38.27%	Never Acceptable
53.7%	Harmless Holiday Fun
8.02%	Other

Comment: NEVER!!!! That people with a sick attitude!

Comment: Not really but I served my country so those kids could wear stupid costumes that they want by dan

Comment: Too bad this town is so backward. by mark

Comment: Asinine and offensive. No, it's never acceptable! by Robin

Comment: I was in one of the bars that the KKK arrived at. I was very offended. Halloween in Iowa is supposed to be fun and this brought a lot of tension to the atmosphere. There were a lot of people in the bar that I was at that were offended. These people need to grow up and realize that the actions they took don't make them look very good. this could of caused unthinkable things to happen that night. I thought we were beyond this in this day and age. by Bobbi

Comment: This is and has been a serious issue for centuries. How can portraying a white hooded figure that is associated with murder and rape of a ethnic group be considered fun. How long will these thoughtless acts be tolerated? by Carlene

Comment: I think the media makes to big of a deal with some of the stories. If it were in a place where there were a lot of colored people I would say it was bad taste but the town it was in I say big deal. I didn't hear it on any other stations. by Gail

Comment: Why should that costume offend anyone on Halloween. They weren't causing any trouble or doing any of the actions that are associated with KKK. It was just a costume. Why do some people have to make something of nothing, this includes the media. by Kay

Comment: This is totally unacceptable in the small town of Guttenberg! I am hoping these are the only 4 people in that community that would do such a thing! by Kristi

Comment: Poor taste in costumes, but this is still a free country, and we keep taking away things like Merry Christmas- now its happy holidays, they now tricker treat in day light which kind of defeats the point of the holiday being scary. We have to take the word god out of almost every thing these day's when this country was founded on religious freedom, whats safe anymore. We have to keep trimming are traditional holidays because something might offend somebody and then they might sue. Where does the line get drawn.

Comment: It's time to realize this is 2009 and these individuals need to go back to school to learn what the word empathy is and realize why their actions are unacceptable. Sadly, it's not that surprising it happened in mostly white Iowa. by J

Comment: That's insane. This is going to give Iowa a huge backwater moron reputation. What makes somebody think that trick or treating in Klan-wear is OK? Try that in Iowa City. Dear Klan gear party people, don't wear any Hawkeye wear, you don't deserve it. by Hawk

Comment: I was at one of the bars that night...I would have to say that it was innocent and they did instigate and heckle people to get a reaction...several people were offended and there was a lot of tension...it's sad that people feel the need to purposely start things...

Comment: I think it is horrible. I am from Guttenberg and want people to know that this is not a representation of our great town. Some people just don't "get it." And then to hear on your news one of our local people acting as though it is now big deal, adds insult to injury. I apologize for those who were so thoughtless and heartless. by Ellen

Comment: Its not any more offensive than people dressing up as large sex organs or serial killers and having pictures taken with their mouths on these organs. I am sure they didn't mean any harm and are not racist but that type of costume should have been worn to a private party where you know the guests, instead of prancing around town. by Guttenberg

Comment: I love Halloween and always dress up. Creativity is great, and I have never been offended by a costume until this past weekend. Dressing up as the KKK is the most distasteful thing I have ever witnessed on Halloween. I am glad that this made the news, but disappointed that the whole story did not get told. There were several people who did speak up and let those individuals know how degrading and disrespectful their attire was, even if it was just a costume, and it ended up in a fight outside of one of the bars...So, the gentlemen who said that these individuals were not being aggressive was obviously not out in the same establishments as that group. And I noticed that nobody interviewed the black families that are living in Guttenberg - I would have to think that they would find this as distasteful as I did. I am all about having fun on Halloween, but dressing up as a group who killed people solely on the basis of skin color - I just can't see the humor in that. by Kerry

Comment: it was Halloween,,a costume,,people need to lighten up,,would this be news worthy if a black person was making fun of a white person?? by Glen

Comment: dressing up as an American organization that terrorized and killed many minorities is distasteful in my opinion. but the biggest reason why this costume is a horrible choice is because this group (the KKK) is not an archaic figure in our society, it is still an outspoken racist organization that feeds on hate til this day. by Jules

Comment: Git over it it was a joke

Comment: Weird poll to not have anonymous by Bob

Comment: Sad on any level

Comment: Just a costume. What if someone dressed as a gay or lesbian? A serial killer? Quit blowing things out of proportion. Everyone has their opinions but keep them to yourself instead of making out great community of Guttenberg look ridiculous!!! The ones having a problem with this need to remember the past and live for the present. The people of Guttenberg wouldn't intentionally offend anyone of their race, religion, sex, etc.... by Tonya

