The DNC: Continuing to piss off small businesses

I already linked to the story of Mark Pasquale, pizzeria owner who's shop is across the street from Fleet Center, where the Boston Convention is being held.  Between security and the fact that participants get free food, Mr. Pasquale is losing a week of business.  That's right, on a week when something on the order of 30,000 delegates and members of the press are a stone's throw away from his store, he will lose sales. 

That's outrageous enough.

But, when he expressed his displeasure by putting up a sign stating, "SAY!!!!! D.N.C. THANKS FOR NOTHING!!!  GO BUSH", he was cited for violating Boston's sign ordinance.

For expressing his basic right to free speech, he is told he will need to pay a fine or take it down.

Amazingly, he is a strong enough person to agree to pay what amounts to extortion in order to express his political opinions, saying "I’m not taking it down. It’s staying. I’ll pay the fine." 

Bravo, Mr. Pasquale.  Next time I'm in Boston, I am stopping at your shop.

If anyone wants to join me, it's at 115 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02114