Clearing The Air

Am I not merciful?!!!

Readers may remember that powerful phrase delivered by tyrannical Emperor Comedus (played by Joaquin Phoenix) in the blockbuster movie Gladiator as he tortured and threatened his sister and those who conspired against him.

Well Minneapolis and St. Paul city councils metaphorically delivered that same phrase in their merciful ruling to local bars and restaurants, allowing them to stay open until 4 a.m. during the Republican National Convention to be hosted here in St. Paul, MN.

Of course the catch is that it only applies to the few remaining bars and restaurants which have not yet succumbed to the business crumbling smoking ban laws imposed by the very same city council members.

Smoking bans in Minnesota have closed 200+ establishments, which stands as a never before, historical record number of closings in a short period of time.

Thank you Minneapolis and St. Paul city council members and mayors, you truly are merciful, at least to the few remaining establishments thus far allowed to stay in business.

posted by marcus aurelius @ 7:28 PM