On Dec 29, 2004, at 12:28 AM, Diane Wiley wrote:
I find this so funny because I am a lifelong
smoker/ex-smoker/smoker/ex-smoker/smoker ad nauseum and I think the ban is
GREAT! I have too many friends and family members who are made physically
ill by smoke, and they have to limit where they can hear music. Will I miss
sitting at the bar sucking down a cigarette? I will. But I also kind of
like going outside and sharing a butt with the other outcasts. So, I
disagree that the smoking ban is a step backwards -- I think it's just
common courtesy on a large scale and while it may not be the best thing that
happened this year, I think it's something good.
But what's the best? That Minnesota voted for Kerry and that we changed the
face of the legislature -- that's something worth cheering about!
I think these reflect more of an attitude of our citizens than an accomplishment by our elected officials. True, however, these are things that I am proud of, but if we are asking what is the biggest step forward taken by the City Council, I would have to look at your first paragraph and say the Smoking Ban.
I was very much against it before watching the final vote and debate on the issues surrounding it, but my views were swayed by the very insightful remarks by Councilman Samuels. His assessment of the problem, and framing the arguments in terms of "Life, LIberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" were the most adroit and succinct that I'd ever seen on the subject.
Granted, I'm biased towards anyone who can forge both a philosophical and practical argument, but I also believe that's the sort of reasoning that's needed by anyone on the Council.
As for the best Unsung Hero of this past year?
That's very difficult.
I think I'll beg off on that one...
Yours, David J Rust NorthEast Minneapolis
IMHO: The smoking ban was the lowest ebb in Minneapolis in a long time.Thesmoking ban was a monumental step backward toward nanny-stateism at it'stheir
worst. It proved that Minnesotans (or Minneapolis residents) would rather
sacrifice freedom for security, and would rather sacrifice freedom forYear"ability to make a decision. It was truly a sad day for adults who feel competent in their abilities to make their own decisions.
And I'm a life-long non-smoker.
Dr. Michael Thompson Southwest Minneapolis
----- Original Message ----- From: "Steven Clift" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 1:20 PM Subject: [Mpls] Mpls Year in Review, Unsung Heros
What was
I'm interested in your take on the highlights of 2004 in Minneapolis.a step forward for the community? A step back?
I am also interested in any stories about your "Unsung Person of theindidMinneapolis. Someone who as part of their contribution to public lifesomething above the call of duty.
Steven Clift E-Democracy.Org
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