women cover their tops. Men are attracted to certain visual markers, this typically initiates certain innate reactions from men. Regardless of that fact, it's understood men can go topless, but do you really want to see a man topless? There are very few Adonis lookalikes out there, clothing is a welcome change from sweaty, meaty, swaying, manliness. Adding swaying women parts to the mix will make for a very uncomfortable outing on a usually nice day, as would the sight of a giant walrus of a man. You can't deny it, it's science @_@

April 5, 2010 at 1:13 PM Report abuse

Z29hbGJ5c3VtbWVy said...

Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Classic. Love the cameras. Free peep show for all!

April 5, 2010 at 1:15 PM Report abuse

EricL said...

Yuk!

April 5, 2010 at 1:20 PM Report abuse

bm90b3NlcmlvdXM%3D said...

mmmmmmm yummy

April 5, 2010 at 1:36 PM Report abuse

SnVkeXQ4NTUw said...

I say to these women, if you think walking down the sidewalk topless is in any way promoting equality of men and women, you have no idea what equality is about. If you want to go topless then do so, but you do not represent me. How ignorant that you take an issue that is as complex and worthwhile as ensuring women are treated equally in the workplace and pull a stupid stunt like this.

April 5, 2010 at 2:00 PM Report abuse

MikeofOhio said...

Women should have the same right as men to walk the street topless, if they so desire. They have the right to follow the laws of the State of Maine. If the law says that it is OK to be topless in public, then women should do so if they want to.

April 5, 2010 at 2:05 PM Report abuse

TTG said...

The courts in Maine have long since ruled that breasts,be they female or male,are not genetalia,making this nothing more than cheap exhibitionism for these sad,pathetic people. If the sub-title of the article,"The marchers want to call attention to the double standard in society's attitudes toward male and female nudity" were true,nudists would be protesting why Maine routinely finds men guilty of indecent exposure and women are found not guilty. Google "indecent exposure Greenville Maine" if you have no idea what I am referring to.

April 5, 2010 at 2:06 PM Report abuse

U2VhdHRsZU1hcms%3D said...

Some of these gals might be surprised to find their pictures on the internet the next time their prospective employer checks on them. That would be embarrassing.

April 5, 2010 at 2:08 PM Report abuse

UGhvY3Vz said...

If you can remove your top, and not one man looks at you, you have bigger problems than equality...or mabye it's just that your 'problems' are just too small...smile.

April 5, 2010 at 2:13 PM Report abuse

JazzBox said...

Wow, Oak... I must have really gotten to you at some point. How come it's only my opinion, and apparently every one of my opinions, that you feel the need to comment on? You seem quite fond of directing others behavior. Strange for a libertarian, don't you think?

April 5, 2010 at 2:24 PM Report abuse

Oak said...

How come it's only my opinion, and apparently every one of my opinions, that you feel the need to comment on? You flatter yourself.

April 5, 2010 at 2:34 PM Report abuse

LordNelson said...

There is a reason why we are called "mammals" after all?

April 5, 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse

cGFjaWZpY253 said...

First off, it’s about time... Secondly you should expect there to be gawkers. It’s not something people are used to seeing, so until it catches on expect it. Do you always look at a man with his shirt off? And if it looks good do you look as long as you can without getting caught? Sure ya do because it’s human nature whether male or female...So lady’s, lead the way and change the double standard, people will get used to it..

April 5, 2010 at 3:19 PM Report abuse

MudDoctor said...

"C3rvantes said... There is a reason why women cover their tops. Men are attracted to certain visual markers, this typically initiates certain innate reactions from men."--------------------------------------------------- Your wrong about that. Breasts as sexual objects is cultural. In Africa, breasts have no sexual connotation. It's the behind that African men find sexual. In Europe, women routinely go topless without getting ogled. Sit in a Berlin park some summer afternoon and you will see men and women sunbathing nude on lunch break. No big deal.

April 5, 2010 at 3:20 PM Report abuse

JazzBox said...

Well, Oak... I'm an elitist. We tend to do that. But at least you're true to form and don't ever actually address the points in the debate, but rather pick out some minute emotional detail that really has nothing to do with the bigger picture. Your envy is showing.

April 5, 2010 at 3:24 PM Report abuse

MainenCrisis said...

When the women march that are worth looking at let us know. Until then BLAHHHHHH!

April 5, 2010 at 3:35 PM Report abuse

JulieP said...

A video of Saturday's march: http://vimeo.com/10683927

April 5, 2010 at 3:36 PM Report abuse

freeportland said...

