I try not to get too opinionated in the forum on a daily basis, but from time to time, I need to let something off my chest. Here it is.....
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I have to say, that I'm a bit concerned about the attitude (at least what I perceive) in the Anti-Smoking movement, that suggest that this is an all or nothing proposal. I fear, that in St. Paul and across the nation, we are loosing our ability and willingness to seek compromise.
It seems to me, that there is a very real opportunity to reach an amicable compromise, which would ban smoking in most establishments immediately and in all establishments within a couple of years.
I've heard that opponents of the ban have been willing to discuss a total ban, if phased in over a course of several years - but, that opponents are unwilling to compromise.
Since when, has compromise become a bad word?
While, I agree that a total ban is the ultimate goal. I would be willing to wait several years for the full ban to take effect, if the ultimate outcome was that we could start now AND a general consensus could be reached so that portions of our community did not feel as if this issue was being pushed down their throat.
I have lived with smoking all of my life, I am eager to see it disappear. However, I also understand that many of my neighbors feel differently - and, I for one, would be willing grant them time to adjust.
As it is, we risk the possibility of doing nothing - because we are unwilling to compromise.
Now, I'm not directly involved in this issue and have not been privy to negotiations. I'm sure, I'll be told that the efforts at reaching a compromise are all a diversion to prevent a smoking ban. However, it seems clear to me, that the smoking ban train has left the station and cannot be stopped. Smoking will eventually be banned in all St. Paul restaurants and bars, either through local or state-wide legislation.
I don't understand, what appears to me, to be a complete unwillingness to compromise on the timetable.
I would rather get a portion of the ban right now - than wait for 1-2 years, to get the whole thing at once, while increasing the hostility and polarization of St. Paul politics in the meantime.
Just my humble opinion.........
:-)
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-- ================================================= Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim =================================================
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