Where's the Soviet Anthem when you need it?

Aaahhh-- Here it is.

(for the full impact of this post, click on the above link, wait for the music to queue, then continue reading).

From here:

The St. Paul City Council has temporarily banned new electronic billboards that are starting to dot the highways in the Twin Cities.

The new billboards resemble color televisions and change images every few seconds.

Critics say the billboards are a distraction to drivers.

Council member Dave Thune also called the billboards an "environmental concern" because of "overlighting" on Wednesday, when the council approved the moratorium.

Clear Channel Outdoor installed eight of the billboards along Twin Cities highways last month. One of the billboards is along Interstate 94 in St. Paul.

An "environmental concern" because of "overlighting," Mr. Thune? Could it be because you're uncomfortable with the light that goes through one ear on your pointy head and travels unimpeded through the other ear? Or could it be that the billboards in question are owned by Clear Channel Communications, the dreaded owner of KTLK-FM Conservative Talk Radio (along with many other similar stations)?

Not only did the city ban the signs from operating, but the 14-foot by 48-foot monstrosities, already erected, will not be producing any revenue for Clear Channel, who no doubt put up beaucoup bucks investing in this venture.

The City Fathers Nannies reasoned that the signs, which change messages every eight seconds, would be too distracting to passersby.

And just as every good liberal does every time they emit a brain fart, they reasoned wrong:

"The studies are saying that if it takes even two seconds, you're distracted for even two seconds, which may be all that's needed to look at a sign and try to read it. That's enough to create the hazard, the potential for accidents on major freeways in heavy traffic situations," Peterson said.

But there's at least one other study from the state's Transportation Department that comes to a different conclusion.

"MnDOT's determination is that a sign that turns every 6 seconds or greater is of no greater distraction to the driving public than a static billboard," according to Clear Channel Outdoor Vice President Tom McCarver. Clear Channel owns all of the electronic billboards in the metro, including the two that were shut off by Minnetonka.

McCarver insists the boards are safe for motorists. He emphasizes that the images are static and crisp, like a 35-millimeter photo.

So, not only has the City of St. Paul, in effect, seized Clear Channel's property without just compensation, they have done so under the auspices of their control-freak, statist liberal leanings than with regard to any modicum of common sense. Personal property rights be damned. For the omniscient State will provide.

(turn Soviet Music louder here)

So rejoice, Komrade! The Glorious Nannystate of Minnesota, the land where nothing is allowed, will take care of you!
-----------------------------
(Filed under limousine liberals)