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Minneapolis City Council bans elephant rides
James Lileks, buzz.mnI knew they weren't much for Republicans up that way, but sheesh! Last year the City Council, which seems to think that running a city poorly qualifies them to run a circus well, passed an ordinance governing the treatment of elephants. Increased fees always a favorite and increased inspection. The show would go on. But as Council Member Ralph Remington put it in words we should all memorize Weve come a long way. But it can go just a little bit further. So now the City Council Member Cam Gordon has proposed a new amendment to the ordinance, banning elephant rides. The reason? Public Safety. Not that Jumbo has ever tossed a kid. Not that anyones ever had a toe trod upon by an elephant or fallen off. But it could happen: "We could still have a great circus experience and a profitable one if we did without this act," said Gordon during last week's public safety and regulatory services committee meeting. "This would be a way to proactively avoid a horrible situation." . . . . . . As for having a profitable circus, the Shriners say theyll seriously consider leaving the city if they cant have the rides, because they raise a lot of money. Apparently they are mistaken; we can only hope that the City Council, which surely has an intimate knowledge of circus economics, shares some tips and hints. Posted by: Mike 2008-01-30 |
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