My son commented earlier this week about his school bus displaying advertising. When I asked him Steve Shultz's question, "How do you feel about riding around in an ad-mobile?" he replied, "I don't care." Only "I don't know" ranks higher on the teen response-o-meter.

Some of us remember the horrified reaction to new subliminal advertising techniques in the '60s. Reportedly, flashing a few seconds of "Drink Coca Cola" during the latest movie would cause a snack counter stampede. Legislation was introduced to ban the social menace. Of course, advertising's Manchurian Candidate program was based on faked research and nobody could ever make it work.

I sympathize with the Slippery Slope school of thought, since my mind operates in the "what could possibly be next?" realm. An excellent example of excess is when that kid got suspended from school for wearing a Pepsi shirt on "Coke for Education" day, ruining a photo op. Mustn't offend corporate sponsors, when it's their job to offend the public.

Do we get to veto the campaigns emblazoned on tax-payer funded property? We don't get any say on city buses and we pay RTD tax.

Then there's the corrupting our youth argument. I have to admit, with teenage body image and eating disorder issues, it's probably not the smartest idea to promote "America's Top Model" right before a kid tries to squeeze onto a seat with peers.

Personally, I was offended by the broadcast news ad on my kid's bus this morning. The Rocky Mountain News should buy the space; at least it would promote literacy.

Towns change their names for computers, cash, or satellite television. Stadiums don't identify cities, just beer, soda or investment firms. Some guy sold his forehead on eBay for a corporate logo 30-day tattoo. Now businesses exist to help you make money selling your spare skin. Reminds me of the old joke about whether a woman will prostitute herself for a million dollars or a buck. We've already established what we are; now we're just haggling about the price.

With the prevalence of advertising in every venue, I'm not sure school buses will make much difference. We are probably inured to its impact, anyway. I say, bring back subliminal advertising. At least then we won't know we're looking at it.