Comment: as a young family women in guttenberg i am sure no one meant any harm anyone by this. also if they had been contacted by these people I'm sure they would have said they where sorry and not meant to harm anyone by it. A lot of these comments are from people who where not even at the bar that night. they did not go out with the kids in costume but choice to wait and go to the bar as grown adults in a poorly made homemade costumes. they also talked to the 3 people of minority that where at the bar and where told they didn't find it offensive as it was a costume. its sad that someone not involve had to contact the news with a bs story about racist bigots in guttenberg. they did not carry crosses they did not have a rope it was in good fun the only thing that has been said is bad things. these people are active members in the town and did not mean to hurt anyone's feelings by this. and there was no fight at the bar there was 1 beer bottle thrown at 1 person as they exited the bar to leave because they where told that there costume offend the other patrons so the group left thinking that it would be dropped till 1 person crossed the line and assaulted 1 other person it should be between them. I am a proud guttenberg resident and wish that people would quit trying to run our town down by calling the news when the people in question where only guilty poor taste

Comment: This absolutely disgusts me. I don't care if it's a holiday or if the people who wore them are good-natured, law-abiding citizens. What a hateful, ignorant idea for a costume. Those four adults should be ashamed of themselves. by Elizabeth

Comment: everyone needs to just chill out. people dress up as priests and other "controversial" costumes, but it is all in fun. You need to quit taking yourself so seriously and lighten up. The people who have a problem with this are doing nothing more than trying to cause drama...pathetic. by Chase

Comment: If we were to consider this an offensive costume, where do we draw the line? Do we think dressing up as a hobo offensive to the homeless? Of course not! Why are we making a big deal out of a whole lot of nothing? by Brad

Comment: You can not tell me that it jumped from 60-70% to 30-40%...what a joke

Comment: I'm all for freedom of speech but some things are taboo for a reason. If it were a costume at a friend's house where everyone knew it was a joke, then sure, it's fine. But heading out into public where anyone can see you... it seems to be in bad taste. by Erik

Comment: Never should it be acceptable when a "costume" is worn that represents an era of history where lives were taken in an act of hatred. by Diane

Comment: i think that its perfectly ok. no matter where you live i think that the klan needs to come back full strength. by jeremy

Comment: because the town is 99% white does not make it 99% stupid it's a German town so dress up as Hitler and see if you offend the Jewish people. by tee

Comment: Just UNBELIEVABLE! is always a few people that make a bunch look bad.... by jayme

Comment: disgusting, white trash.....Really what are some people thinking????? The KKK has killed so many innocent African Americas and this is not acceptable for a Halloween outfit, I'm am truly embarrassed to say that i was raised in Guttenberg by blahh

Comment: I would have to say that it depends on the surroundings and how the persons carry themselves. The KKK is a Christian group. And America does have freedom of speech. People so often take the KKK to a negative impact. And that's not what the group portrays nor acts as. by Ed

Comment: Way to make this town look like a bunch of white trash inbred hillbillies. Not cool at all!

Comment: There are lots of "evil" costumes or costumes that could be deemed inappropriate. If the people were not acting aggressively or inappropriate there is no reason such a big deal should be made about this. Its Halloween people!!

Comment: Seriously?!?! Only people stupid enough to think it's ok to do this would find it amusing! I cannot believe there are people out there that find this appropriate. Complete morons! by Dawn

Comment: why do rednecks always think they have any brains. by Douglas

Comment: It is extremely disrespectful, and perhaps they should have thought about what the outcome would have been and they wouldn't be in this position. by Ashley

Comment: The KKK symbolizes hatred and racism and in no circumstances considered humorous. by Jennifer

Comment: Harmless fun but does one of them possibly might lose her job just because one person email her regional boss and said they would not go to that business if she still works there? She is the most friendliest worker there.

Comment: HARMLESS HOLIDAY FUN by TINA

Comment: There are many costumes that scare me...but that is what they are..costumes. I personally know these people, and it was harmless fun. They never expected this. by Max

Comment: I think that if you were in a all white community then it would be more acceptable than if you were in a black community

Comment: I don't think dressing up as a hooker or putting on as little as possible is appropriate but they do it too. by Allie

Comment: poor choice, but nothing other than that. media should let it go and not give it anymore attention than what it was- a stupid bar party on a holiday weekend. by Jim

Comment: All of them should be ashamed of themselves. This is absolutely unacceptable. KKK costumes are not funny considering the dark history involved. Incredibly insensitive. I hope they are all fired from their jobs. by S

Comment: As we were IN FACT watching the article TONIGHT at 6PM, my 3 y.o. son Tre' came into the TV room, saw the picture, and said, "Oh! Casper the Friendly Ghost!" Is this IN FACT a reflection of how fearful we are of one another? That a BABY BOY can see the silly humor rather than take the offense? by Frankpointman.org

