Smoke or no smoke?
September 28, 2007 by Kristen Miller
Filed under General
Monday, Oct. 1 is the beginning of a statewide smoking ban and many people think this is an infringement on Americans’ rights. Since smoking isn’t against the law, they wonder what will the government take away next? On the other hand, many people are happy they can now breathe easy. What do you think?
This is a dark day for those of us who live in the People’s Republic of Minnesota. More government contol over citizens’ lives and business owners’ ability to operate the companies that are their livelihood is not a good direction for the state. There is an inherent hypocracy in the state raking in tax dollars from smokers, but treating them like criminals.
Hypocrisy indeed, can the government collect “sin” taxes without advocating “sin”? How does a community operate a liquor store and DARE program simultaneously without talking out of both sides of their mouth?
Personally I think it is a WONDERFUL thing to ban smoking inside public locations. As a non-smoker by choice I prefer not to be forced to breath in the poision dished out by others. It is not asking too much to have them step outside away from me if they need to indulge their habit.
While I value the opinion of everyone, I feel a need to address Josh’s statement of a community operating a liquor store and D.A.R.E. program…D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), is a program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. A liquor store is for those of legal age, with the hopes that their intellegence and maturity keeps their intake to a moderate level or at the very least they do not get behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle. ( Note* drinking and driving is illegal in the state of Minnesota also for the safety and well being of innocent people- not so different from the ban of smoking… for the safety and well being of non-smokers )
While drinking is legal for those that follow the laws, so is smoking. and I commend the state for taking the step to protect me and my children!!!
We got our packet from the county with the “required” notices about the smoking ban.
Although we would have a smoke-free workplace anyway, because smoke stinks so bad, I resent the government intruding further into our lives with more laws.
Cherilyn,
Bars and restaurants are not public places. They are privately own businesses. I sincerely doubt that anyone has ever forced you to enter one of these establishments. You go there by choice. You have always had the choice of choosing a smokie or a smoke free environment.
This law is typical MN. I do not agree with the belief that our gov’t needs to dictate what legal activities occur in “private” businesses