a:1:{s:15:"field_blog_body";a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:5:"value";s:1516:"<p>Coming from a commissar near you, the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-02-18-holiday-decorations_N.htm">city of Aurora, IL presents</a>:</p>
<p class="rteindent1">An ordinance in the Chicago suburb limits outdoor seasonal displays to 60 days before and after holidays, so starting Thursday, people with lingering Christmas spirit will get 14-day notices to remove them. If they don't, they could be fined $50.</p>
<p>Is it bad taste to have Christmas lights up for St. Patrick's Day? Maybe, but why is that my business? Why should I be concerned about what is on my neighbor's house as long as it doesn't endanger me? What about freedom of speech, the pursuit of happiness, and other American ideals?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The ordinance &quot;absolutely&quot; raises a free speech issue, says Dan Kobil, constitutional law professor at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. &quot;The hanging of lights and decorations is a quintessential reflection of views,&quot; he says, &quot;and is clearly First Amendment expression.&quot;</p>
</blockquote><blockquote>
<p>Aurora resident Michelle Medina calls the ordinance &quot;strange &hellip; but a good idea.&quot; She's annoyed when neighbors leave up their Christmas decorations all year. When do hers come down? Jan. 1 or 2, &quot;no matter what.&quot;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Because if you do it, so should the rest of the planet. In fact, they should be forced to. We&rsquo;re from the government, and we&rsquo;re here to help.</p>";s:6:"format";s:1:"2";}}}