HA HA ~ 143 comments and i haven't even read one yet ~ Ain't that ODD

April 5, 2010 at 3:43 PM Report abuse

kitterykid said...

If it isn't illegal for women to march topless, then why is it illegal for them to serve donuts and coffee at a coffee shop?

April 5, 2010 at 3:48 PM Report abuse

JazzBox said...

Thanks for the video link... entertaining, at least!

April 5, 2010 at 3:49 PM Report abuse

padman23 said...

Unfortunately this woman forgot a basic principle....Men look at breasts...! What did she think would happen? That men would step back and say "Well I am a pig and I will not look at your breasts!" If men will go to exit 8 and pay to see them.....I am sure that that if you announce that there would be a bunch of topless women laying out at the beach...there would be men and cameras at the beach....In this case you get what you paid for

April 5, 2010 at 3:50 PM Report abuse

Page5Girl said...

to the gentleman with the hairy back, who marched with these ladies, please, PLEASE SHAVE! now that, should be against the law.

April 5, 2010 at 3:58 PM Report abuse

XPIOLT said...

And this is the only thing these liberal lesbians can find to protest about? How about the raping of children in Iraq by US troops? Afghanistan? Palestine? I wonder if anyone would complain if I whipped out my dick in Times Square at noon to show my displeasure about ObamaCare or something else worth protesting about?

April 5, 2010 at 4:01 PM Report abuse

ZHJ5ZGVuMDE%3D said...

It is hilarious that the marchers are out of sorts because men ogled their breasts without having to pay the usual lap dancing parlor fees to indulge in the pleasure of the view. Evidently it is incumbent on dirty old men these days to adopt the enlightened thought of these women or risk the ire of their feminist outrage. It is sort of like an artist taking the viewer to task for not staying within the bounds of his interpretation: kind of haughty if you think about it.

April 5, 2010 at 4:04 PM Report abuse

padman23 said...

Seriously this is the most important issue of our time. We have kids who can't read, people who are homeless, real racism and discrimination in the world. Yes it is a double standard! There are many and they affect men too. But you know what...maybe we should actually focus on real and serious problems first. Since it isn't illegal feel free to do so, but maybe evaluating your priorities is in order to work on something a tad more substantial. And for all those who feel I may be too judgemental....talk to the parent of a kid who doesn't have enough to eat and it makes this issue seem silly......

April 5, 2010 at 4:06 PM Report abuse

dobra said...

I dont understand. If you have a protest march dont you expect and want people to turn out and watch so you get media coverage? She apparently wants the press to cover her march but only have women watch. I didnt see her but I bet she is a real doll.

April 5, 2010 at 4:07 PM Report abuse

Y2Fubnk%3D said...

The story says it is currently LEGAL for women to walk around topless. What exactly were they trying to get changed with this march.

April 5, 2010 at 4:29 PM Report abuse

c3R1ZG11ZmZpbg%3D%3D said...

heyjoe is right. These protestors are pasty white, out of shape dimwits. If the organizers want to use a legitimate spokesmodel that should be using somebody like Brandy Talore or Taylor Stevens!

April 5, 2010 at 4:57 PM Report abuse

RGFNYW1h said...

McDowell is just dumber than a bag of hammers. What point is she trying to prove? Let's get real here. A woman's breasts need to be covered because the darn things just get in the way. Especially for those big-busted women. These ditzy females are an embarrassment to women everywhere. The only point they proved is that men will go anywhere to see a topless woman. Did they really expect men to not leer? It is NOT a double standard. It is about decency. Honestly, who wants to see some 80 year old woman with her breasts sagging to her belly button? Not a pretty sight! It is also bad for a woman's posture to have those things flopping around without support. I could go on and on with reasons why women need to support their breasts, but I'm sure these loonies won't listen to reason.

April 5, 2010 at 5:01 PM Report abuse

amx0dWxlcw%3D%3D said...

Are the women in Portland really just that stupid?

April 5, 2010 at 5:24 PM Report abuse

Sm9obm55SmFtZXM%3D said...

Ugh... obese short haired d-yikes! It's always the women that hate themselves, hate their sex, hate their race, hate children, hate men, that do things like this. Why hate so much?

April 5, 2010 at 5:34 PM Report abuse

eGZpbGVyOTM%3D said...

