Those cancer-stick-up-the-butt forces have lined up their troops along the District’s northern and eastern borders, and it’s only a matter of time before they come goose-stepping across that thin line that seperates freedom from totalitarianism.

Ok, that may be a little dramatic of a description, but it’s somewhat true — with the decision of Prince George’s County to go smoke-free in bars and restaurants, Maryland’s two counties that border the District will soon both officially be no-man’s land for smokers. According to the Post, Prince George’s County Council voted unanimously yesterday to ban smoking in bars and restaurants, joining Montgomery County, Talbot County, and quite possibly Howard County. And given a District’s council committee’s vote late last month to endorse a smoking ban for the city (a final vote is expected in December), smokers may have to start travelling further asunder to mix tobacco, food, and alcohol while indoors.

For now, Virginia seems to be one of the last few locales in the area that hasn’t gone all fascist on smokers. But with Maryland and the District bearing down on them, will they surrender?