Can't take it anymore, have to jump back into this..the abortion analogy is a good one in my opinion: It involves a personal choice which has serious implications for the choice-maker (both physical and psychological), as well as others affiliated with the choice-maker; in the case of abortion this choice not only impacts the fetus, but others such as the mother and father of the child, other relatives, etc.. I happen to be pro-choice and anti-abortion at the same time, which may seem to many like an irreconcilable conflict, but in fact is not; because for me the issue is not the morality or health implications involved, but the freedom to choose and right to privacy that I believe each of us is entitled to (no legal or constitutional debates, please.I'm not a lawyer, this is my opinion only). That's why I find the whole positioning of the pro-ban camp so disingenuous.they argue public health when it suits their personal preferences, but flip to the "choice/privacy" argum ent with abortion when the health issues become unsavory. I think this is really about a group of people who simply don't want to ever be bothered by 2nd hand smoke (insert the convenient "health" argument here) because they simply don't like it..and now have the overwhelming numbers and political momentum to do it. Which brings me to what bothers me the most about this whole debate.the fact that working class and working poor people who frequented neighborhood bars to unwind with a drink and a smoke, now have no place to go, no choice in this matter (and please don't respond by saying they can drink and smoke at home.it's not the same, not by a long shot). And here we are debating the economic impact of bar closings and liquor tax revenues..what a crock! To all the arrogant, know-it-all liberals who've lamented the rise of conservatism and republican politics in this country the past 10 years, I have one thing to say: Look in the mirror! You've lost touch with the working middle class (historical constituency of the democratic party) and driven them over to the dark side in droves. Wake up. PS: I neither smoke regularly nor frequent bars often Peter Surmak Linden Hills REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
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