Liberal feminists...not to smart as a group..and I bet all of them were ugly as well. Next time, go topless where their are no people rather then a public place you moron. If you engage in this stuff, anyone has the right to watch, since it is in the public domain. Jeez

April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM Report abuse

MaineHiker said...

RGFNYW1h, I agree. Women do need support in all of this. Don't get me wrong, I would love to cuddle with a hot bare breasted girl on any Summer Siesta.

April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM Report abuse

YnVja3JvbA%3D%3D said...

Thanks for fighting for the "respect" of women. Ha. Stupid Progressives. Funny Progressive parody: http://www.funnyconservatives.com/?p=86

April 5, 2010 at 5:48 PM Report abuse

null said...

It seems foolish that they claim to be marching for the freedom to go topless when they already have that right. It's not against the law. What is it they actually want? To force people to look at their breasts? Kinda weird if you ask me... Maybe that's the only way they can get people to pay attention to them. Pretty sad if you have to take your top off to get noticed in life.

April 5, 2010 at 6:14 PM Report abuse

bfinqc said...

I think TG90..etc. says quite a bit about herself and how she feels about men by the way she continuously spells women "womyn". I thought the man hating women's libbers went out with the hippies.....oh, no, that's right, they just moved to Maine and other tree-hugging states to grow old and let out a whimper every so often just to let us know they're still around. ROFL

April 5, 2010 at 6:26 PM Report abuse

Y2Nyb3c%3D said...

One thing is for sure; there are no "ladies" in this bunch. Try as they may, here in America it is never going to be business as usual for women to walk around topless. They can be angry at God or whomever, but that's just how it is. Pathetic that this is all on which these women can find to complain. Life just ain't fair!

April 5, 2010 at 6:30 PM Report abuse

Y2Nyb3c%3D said...

One thing is for sure; there are no "ladies" in this bunch. Try as they may, here in America it is never going to be business as usual for women to walk around topless. They can be angry at God or whomever, but that's just how it is. Pathetic that this is all on which these women can find to complain. Life just ain't fair!

April 5, 2010 at 6:32 PM Report abuse

UGF1bE1ORA%3D%3D said...

48 boobs on display, just 24 if you only count the marchers individually. And their leader is enraged that men looked? Pshah! This type of nonsense of just a ploy to control human male sexuality. To make men into what this group of women thinks they should be vs. what they are, which is normal. In this culture, where breasts are almost always covered in public, both men and women will stare when they are on display. For men in this society to not notice bare breasts in public, it will take the majority of women putting them on display for many years. One platoon of idiots isn't going to change that, all the trumped up indignation aside. The headline had it wrong, though. There was an incident. It was the most remarkable display of naked stupidity in recent times, and that is saying a lot.

April 5, 2010 at 6:33 PM Report abuse

comnsnseruls said...

I don't want a man to look at me and think it's no big deal, I want him to look at me and like what he sees and get excited, not think the same thing when he looks at another guy, that's crazy. pick something that really matters to march for.

April 5, 2010 at 7:02 PM Report abuse

Q2F2ZW1hbkphY2s%3D said...

These women are welcome to March in Atlanta whenever they would like. Here in Georgia, male sophistication is at high levels and things like looking at beautiful boobs will not sway our refined attitudes toward women. This would be like the black spring break or "Freaknik" as it was called when it was here; except it would be for a higher ideal. There is a Hooters near Peachtree Center train station and I believe some of the ladies there would be interested in joining, and more men would attend due to intellectual intensity of these doctorate degree yielding waitresses. Calling them Boobs is so unintelligent. Atlanta refers to women with larger "Boobs" as women with the Best Brains. The more brains a woman has the better. We have many Egghead Brained women here already, and would like to have more

April 5, 2010 at 7:31 PM Report abuse

Eiron said...

bfinqc, "the man hating women's libbers went out with the hippies.....oh, no, that's right, they just moved to Maine and other tree-hugging states to grow old and let out a whimper every so often just to let us know they're still around" One ran for office and won! Congress"person" Rochelle (Chelle) M. Pingree

April 5, 2010 at 7:32 PM Report abuse

Tnlj said...

Where I live in Germany, we have had nudity and cursing on the morning and evening News, the most popular newspaper in the country features a booby shot on the *front page* every single day of the week, and the city I live in has a park the size of NYC's Central Park has a large section of it reserved for nude sun-bathers. Berlin is even wilder. People walk around in the summer in the middle of the street naked, or coated with body paint. With all that, my city is considered to be one of the safest in the world for women. Our rate of rape and other crimes against women is nowhere near what it is in the USA. It'd be nice if America would finally mature and grow up out of acting like a perpetual 15 year old kid when it came to matters like this. I won't be holding my breath.

