The business of gay bars in NYC in the 60s was very simple. They were run by organized crime, and the mob paid off the police so the bars wouldn't be raided. Of course the bars were raided, but this was part of an elaborate show put on for the media and to fool the public. You see, the bars would be raided in election years in the months before a city election to show that whoever was in office was tough on vice. The mob was always notified in advance. Their business would be closed for a day and then back. It was the lgbt people who suffered from these raids, since at the time, exposure for those who were not out could mean loss of job, and family.
So what time is it in Atlanta? It's time for city elections. And the one of the mayor's reelection campaign offices is right next door to the bar.
This sort of thing used to play well with a populace that didn't know any lgbt people. But Atlanta in 2009 is more liberal and knowing than NYC is 1969. How will this affect elections this year? Lets watch how candidates respond to this outrage.
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