Viewpoints
Smoking in restaurants
By Randy M. Lake
July 16, 2007
Monday PM
I know I promised, thought I could drop-it. Sorry, couldn't.
Not after the latest batch of letters on this subject. Ms Betterton
asks, "what right does any government agency have to force
a business owner to ban a legal enjoyment such as smoking?"
Duh, the rights allowed under the US Constitution, every level
of the Judicial system, State and local law, and the rights expressed
by voters all affirmed over and over again by the Supreme Court.
However what my co resident, Ms. Betterton does not see is that
her and my rights end at the others nose. A non smoker does not
affect smokers but a smoker effects all non smokers. Back when
I smoked, I also had descent enough manners to not smoke in restaurants,
as do many smokers. It is the smokers without descent manners
that require legislation to protect everyone's right to not smoke.
As to those views expressed by Ms. Kate Smith, first "Huh?"
secondly, did you forget that "majority rule" IS the
foundation of freedom and the overwhelming basis of our system
of government?
Ms Ardath Piston, banning smoking and the wish to be free of
second hand smoke, is no fad. Wake up and read the Surgeon General's
reports on the effects of second hand smoke, look at what is
happening in every state in the Union, the majority of Americans
have had enough of the inconsiderate effects of smokers on not
only their right to clean air but the health of themselves and
their children. Finally this country and increasingly other countries
are sick of the devastating impact of smokers on everyone's health.
It may be sad to you, that descent behavior in public must be
legislated, but that is the reality. And not just as to smoking.
Finally, all Americans bear the cost to health care brought
on by smokers.
Randy M. Lake
Ketchikan, AK
Received July 15, 2007 - Published July 16, 2007
About: "Non smoker, former
smoker, semi retired professional, lousy cook, eats out often,
has read a book (with a hard cover) traveled, former military
police, former IRS auditor, self employed over 35 years."
Related Viewpoints:
 What
Happened To Private Property Rights? By Jennifer Betterton
- Wrangell, AK
If
it's "law" - just deal with it? By Kate Smith -
Wrangell, AK
Majority
Rules? By Kate Smith - Wrangell, AK
Smoke,
Lies, and the Nanny State By Ardath Piston - Ketchikan, AK
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