DM>SR>So far, my battle strategy is capitulation; strangely, in the middle of
  >SR>the swirling controversy, I received a demand from the IRS to pay up
  >SR>entirely on a back bill my wife ran up with them.  They WERE accepting
  >SR>payments, but now they want it all, kinda like what might have happened
  >SR>in the 60's...
DM>       I think that deserves an editorial writeup in the AP/UPI and local
  >rags.  The IRS is NOT a pressure tool.
DM>       As I said, I will write.
Hi Dennis,
Just back from the local council's second reading.  One more in two
weeks, and they have their ordinance.
The IRS deal is something I can't prove, and the local agent appears to
be within her rights.  Probably just coincidence.
But jeez, the process of listening to those guys (the mayor can't
pronounce "paraphernalia") trying to figure out WHAT they're
considering...they don't have a clue.  They have a couple of cops
telling them this is a good idea, a couple of phone calls from somebody
pointing out that they can buy roach clips at radio shack, and that's
about it.
And of course, they have me, a contingency of one, to look at while they
consider their business.  I think it's pretty fascinating how nobody
shows up to holler straw man.  Dozens of 'em tell me all about it at my
sales counter, and nobody shows up for the party while seven guys decide
something about their lifestyle.
I haven't written to the paper myself.  So far, they've been
sympathetic, and I don't want to give them any ink that I can't control.
But I think my remarks might go like this:
     I don't know about anyone else in the town who might possess,
     display or offer for sale any of this paraphernalia stuff, but a
     test run at my store indicates that I can comply with this
     ordinance within five minutes.  If I'm the object of the new law, I
     can be considered "taken care of".
     But *I* think it's all about personal responsibility.  If the
     members of the city council feel some large mandate from their
     constituency to assume another piece of control over their personal
     responsibilities, they should vote for the ordinance.
     It won't affect me at all.  I'm a merchant.  I'll find new
     merchandise.  It might be an adventure, and I'm grateful.
Like I say, they *might* go like that.  I just wanted to try that on for
size here.  Hmmmm.
Anyhow, I've got these GREAT new Fimo & Brass incense burners baking in
the oven right now.  I thought the ordinance took effect tonight (which
it doesn't), and I had a "few" parts left over.  Thought I'd construct a
new line of burners that I'm going to call "Happy Camper" incense
burners and candlesticks.  They're really eye-catching.
The city attorney has assured me that he intends to stay away from
anything that has some sort of ambiguity to it.  I assume that means
stuff like my local buddy is making for me to sell.  He always enjoyed
great sales on his hemp necklaces in the first place, but I think people
will *really* like the new metal do-hickeys that he's braiding into them
now......
Peace
Steve
 * SLMR 2.1a * I couldn't possibly fail to disagree with you less.
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