Comment: I view this as I would view a noose. It is seen as a symbol for racial intolerance; however, hanging a noose on a tree during Halloween is acceptable. Should Christians be offended by people dressing up as the Devil? by Sam

Comment: leading off with this story is scary.how about this for a story "my neighbors dog keeps urinating in my yard". what do I do? I'm now changing channels by mike

Comment: This 'political correctness' is getting out of hand. It is ridiculous! It seems....if you are white, you had best be careful about offending in any way, but if you aren't white, you can do or say anything, and the press will leave you alone. Absolutely ridiculous!! by rea

Comment: I can't believe your even doing this. Hey! if I pee wrong is someone going to report me to the authorities. Stick to just reporting, get off this creating issues and fears. Please just report. I can entertain myself. You don't need a pole to resolve anything. That is something for the legal process not news reporting. by George

Comment: Why are you so surprised? Iowa at least 4 active Klan cells. Mason city, Cedar Falls, New Hampton,,Charles City, Maybe still Alantic. Do not think they are not still active. by Jim

Comment: Is it any different than dressing up as Dracula? If they were causing trouble than arrest them, if not let them have their fun. IT WAS HALLOWEEN! Why is there some people that can only find the negative in everything? by Mike

Comment: Hey, it was Halloween! by William

Comment: some people need to know that its 2009

Comment: Well it's really how you think of the actions. I think it was a simple Halloween dress up. Now I'm sure that they know what the KKK is. So they shouldn't go to bars with them on. It's Halloween and there should be fun in it, but the media needs to realize that its only what they make out of it. by Jacob

Comment: I don't thing the young lady needs to lose a job over this! I think the media needs to report on something more important and stop getting info from Facebook! by Dave

Comment: dressing up for Halloween is perfectly acceptable,its all in the Halloween spirit, and yes it IS (scary).NOT racist. What is racist is people wearing black panther symbols or black power T-shirts, or arien symbols or La Raza T-shirts not only on Halloween, but they display this sort of behavior, which IS, racist, though out there lives, any time they desire. This story has had to much attention all ready, If these people are really the racist that they are being accused of,they would not have chosen Halloween as the time to display this kind of behavior! by Mike

Comment: I'm not embarrassed to be from Guttenberg!!! by Gary

Comment: Never ! In truth the KKK terrorized and killed, was not a folklore but VERY REAL !! Americans have strived for years to put those atrocities behind us and become ONE NATION under God. There was nothing funny nor fun about those costumes... they were merely DISGUSTING and totally UNACCEPTABLE! by Barb

Comment: Hmmm...Posting I found...sounds like no one is racist... JPM Go and vote "Harmless Holiday Fun" unless you're a fun hating Jew. KGAN CBS 2 :: Web Poll Source: kgan.com KGAN CBS 2 Yesterday at 8:11pm · Comment · Like / Unlike · Share

Comment: I think that it's fine. It's just a costume, no one is actually going to go out and hurt anyone. It was for just one night and shouldn't even have been made into a big deal.

Comment: I think it was just a bad decision and that the people who did it would give a lot to have a do-over! I think it probably was lack of thought rather than malice. Most people feel that the KKK is a thing of the past and this is a sad reminder that it's not. by Betty

Comment: On halloween its a a joke, on Christmas it'd be news. by Ian

Comment: I am ashamed I live in a state in which anyone would consider any other answer! When will the ignorant hatred end? by Marv

Comment: Dressing up as KKK members, particularly in a group, is as inappropriate as a group dressing up as Arab terrorists in New York city, or someone dressing up as Timothy McVeigh in Oklahoma City. It's just unkind and inconsiderate to the feelings of others. by Susan

Comment: This just shows the stupidity of some people who would think that wearing a KKK outfit which is real could compare to a fantasy costume we all know is made up. This is just sick. People need to think before doing ignorant things like this. by Tonja

Comment: Is it OK to dress up like the Devil? How about the Grim Reaper? You can find something offensive about every custom at Halloween. We look to hard at finding the negative. They did not break any laws and as far as I know did not involve in any activity other than "Halloween" that indicated a "race" concern. It is being carried to far. by Cindy

Comment: It may have been in poor taste but so is dressing up like a pimp, a gangster, or the devil, which all seem to be acceptable. by Chris

Comment: and with all the bad things that have just happened over the summer i cant believe a level headed adult would think its o.k. 2 do such a thing on any day. by Mary

Comment: The KKK stands for hatred and violence. Why would anyone want to be that for Halloween? by Rachel

Comment: It is a stupid holiday, and lots of people dress up in outfits that depict anything that is not their own image. It is harmless stupid play for adults to play halloween, and I think it is just that playing. by Beverly