April 5, 2010 at 7:39 PM Report abuse

csc5502 said...

She said she will get more aggressive to discourage ogling? Do that in my town and if you get "aggressive" you will be in for the worst purple nurple ever!

April 5, 2010 at 7:53 PM Report abuse

bGtvbmVhbA%3D%3D said...

Really, how ridiculous. Think how enraged these women would have been had they paraded around bare breasted in front of their boyfriend or husband and he had NOT noticed or been attracted! Apparently feminism has become a race to the bottom to display which sex can show the least class. Because that's sure what I would think upon seeing some man walking around downtown without a shirt. Repulsive and low class behavior! Save it for the beach or swimming pool where it is considered appropriate attire. This sure isn't the feminism I was taught as a girl growing up in the seventies! Too bad.

April 5, 2010 at 8:11 PM Report abuse

Anthro101 said...

Newsflash for "enraged": What two features distinguish homo sapien females from ALL other female mammals? 1. Speech. 2. Bazooms. The ONLY reason women HAVE bazooms is because women can talk. Nature had to create SOME reason males would want to be around them. It is likely that Neanderthal females lacked zeebs... probably why they are extinct. To be "enraged" that men are attracted to what nature put there specifically to attract men just shows your ignorance. Public school? Liberal Arts college?

April 5, 2010 at 8:14 PM Report abuse

gundog said...

Like Ron White says, "...Once you've seen one woman necked -- you pretty much want to see all of 'em necked!"

April 5, 2010 at 8:24 PM Report abuse

Anthro101 said...

I'm fascinated by those from Europe telling American men that they are immature for ogling zeebs. This is the SAME Europe that is running out of kids, right? (I guess once you stop liking boobs, there's no remaining attraction - and the demographics show this as fact.) The SAME Europe that has so few, if any MEN left, right? I mean it's illegal in Germany for men to stand and piss in a washroom - and the 'men' put up with that. The SAME Europe that has no armies worthy of the name; that can neither deploy nor transport enough force to defend themselves, so American MEN have to do it for them? Thanks, but I'll take MEN any day over European metrosexuals. Maybe you haven't noticed, but an awful lot of women in Europe are going for Muslim males.. .maybe this is because they are still MEN.. and Euroweenies are NOT? Just a thought. I wouldn't be so awfully proud of not liking bazooms - they are there only for men to enjoy, you know.

April 5, 2010 at 8:34 PM Report abuse

anymitzy said...

This PPH piece made it to the Drudge Report. Too bad it wasn't for something more useful.

April 5, 2010 at 8:45 PM Report abuse

applpie said...

When will women stop stripping down to advocate causes? Maybe someone should tell this woman the law is there to protect US from lamebrames like her and her friends who feel they can exhibit themselves anytime they want? I just can't believe these nimwits would pick such a trivial topic to protest when there are plenty of other concerns over which to raise one's voice. Go back and get your high school degree sweetheart, then you will realize you gave those 'sexist' guys you rail against exactly what they wanted today...a little peep show. Don't blame men for your own misgivings.

April 5, 2010 at 9:06 PM Report abuse

Daisytoo said...

I wonder if the enraged bull, Ty McDowell, is even aware that a woman's breasts are, in fact, part of her reproductive system?

April 5, 2010 at 9:31 PM Report abuse

AXeL said...

And now this article is featured in DRUDGE REPORT. Great! Ever notice how whenever Maine gets in the national news it's usually about guys splashing around cess-pits looking at girls peeing, or stupid Maine towns passing arrest warrants on a sitting president (not peeing)? STAY CLASSY, MAINE!

April 5, 2010 at 9:56 PM Report abuse

RGl4SGlzdG9yeQ%3D%3D said...

The only way I wouldn't look is if they were so ugly their shadow would hide on a sunny day. http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~texdick/obama.htm

April 5, 2010 at 10:12 PM Report abuse

Sage49 said...

This little march sort of proves why women shouldn't go topless in public places. Unfortunately, men don't think with their brains. And it really doesn't matter what the boobs look like because a man will still rise to the occasion. Ladies, cover up the "girls" and salvage your dignity.

April 5, 2010 at 10:59 PM Report abuse

UkhPMTk1Mw%3D%3D said...

