Mr Driscoll writes: "Why? Smoking doubles the per capita consumption of alcohol."
And where does this statistic come from? I don't believe there is any scientific proof of this statement, only partisan rhetoric. State your sources, or is this just inflammatory rhetoric? Mr Driscoll writes: "Prohibiting smoking reduces alcohol consumption - at that's what's angering bar owners." I have never heard that argument, where is this coming from? State your source. This again sounds like rhetoric to inflame the argument, but with no valid backup. Mr Driscoll writes: "Now, I find the use of the word totalitarian pretty bizarre. Nothing about legitimate regulation for the public health and safety in the operation of public accommodations is "totalitarian." The Patriot Act is a display of totalitarianism at work - where dissent is suspect, perhaps even a crime in the administration's view; or what we choose to read might make us suspect with FBI access to our library records, etc. That's where you should direct your wrath about totalitarianism." I direct my objection to totalitarianism wherever it occurs. Just because you believe your crusade to be justified, so to does the administration of the Patriot Act. You just agree with one and disagree with the other, so you don't wish to see that both are totalitarian acts against the citizenry. It's apparent that you see dissent over the smoking ban issue as suspect. Mr Driscoll writes: "With booze, the killing of oneself or others is a lot quicker - when its user is drunk or high. Smoking kills just as dead - it just takes more time." Cirrhosis of the liver? Long term? Vegetative state from being hit by impared (doesn't have to be legally drunk, .08 is prima facia evidence of intoxication, lower levels impair our ability to operate machinery and function in life) driver? Mr Driscoll write: "With smoking - everyone's an addict and a killer. With drinking, only the abuser, the alcoholic, kills. The rest who drink in moderation aren't dangerous to themselves and others - until they light up." Again, any level of alcohol consumption reduces our ability to reason, function and operate machinery (cars). .08 is only the prima facia evidence of intoxication, you can be cited for drunk driving with a level lower than .08 if the officer feels you are impaired. To say that smoking kills more than alcohol, is I believe, unfounded. State the scientific evidence that says second hand smoke is deadlier than people who have been drinking any amount of alcohol and wreaked havoc on others. I have seen many people killed by drunk drivers and most were killed by people who were NOT "alcoholics" but rather casual users/abusers (is there a difference?) of alcohol. Alcoholics know how to function in society, the casual user does not when drinking. I think you may want to rethink this statement. Your diatribe Mr. Driscoll is why I use the word Totalitarian. You will stop at nothing to see your ideology through and use misleading and unsubstantiated statements to make your case. That is why this idea of banning everything that may harm people must come to an end. People have the right to make choices. Businesses have the right to make choices. Government cannot solve all of societies ills. You don't like second hand smoke, don't go to places where it may be. The EPA study has been shown to be flawed. Don't force the fact that you are having trouble as an ex-addict on others. Because you fear falling back is not a reason to take away the freedom of choice of others. We can continue to ban and legislate ourselves right out of all our civil rights. That is why this is totalitarianism. Tom Thompson Como Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
