Smoker Oppression Reaches Tipping PointS  They banned smoking in
bars, and people said nothing, because they did not smoke in
bars, except sometimes if they were really drunk. But now NYC
wants to ban smoking in parks, and lo! Smokers finally get some
public sympathy.  The NYT sent a trained journalist to stroll
amongst the masses out at a park, in New York City. She found
that—despite the fact that smokers are nasty baby killers who
should just go stand over there (no, farther over there)—people
are not so hot on banning citizens from engaging in solitary
activities in the park. What's next, masturbation?  "Where else
are people going to go where they can enjoy themselves because
it's free? Except the jail or the park, that's it."  A man can't
enjoy himself in the park or in jail these days! Mayor Bloomberg
is defending this nannyish notion, but, come on, did you see his
speech at his "party" last night? All the speechwriters in town
can't hide the fact that you're a nerd, Mayor Mike. A big one.
[Pic via]