Do they have any concept of how goofy this seems to normal people? They don't want men to pay attention to their feminine gifts? Really? I think for the next one men should show up with cards numbered from one to ten and hold the cards up and grade the gals. We live in such very strange times.

April 5, 2010 at 11:02 PM Report abuse

hankvreeland said...

Ehh! If you have seen one you have seen them both.

April 5, 2010 at 11:19 PM Report abuse

Y2hpY3Npbms%3D said...

It just proves that the femin@zi's only chance for a man to look at them is when they do something zany like go topless. But the comment about not expecting anyone to look ogle them is disingenuous...they WANTED to be looked at. It's the only time anyone can stand to look a them is when they are topless. And even then, a paper bag over the head would be a help.

April 6, 2010 at 12:21 AM Report abuse

Klown said...

This is 4 day old news! For crying out loud already!!!!

April 6, 2010 at 12:38 AM Report abuse

Klown said...

4 day old story people!

April 6, 2010 at 1:08 AM Report abuse

limeade said...

When I was in London last year a woman was stripping in public for a show and not very many were gawking. Just have to get used to it.

April 6, 2010 at 2:00 AM Report abuse

VG9vdGhBY2hl said...

Gosh, A woman's breast is not just a gland. My first and probably deepest source of nourishment, solace, safety and comfort was at my mother's breast while gazing at her face. An infant's access or denial of access to they're mother's breast is probably the earliest form of behavior modification and is a fundamental factor in our response to intimate and social relationships through life. Who would not be fascinated by the source of Nature's bounty?

April 6, 2010 at 2:51 AM Report abuse

Sm9lU2htZWF1 said...

Upon reviewing the video, I have concluded that most Maine women should keep their tops on at all times. Public display of fat, nasty bodies SHOULD be illegal.

April 6, 2010 at 8:18 AM Report abuse

grumblestilt said...

"Public display of fat, nasty bodies SHOULD be illegal." I will second that if you also include taking away the right to free speech and make stupid, nasty comments illegal. After all, the strong laws the Taliban and Iran have about covering up women seem to keep their countries running like well oiled machines - we should emulate them, right? After all, officially, there are no gays in Iran: maybe we could achieve the same thing here in Maine.

April 6, 2010 at 8:22 AM Report abuse

stinkyspot said...

RGFNYW1h said... McDowell is just dumber than a bag of hammers. . . . . . I Disagree. A bag of hammers understands gravitational pull.

April 6, 2010 at 8:27 AM Report abuse

c2Fuc3BvcnRz said...

Lotta moobies no boobies.

April 6, 2010 at 9:25 AM Report abuse

null said...

Amen, Ricky105, Amen. I personally rather not see anyone shirtless in public. Go home or put a shirt on!

April 6, 2010 at 9:37 AM Report abuse

null said...

Why no frontal shots? What are we, chopped liver?

April 6, 2010 at 10:45 AM Report abuse

cmJrY2NkYXk%3D said...

First of all I want to say that I am shocked and appalled that there are no frontal views of the young ladies marching. That in itself is discrimination. Yes they may not be attractive, but who are you fine people to judge their appearance? I would like to be invited to join the next rally and I can be in charge of refreshments afterwards. I kinda like this Ty lady..She wants what I want..Girl nudity..I usually have to pay a $5 per table dance to see this kind of action..

April 6, 2010 at 10:47 AM Report abuse

VGlsYmVyaWFu said...

Don't too excited, men of Portland. Take it from a Canadian: the women will make all this fuss about the right to go topless then, after the courts say they can, none of them will actually do it.

April 6, 2010 at 10:50 AM Report abuse

SldleW1vdXRo said...

I grew up in Maine and when I read stories like this and see the comments of people trying to be "world wise" but whose travels have taken them as far west as New Hampshire - I am embarrassed at all these "hicks" trying to show how sophisticated they are. All they are doing is being contrary to be contrary. McDowell: you are obviously self hating and depressed. Find a real cause of female exploitation - like Asian massage parlors (slavery)- you have them in Maine - or maybe Craigslist that promotes and encourages Prostitution and shame your AG to sue them and shut down their adult classifieds. What you are doing is such a waste of time and effort.

April 6, 2010 at 10:57 AM Report abuse

upnorth said...

Pairs of oven mitts walking down Congress St. Sheesh!

April 6, 2010 at 11:02 AM Report abuse

Tm9ybTU2 said...

