Picture the scene: members of a local homeowner association taking action against a resident who would have the nerve to mar the orderly image of their neighborhood by brazenly hanging wet laundry outdoors for all the town to see. The day is saved, however, by the valiant efforts of the politicians who step in and prevent the overbearing antagonists from denying the “right to dry” to the downtrodden victims.

Sound familiar? Is it an old Ma and Pa Kettle movie? Maybe an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies? No, the Clampets have not hit town, and the above-described scenario is not fictional. Our own state legislature is currently studying a proposed measure that would indeed prohibit such homeowner associations and similar bodies from restricting a resident’s right to put up and use a clothesline.

There are credible arguments on both sides of the issue, although it is difficult to imagine that the sensibilities of our citizenry, however delicate, could be so terribly offended by the mere sight of hanging laundry.

If the presence of a clothesline constitutes an eye sore to one observer, it may conversely represent business as usual to another. The old “solar clothes dryer” has been a staple of American culture since our beginnings. Only as of late has there been much concern over the possible lowering of property values from this by a certain concerned few.

Should they be restricted to backyards only?  This may be considered good etiquette, but is it fair to demand it? How far should we go in trying to influence and even control such basic choices as this with our fellow citizens?

These questions are being asked now, as they should be. Meanwhile, communities struggle with decidedly more important issues, such as how to lower carbon emissions while supplying adequate and affordable energy to residents and businesses. Dozens of Massachusetts communities, including the City of Somerville, have recently modified their building codes, adopting the “energy stretch code” in hopes of improving energy efficiency.

Is this the right time to be restricting the gift of simple sunshine as a resource for our free and easy usage? We know what Granny Clampet would say to that.