[NYC GOP Chick]

Weiner is easily the most articulate on the issue, which, on the face of it, is surprising because he is a nonsmoker. "If you want to see just how much Bloomberg misunderstands the DNA of New York - what sort of a condescending patrician he is - look at the way he handled the smoking business," says Weiner.

"He rammed it through without ever having campaigned for it. He did it without considering what it would do to the small bars in the city, particularly the outer boroughs, what it would do to the soul of New York, which to me is libertarianism, the right to live your life without onerous government intervention. I sum it up this way: New York does not want or need Nurse Ratched as mayor."

Whoa! When did this putz start making sense?! He's usually one of THE most egregious leftist blowhards in the House, and I am truly stunned by this foray into lucidity.

[Clemenza]

"He rammed it through without ever having campaigned for it. He did it without considering what it would do to the small bars in the city, particularly the outer boroughs

The last sentence hits it right on the mark. In Manhattan, one goes to "lounges," which are neat, tidy places, where Metrosexuals (like Nurse Bloomberg) and women from Ivy League schools feel "comfortable." In places like Bay Ridge, Throgs Neck, Woodside, Astoria, etc., bars often function as "community centers" where a largely male crowd gathers to relax, shoot the sh-t and (until recently) relax for a drink and smoke. The ban smacks of Yuppie elitsim and must be repealed now!

BTW: Do you think the Nurse will get his health requirements for menus passed. It will be hell on places like Dominick's in the Bronx, which lack a written menu and change their meals daily.