Every evil this world has ever experienced was born of good intentions, from the Inquisition, through the Crusades, to Hitler's Germany. Perhaps that's why these movements are so hard to stop. What better intention is there than the public health? Why, if someone DARES question that goal, he is seen as a reactionary, a "flat earther," or even worse, as a shill for the tobacco companies.
Everyone knows the old adage that "those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it," but few realize the darkest parts of our history ARE being repeated, right now. What will it take to open your eyes?
Duluth, Minnesota's City Councilor, Rob Stenberg, wants to scrap their unworkable, four-month-old anti-smoking ordinance that has already put several long-term businesses out of business and left wait staff unemployed. Many restaurateurs openly disregard the ban in order to save their businesses, but a lot of people won't be able to get their lives back.
Hospitality industry receipts in San Francisco are down to 1994 levels as tourists go elsewhere less oppressive.
Mayor Ted Tedesco said he was "somewhat despondent" at the amount of harsh criticism council members received through e-mails, letter and phone messages during the Ames, Iowa, city council's attempt to pass a smoking ban in restaurants and bars.
Edmonton, Alberta (Canada), passed a law totally banning smoking in all restaurants. After a huge public outcry, they changed it to allow restaurant owners some semblance of choice. Two hundred twenty-five local restaurants have applied to the city to be allowed to permit smoking under a hardship exemption.
Ottowa business owners are banding together to sue their lawmakers who passed sweeping anti-smoking ordinances. As one restaurateur said, "It's obvious small business is expendable in this city."
Thinking is becoming more polarized, anti-smoking action more repressive, the gap between smokers and anti-smokers more inflammatory. Sweeping new laws are enacted and existing legislation re-interpreted with little regard to the direction they are taking us. The precedents being set on the tobacco front encourage the worst elements of authoritarianism and all the people--smokers and nonsmokers--will suffer the loss of our traditional liberties if it isn't reined in.Please remember that you were elected to serve ALL the people, and smokers do still qualify.
Thank you.