Geez. Just like the clueless Libbers of the 60's and 70's. Men and women are different, thus a double standard is NORMAL! Men have one set of genitalia, women have their two sets (like it or not, most opf the world considers the breast a sexual organ, at least visually; as most cultures except for the very primitive cover tehm up). Hence the reason for the standard. Protest all you want. All you are doing is giving boorish men a free show, and more a good reason to move to Portland.

April 6, 2010 at 11:15 AM Report abuse

RGFNYW1h said...

stinkyspot - Ha ha ha ha!!! Well said! You made my day.

April 6, 2010 at 11:51 AM Report abuse

mlanctot said...

At this point what would make feminist happy. I've seen women CEOs, Mayors, Governors, Speaker of the House, almost president. I've had women as bosses, co-workers, friends. You can do whatever your heart desires in this country so would you please just stop complaining as if we are living in the 17th or 18th century. "I can't believe it, I walked down a public sidewalk with my breasts hanging out and men had the nerve to look at them! I'm so outraged" Really? Do you really want make so that men have absolutely no desire to even look at you anymore? Be careful what you wish for, it may just come true. Please go get a life and a job and stop making up things to be angry about. Personally I don't think anyone should be walking around without a shirt off. It's just annoying, man or woman. You're doing more damage to women than good. Keep your issues to yourself and stop wasting everyone's time.

April 6, 2010 at 12:05 PM Report abuse

cGFwZXJwdXNoZXI%3D said...

Are the lives of these ladies so bereft of meaning, that achieving parity in all things with males will some how fill their empty lives. Is this not the ultimate in penis envy?

April 6, 2010 at 12:40 PM Report abuse

cGFwZXJwdXNoZXI%3D said...

Ryan J: I like your style. I think us men should encourage the ladies to express themselves more fully by going topless. After all they bought the causal sex during the 60s. And that turned OK. So GO GO Ladies.

April 6, 2010 at 12:43 PM Report abuse

LordNelson said...

Oak: That was Conan worthy! And insightful as well.

April 6, 2010 at 2:06 PM Report abuse

ShineOn2 said...

Great demonstration of equality! It's about equality and freedom from oppression. Difference does not justify discrimination--Supreme Court ruled on this. Many thanks, gratitude to those who walked for our rights. Free your body free your mind. Peace.

April 6, 2010 at 6:07 PM Report abuse

cGFwZXJwdXNoZXI%3D said...

ShineOn2: Are the lives of these ladies so bereft of meaning, that achieving parity in all things with males will somehow fill their empty lives. IS THIS NOT THE ULTIMATE IN PENIS ENVY ?

April 6, 2010 at 6:20 PM Report abuse

havefaith said...

SOMEBODY SHOULD TELL THESE WOMEN IT'S WHEN YOU USE YOUR RIGHTS THAT YOU LOSE YOUR RIGHTS !!! WHO WANTS TO BET WITHIN 3 MONTHS A BILL TO BAN WILL BE THE TOPIC. After all it did cause quite a uproar.The state will not allow that to happen too many times.

April 6, 2010 at 7:23 PM Report abuse

HeyMoe said...

I need to get out more.

April 6, 2010 at 11:33 PM Report abuse

grumblestilt said...

"Men have one set of genitalia, women have their two sets (like it or not, most opf the world considers the breast a sexual organ, at least visually; as most cultures except for the very primitive cover tehm up)." Apparently the French are primitive. I love their primitive food and their primitive art and primitive architecture.

April 7, 2010 at 8:53 AM Report abuse

UmVlZg%3D%3D said...

Wow. OK, so this is really awesome! I'm a nudist/naturist living here in Maine and am so happy and proud of these women (and some men too) who moved through the streets of Portland making a harmless and healthy statement. I think it's too bad that some women were "enraged" at the onlookers, but you know, anything that's novel or different attracts attention. If people were juggling carrots or dressed up like Martians others would gather and look. I think the best thing is to avoid marching and start living freely and the way nature made us without fear or shame...especially since it's legal...for a change! Go Maine! Now, if we could just finally accept the whole body we would be moving toward the non-sexualizing of the naked human form and the acceptance of others as they are, how they are. Anyone want to do the same thing in the midcoast area? I'll be there to help! :-)

April 7, 2010 at 6:40 PM Report abuse

Oak said...

In the picture from left to right we have Frumpy, Dumpy and Lumpy, all of whom prefer carpet over hardwood floors.

April 8, 2010 at 10:46 AM Report abuse

ACHILLES said...

