NEW YORK MAYOR FUMED OVER 'SMOKING' ON STAGE AT STONES CONCERT...

Drudge ^ | 1-19-03 | Drudge

[ConservativeMan55]

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN JAN 19, 2003 10:35:25 ET XXXXX

NEW YORK CITY MAYOR FUMED OVER 'SMOKING' ON STAGE AT STONES CONCERT; BAND RACED OUT OF GARDEN AVOIDING COPS

**Exclusive**

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg is fuming mad over Rolling Stones members smoking on stage at Madison Square Garden during an nationally televised concert this weekend, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

"The mayor sent cops to issue summonses," one stage source told the DRUDGE REPORT late Saturday. "But the cops watched the show, off stage, by a monitor, instead of stopping the concert."

MORE

HBO cameras captured band members Keith Richards and Ron Wood smoking cigarettes while performing.

"The band raced out of the Garden after they finished their last number, avoiding the police," an insider said. "The music had not even finished playing; and they were in cars already, spinning away. The did not even go to their dressing rooms!"

In December, ex-smoker Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a strict smoking ban in New York City.

Bloomberg is also trying to get smoking banned in Central Park.

Developing...

[Darksheare]

There's no proof that there was vote fraud in Florida....
Just a bunch of tabs hanging loose..

[TomServo]

Then you should've just posted the story on the original thread instead of fragmenting the discussion on the subject.

[tiki]

Oh man!!!! They should have just shot them. Imagine doing something like that!!! What were they thinking?

[Darksheare]

They were SMOKING!!!
That's BLASPHEMY against the state!

...Bloombergs mind.

Cool tunes, neat riff.
Keep the beat drumboy!
...the band's mind.

[Cultural Jihad]

Apparently the Stones are not interested in returning to Madison Square Garden, since as liberals they flaunt their disregard for the laws and think they are above them. They are welcome to sit at home if they want to, and smoke all they want to.

[Darksheare]

"They are welcome to sit at home if they want to, and smoke all they want to."
That was my point, my man....

[PJ-Comix]

"The mayor sent cops to issue summonses," one stage source told the DRUDGE REPORT late Saturday. "But the cops watched the show, off stage, by a monitor, instead of stopping the concert."

The cops had the common sense to realize how IDIOTIC it would look to stop a live televised concert just to issue tickets for smoking.

[Cultural Jihad]

Where does the article state that the mayor wanted to stop the event?

[Subsonic22]

The law that was broken is a stupid law, much like other stupid laws that New York has. Like the one Cuomo signed a long while ago: It's illegal for you to change a flat on your car on DOT managed highways in the state. Reason: it takes business away from the state. As far as I know, it hasn't been made to disappear, but it isn't enforced, either.

A few years a go I was driving back home to PA on the New York Thruway. The alternator went and my car died right before the toll booth. I went to the toll operator and he told me in order to use my AAA card I had to get my car off the thruway, otherwise I had to use whoever the state had a contract with. So, my buddy and I had to push my car 100 feet or so, thru the toll booth so I could use AAA. Luckily, I made it as far as I did and didn't have to push too far. One more thing I have to thank Gov. Sfachime for.

[Darksheare]

Yes, the Spachime made quite a mess for New York.
I still love the flat tire thing. On Route 84, the first day that idiot law was in effect, the New York State Troopers (Troop F) had a field day towing cars and writing tickets.

Made quite a stink, but it died out after three months. Now no-one knows the law is even there.

[wcbtinman]

"It's odd to see alleged conservatives applauding law-breaking."

Well, just because we're conservative doesn't mean we're stupid...well, some of us aren't. And, some of us aren't cowards.

[Darksheare]

Same law, by the by, that you have to use whoever the state has contratced for that area. The guy could end up towing you a hundred miles away, the opposite direction, then extort money from you legally. (I.e. hold your car hostage unless you pay x amount cash. Has happened.)

They use it to keep business coming to the state... heh heh...
Gotta love New York. *Think I'm gonna be sick for that one.*

[wcbtinman]

"...engaging in civil disobedience is not the way to change laws."

So, the members of the 'Boston Tea Party' we're wrong? The citizens militia at Concorde should have just complained? This country was founded on 'civil disobedience'.

Civil disobedience is very much a part of several methods used to change laws. I highly encourage it.

[Cultural Jihad]

By all means, the very next time we are ruled by some occupation army under the orders of a regent, engage in all the civil or uncivil disobedience you want to. Sheesh.

[Max McGarrity]

You're not safe in NY State. The anti-smokers have decreed that a statewide ban is necessary to "level the playing field." That is, of course, how they ALWAYS get their way, turning up the heat on the frog a little at a time, and incrementalizing us out of our private property rights, while pseudo-conservative tobacco whackos cheer them on.

[ladyinred]

I think Bloomberg will be to NYC what Gray Davis has been to California. Isn't there some way he can be stripped of the (R) next to his name before it's too late?

Great comment! Could not agree more. This guy is a democrat in Pubbie's clothing.

[FreedomCalls]

Ah, a Slashdotter eh?

[Max McGarrity]

Forgo? Isn't that a city in North Dakota? North Dakota, where a bill has been introduced to make the sale or USE of any tobacco product a crime?? THAT Forgo?

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

[Darksheare]

Exactly right.
I think I'll stand my ground, even when the strumtruppen come.
I don't smoke, but I think this is rather idiotic to go to this extreme, banning it. Even in your own home. (They have a law that if your second hand smoke goes into your neighbors yard, you can be arrested... how stupid. Not sure if it was passed or not, never know here in New York.)