What happened, unfortunately, was a pattern repeated in the years following. Between the smoking ban’s effect on small taverns/club owners and the health official’s petty enforcement of ordinances, many a man lost a business.

In December, Bruce Marshall’s building was actually torn down, having been the object of neglect. I was saddened. And still angry. It was a very sharp reminder of the plight man has against his government.

Today, yet another reminder. The story of another man running a business in a growing city: Dana Thompson and the Strand Theater in Angola, Indiana. The man who wanted to run a small business. He was sure he would prosper.

The town has decided to prosecute the man for changing his light bulbs. Of course, there are more details, but the scenario seems strikingly familiar. Man against his goverment. Man means no harm, just wants to run his business. But there is a man on the otherside of the story, just like Bruce Marshall.

A friend writes:

It is an ugly situation. My great aunt worked at this theater most of her life until she was in her 80′s. It is a real treasure. The guy who owns it now (since 1974) has a thriving business and never tore up the beauty of this historical building, like others have downtown.

Inside it is the same as I remember as a kid, yet still clean and comfortable. This is the kind of guy who will say “Did you like it? Do you want to see it again? Go ahead and stay for the second show!”

The theater to him is his life. He stands outside announcing shows, somewhat like a carnival barker–enticing people to come to his theater instead of the one next door (which they tore up inside.. but that is another story). He gladly let’s you stand inside the doorway if you are waiting for others, even if you don’t go to his theater.

He is glad to have you as a customer.

It is enough to kill a man.

Politics can be horrid. In a small town, they really stand out and WILL scare business away.

I don’t know if the man has a lawyer, let alone a good one. Something tells me it will be a long battle. Not only a legal battle, but a public relations battle, as well. If he doesn’t have a legal defense fund, I hope he does soon. I would give money to keep a man and a dream alive.

I sat at the funeral for Mr. Marshall and experienced the mourning. Not only did a family lose a member, but the community, as well. We cannot let man and goverment become opponents. Only the man will lose.

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