Hey PPH, enough of this crap. How about a story of importance such as the Obama machine toying with the idea of a V.A.T. (value added tax). The sooner PPH meets it's inevitable demise the better. Southern Maine deserves a real newspaper not this pathetic bird cage liner.

April 8, 2010 at 11:23 AM Report abuse

Haiku said...

Boo hoo? Bull crap. Decency standards shred any "double standard" chatter. Titheads turned Portland into a combat zone -- unfair to toddlers, some of whom were traumatized. How unfair is THAT? Pinheads -- I mean, titheads bounced down mainstreet, then received more media attention than all the performing musicians got elsewhere. Take for example one such event on Fri. PM at One Longfellow Square. GRAHAM [oh for chrissakes, did I get name spelling wrong on celebrity stuff again -- oh, anyways] PARKER. He took One Longfellow by storm. However, due to poor advertising prior-to, some empty chairs meant fewer people and a quieter positive follow-up buzz [pinheads, not talkin' drugs here]. "Buzz" as in talk about the dude's MUSIC -- 'twas excellent stuff. So what did local media do the next day? Turned press wheels into gold for exhibitionists. Ooooh, any from Oregon?! On a positive note, 4/3/10 blessed attentive future shrinks; exhibitionism is a psychiatric disorder.

April 8, 2010 at 11:35 AM Report abuse

Cheeekoh%21 said...

Walk the streets of portland topless and that is ok and yet a woman gets thrown out of Old Country Buffet for breast feeding her child in a dark corner of the resteraunt, minding hour own business. No one would have even known she was breast feeding till the waiter made a scene and brought attention to it. what is this world coming to?

April 8, 2010 at 1:28 PM Report abuse

MaineHiker said...

Please Please stop this adolescent foolishness! What is really at risk is our Maine mountains going topless.

April 8, 2010 at 6:01 PM Report abuse

Dino90000000 said...

There, since that woman made such an overwhelming topless point, Playboy Magazine will contain no pictures from here on out.

April 8, 2010 at 10:31 PM Report abuse

QXJjaExpZ2h0 said...

You "bear it" and "we'll share it." Morning Ladies! It is rather "nipply this morning" LOL!

April 8, 2010 at 11:07 PM Report abuse

QXJjaExpZ2h0 said...

Morning Ladies, I see you have the "High Beams" on! I was "blinded by the "light" Wasn't that Mick Jagger who said that? Did he ever come to Maine? Maybe we should send him a postcard of this? It makes me want to travel to Maine.

April 8, 2010 at 11:14 PM Report abuse

backwrdstate said...

6 days after the story, the pathetic and pandering PPH still has this as a "most read" on the front web page. I wonder what the criteria is for "most read". The PPH is the journalistic equivalent of the losers who showed up with cameras. What a sad excuse for a newspaper.

April 9, 2010 at 1:13 PM Report abuse

portlandgirl said...

I am going to sue for sexual harrassment if they march again.

April 9, 2010 at 3:54 PM Report abuse

ProudAmericn said...

I seem to remember a business in Augusta was shut down for having live models in bras and panties in a window modeling the stores inventory. Honestly I drove down that street twice a week and never noticed. The arguement against this business was morality. People didn't want their young children seeing live models wearing underwear in the window. Honestly folks, would you want your children looking at these women in the pictures??? I wouldn't. No more would I want the to have to see some fat guy wearing a speedo at the beach. Its called taste and common courtosy.

April 9, 2010 at 11:41 PM Report abuse

pete said...

lets get to the bare facts. The front view was obscene and disgusting . more gross then the fat ladies wearing the thongs at OBB.Were these heffers mostly lesbians who were not concerned exposing themselves to children? What does the word EXHIBITIONISM mean?

April 10, 2010 at 3:42 PM Report abuse

bubbagump said...

What did she think. Feminist, progressive, liberal, man hater. Get a life, put your shirt on and find another cause. I saw some pictures of the topless women and I can only say YUCK.

April 10, 2010 at 5:34 PM Report abuse

friday said...

"Oh how I long for the days of old in the Navy, when I sipped a margarita at a table across from Coppacabanna Beach and gazed at the bronzed statuesque beauties. There were hundreds of boobs in all shapes and sizes. The neophytes all smiled on the way by, and they knew we were in awe, because we don't have this in America. We sat silent and sipping, 'fore we all thought we had died and went to heaven. Please buy all those Maine topless women a ticket to Rio. They need to be bronzed to compete with the rest of the world.

