In that context, I note that there is a U.S. Supreme Court decision expressly finding a Constitutional right to obtain an abortion (agree with it or disagree with it -- it is out there) but none to sell chicken sandwiches.

If the courts decide Chik-Fil-A has a legal right to open a store where other restaurants are allowed, or if a law is passed to establish that right, well... then that's what happens.

Spanish question for a manuscipt:

Would a person be names Maria de Guadalupe Sanchez, or would it be Maria Guadalupe de Sanchez?

(I gotta run to Target, but I appreciate any insight.)

It... depends on what her name is? If she's named after the Virgin of Guadalupe, it could very well be the former. If her father's last name is Guadalupe and her mother's is Sanchez, then the latter.

Also, msbelle, your boss does sound like an asshole.

I feel really stupid when I have to point to the screen to explain things. When I have to point to a word, and then flip windows, and draw a rectangle on the screen with my finger and say "That? Is this."

And everyone can hear exactly how pedantic I'm being, but all I'm saying is: "It's written down. Let me read it to you, since you reading it is not working out so good." With all the attendant grammar issues. Thank dog (in a way) that our manager wasn't here to hear that.

At least they can't tell I'm forwarding emails that say "This is the email in which he's telling you X is Y."

Good god, people. Don't make me have to stand and look over your shoulder while you work. And stop asking me what code you have to change.

OK, say we're talking about Chicago, where the elected alderman has considerable latitude in granting or denying permits. AFAIK the alderman can legally deny Chik-Fil-A's application for opening a store. Then I would agree with the decision to keep Chik-Fil-A from opening a store in the alderman's ward.

Still depends on the legal mechanism. Does Chicago law say that the final decision is up to the unfettered discretion of the alderman? Can he deny a permit to a Republican political group because they're Republican? Or is it merely "how things are done"? In which case, just because it's done doesn't make it constitutional.

I would say that, in general, denying a governmental service (like a planning permit or a zoning waiver) to a business solely because of political positions taken by the owners, which are unrelated to the business or service in question, and which are not otherwise illegal (like inciting the violent overthrow of the government), could be successfully challenged in court.

Does Chicago law say that the final decision is up to the unfettered discretion of the alderman? Can he deny a permit to a Republican political group because they're Republican? Or is it merely "how things are done"?

I'm not really sure. From what I've read, an alderman can do that. Not sure if it's just a "how things are done" issue.

I am somewhat conflicted about this, so hearing other views is good.

This reminds me of an issue when I lived in San Francisco back in '94-'95. There was some controversy on whether the city could prevent fast-food places from opening on Upper Haight (that's the West end, right?) Some people thought fast-food places would harm the character of the neighborhood.

Anyone know what happened with this?

TCG said that in MA the best Boston could do is make life difficult for a business to get the necessary permits and such and even that would open them up to potential lawsuits.

Anyone know what happened with this?

Are you referring to the McDonalds right at the corner of Haight and Stanyan where the Haight begins?

Generally, though, there've been successful efforts to kill off or quell chains that are deemed economically predatory to local businesses. I know that in the 90s Le Video (9th and Irving) successfully fought to prevent a Blockbuster from opening in the neighborhood. Similarly, I know that in Noe Valley there was a successful effort by local salons to stop Super Cuts from opening on the main drag.

It's not automatic, but there are rules in place against Big Box stores from opening within the city limits and local neighborhood groups have been very successful about pushing chains out of local neighborhoods and towards downtown/tourist zones.

There have also been some successful fights against Starbucks in places which have established local cafes.