Comment: The truth of the matter is that people have the right to say and do and dress in any fashion that they want. As long as they were not harming anyone physically there is nothing that can be done. I think it is more than a stretch to say that these people dressing as KKK is going to turn into more than that. The news saying that something like this is going to turn into the KKK coming out in Guttenberg is extremely excessive. Also the fact that all these people saying that the people of Guttenberg are rednecks and backwards is out of hand. You cannot judge all the people of a town by the actions of some. You are just attacking something that could be seen as racism with more slurs based on location and race as well. by Jaime

Comment: i could dress up like an african dictator that commits genicide and who would say anything, or hilter or stalin in that case rasism only seems like it works one way theses days by Dalton

Comment: While I agree the KKK costume was very insensitive and stupid on their part, not thinking about the backlash, I have to wonder why witches are acceptable when KKK isn't. Witches were & still are symbols of evil and in childhood stories ate or harmed children, and you can take a lot of the costumes for Halloween, vampires, etc that represent murder or violence and that's okay? by D

Comment: But yet no one had a problem with all the half naked drunk girls in the bar on halloween night. by Kevin

Comment: Politacal Correctness is stupid. Dressing up as the Devil is OK, but, dressing up as KKK is terrible? Explain! by David

Comment: There is never a time where it is remotely acceptable to go around dressed as a kkk member. Did people forget what the kkk is about. They don't just focus on people of different color, but religous groups, women, children, and even white people who go against them. Never acceptable by c

Comment: I was truly offended by this story and the reaction it has brought out in people. I am a Wiccan and self proclaimed modern day witch, I am not offended by people dressing up as the average ugly Halloween Witch even though it is a clear religious bash on the pegan community. Should we as the pegan community start protesting this just because of history that has shown the death and brutalization of those with these religious beliefs? This has been blown out of proportion. After all isn't halloween supposed to be scary, is that not why we dress up to scare others? by Nova

Comment: No blacks complain about whites dressing up as the pedophile Michael Jackson or if the "N" word is used in song lyrics!! People need to get over it!!! Thats how it is in the good old USA!!! by DARYL

Comment: Have these people forgotten what the KKK stood for? HATE,VIOLENCE,RACISM,FEAR,and DEATH! I'm curious, would the comments of "harmless fun, people over reacting,lighten up, and freedom of speech" be the same if it were people dressed as Bin Laden or 9-11 hijackers bar hopping and entering contest? Also,to the people who left the one bar, I applaud you!! by DJ

Comment: The costumes might not have been in the best of taste but isn't Halloween the one day when people can be tastless and politically incorrect ?If the four people had dressed as Charles Manson and three of his followers or as monsters covered in fake blood and body parts no one would be talking about it.If they were teenagers going to a school party that would not be acceptable but for adults in bars on Halloween anything goes. by John

Comment: Seems like much ado about nothing. If Obama was not president would it even have made the news? I doubt it. Also, who was the complaint, bet he/she was not colored but just a trouble maker? Guttenberg is receiving enough negative publicity due to the soon to be former mayor. by Terry

Comment: Get a life and get over it. Nobody meant any harm by Deb

Comment: did anyone watch the news last night that poor women and her family have paid the price already. we should leave them alone they said they where sorry and didn't mean anything by it. she was a brave person to go on all by herself and do the interview. people please let this go its almost a week later and her family seems to be the ones hurting over this. I'm done watching this coverage over a Halloween costume i wish that the others would do the same its only hurting more people by feeding into this. by annie

Comment: Morally reprehensible. I was appalled at the casual attitude of the woman who appeared on the News to defend their actions. by Diane

Comment: Some things just go beyond stupid. This is one of them! by Steven

Comment: CAN WE ALL PLEASE JUST STOP?! oh my gosh.

Comment: It is very racist. I'm a white and I don't appreciate it. by May

Comment: Never is that ok. It is wrong any day of the year. by Jamie

Comment: not sure why this is still a issue but maybe it will not over shadow the case of a killing mother by jill

Comment: whatever happened to freedom of expression? by Lisa

Comment: The whole point of Halloween costumes is to dress up! Have fun and be different! There was no hostility from the party goers in their costumes. There's no reason to be upset. It was Just a Costume. by Angela

Comment: Only if the costume also includes prison bars or prison stripes. Any obvious way to show how evil the kkk is. by R

Comment: What happened to free speech and people's ability to express themselves? Did they hang anyone? Did they damage anything?

Comment: Ithink the news article "advertising" thte KKK is deplorable and of bad taste. All you are doing is promoting a sick side of society. Why not promote positives. You need new direction in your news investigating! by Stan

Comment: It's never okay just as it would never be okay for someone to dress up as Hitler. Hate is a crime and dressing up in garbage that portrays the crime...well, enough said!