April 11, 2010 at 2:26 AM Report abuse

Festus2 said...

female breasts are sexual organs which when treated nicely cause the female to become amourous. this is usually not the caase with men. there IS a difference between bare chested men and bare breasted women. ignoring the difference out of convenience is typical for these people.

April 11, 2010 at 11:57 AM Report abuse

klstdj said...

I don't get it? If it's legal for woman to be topless in Maine... where's the inequality that is being protested? The reality is that MOST (obviously not all) woman have a little bit of pride and even some self respect... imagine that! Woman... who wouldn't WANT to run around town topless...

April 14, 2010 at 7:15 PM Report abuse

ElCapitan said...

American women bring it on themselves, having just returned from the Carribean it was obvious which women were American - they were the ones hiding their breasts. Hundreds were topless and all were European. The Europen men don't look twice at the topless women, in fact I saw countless 14 thru 18 year old European boys who paid no attention to bared breasts. Keep it up ladies, American men will also become de-sensitized to seeing bare breats just as European males have.

April 15, 2010 at 8:52 AM Report abuse

sayyes269 said...

Double standard is the standard. Ms. McDowell was sure to point out the male on lookers, but what about the female onlookers who were taking pictures as well. You can't have it both ways.

July 30, 2010 at 6:20 AM Report abuse

UofA said...

TG90- Of course you lesbians know "first hand" about women breasts. But don't you even think that more appealing women should have formed this group instead of ones that should have been wearing coats and masks!

July 30, 2010 at 7:04 AM Report abuse

Larry said...

Hey. That's my neighbor Karen Klatt.

July 30, 2010 at 8:01 AM Report abuse

mallen299 said...

The view from here is very grateful that the shot was from the rear. From what I see, the folks looking from the front may have thrown up in their mouth a little! What they are doing is legal, so what the heck is the "protest" about? Oops; there I go with that common sense thing again!

August 19, 2010 at 5:27 AM Report abuse

BSmart said...

"Ms. McDowell said she plans to organize similar demonstrations in the future and said she would be more "aggressive" in discouraging oglers." She's going to "aggressively discourage" Oglers. REALLY? How, by putting her TOP ON? Funny.

August 19, 2010 at 8:20 AM Report abuse

Dee said...

I think the event should be held in February when everything would be "perkier".

August 19, 2010 at 8:44 AM Report abuse

Bole said...

Women should go topless any time they want and feed their babies without shame too. So what's wrong with genitalia? People wash in these times.

August 19, 2010 at 8:58 AM Report abuse

Phoebe said...

Story was reported in April and again today.....

August 19, 2010 at 9:09 AM Report abuse

bfrank said...

slow news day at PPH ? W-H-O G-I-V-E-S A S - - T ??

August 19, 2010 at 10:10 AM Report abuse

VGV1ZmVs said...

Boy, what an earth-shattering event. This warrants being newsworthy? I'll bet lots of these "women" (read: a bunch of sponge Bob square pants)feel they have accomplished something. Well, you haven't. If they actually have something to show that is worthy to look at, men have to pay for it.

August 19, 2010 at 10:50 AM Report abuse

Phoebe said...

Why is this story being posted again????

August 19, 2010 at 11:14 AM Report abuse

xcalibur1066 said...

wow.. the country is falling apart and this is the most popular story? What is the big deal about breasts? Bags of fat hanging from a body. If they really want to make it common place, just go about your everyday business in Portland topless. Just like men, put a top on before entering most businesses. And men? Grow up a bit. For most of you, your sophomore year in high school is many decades behind you.

August 19, 2010 at 11:35 AM Report abuse

bfrank said...

women who crave that much attention obviously have issues and would be better spending their time in counseling rather than marching....

August 19, 2010 at 12:14 PM Report abuse

bfrank said...

as a final note on this article...who has more issues to work on, the women in the march, or the PPH not only for running this ''news'' item (yeah, things must have also been slow back in April) once, but just randomly popping it up again in August?? more training on the web site needed maybe? pay closer attention to those resumes! =:)>

August 19, 2010 at 12:30 PM Report abuse

hillbilly said...

Pamela: You posting from Iran?

August 19, 2010 at 12:46 PM Report abuse

RobJon said...

I love breasts, but those look like topless men from behind in the picure.

August 19, 2010 at 12:49 PM Report abuse

jake007 said...

Phoebe...Monks will do anything to distract from the Cutler negitive story. And he can't pull in 2 days in a row. Way to many people called him on it yesterday.

August 19, 2010 at 2:17 PM Report abuse