Nothing I have written in the past six or seven years has generated the volume of responses like last week’s column extolling the tasteless advertising aired on TV by fast-food giant Carl’s Jr.

For three days I received telephone messages, emails and was stopped on the street and in the market by people who read that column.

More than 95 percent of them agreed that Carl’s Jr. has set a new low in television advertising. Sadly, those who contacted Carl’s Jr. were told that although the company was sorry it offended them, their target population is young males.

Some people reminded me that I was free to change the channel or actually turn the TV off.

Others agreed with my sentiment that those of us with children shouldn’t have to change the channel during the 6 o’clock news.

There was overwhelming agreement that television programming itself has sunk to a new low, whether it is with the onslaught of reality TV shows or the more explicit sexual suggestions found in both drama and comedy fare, and the rise in the acceptance of swearing on television.

One person said I was typical of the religious right who was trying to tell people what they should watch.

As a practicing agnostic and lifelong Democrat, I don’t need a religious faith to tell me what is in bad taste. I do believe in a double standard in that not everything should be said and shown to children.

In addition, many of those who responded, both men and women, pointed out that the ads are degrading and disrespectful of women.

I definitely disagree with the person who responded anonymously, “Too bad you are so old you can’t appreciate one fine-looking woman.”

One individual in Arroyo Grande called for a boycott of the restaurant, a sort of “Occupy Carl’s Jr.” protest.

A woman from San Luis Obispo wrote, “Even though I always preferred their food over most other fast-food restaurants, and even though the local Carl’s Jr. is less than half a mile from my house, I refuse to buy their food as long as this trend in advertising continues.”

A number of those who responded reminded me that, “Unfortunately, as long as you’re eating in their establishment, you’re helping them to prolong the advertising debacle.”

I am joining the ranks of those who are voting with their dollars. I will no longer patronize Carl’s Jr. until it no longer runs ads that need a warning such as, “Caution, this commercial contains adult language and images.”

Reach Lon Allan at 466-8529 or leallan@tcsn.net.