Re: [StPaul] Smoking Ban Fodder

[Dennis Tester]

Since about 25% of the population smokes, and well over 50% of bar patrons 
smoke, it seems to me that at least this portion of the people don't buy the 
politically-motivated charge that somehow tobacco only exists because of a 
conspiracy of like-minded capitalists.  I happen to use tobacco in a 
thanksgiving ritual whenever I go to Bear Butte.  Do you want to ban that 
too?  Afterall, the wind might blow some tobacco flakes from the alter into 
the face of someone standing nearby.  We can't have that.

I challenge the anti-tobacco zealots that if they really cared so much about 
the "little people" and their health, to work zealously to get tobacco 
totally banned.  Seriously.  If you can justify the ban of tobacco in public 
places for health reasons, then you have a moral obligation to declare the 
substance illegal.  Name another legal substance that's banned in public 
places for health reasons.

And why you're at it, you could make the same nanny-state health claims and 
arguments against alcohol as you do against tobacco.  Afterall, sober people 
are killed by drunk drivers every day proving that alcohol use is also 
dangerous to innocent bystanders.  Innocent and poorly paid waitresses and 
waiters are forced, FORCED mind you, to breath the foul-smelling second-hand 
breath of intoxicated customers, suffering unknown harm to their unborn 
fetuses and to their sperm counts, not to mention the physical harm these 
poor workers are forced to risk by being around intoxicated people with 
unpredictable behavior.  And so if the use of tobacco can be banned in bars, 
the argument can be made that alcohol should also be banned in bars.  I'm 
certain that an enterprising lawyer could shop for and find a judge who'd 
agree.

To me, the most interesting part of this whole debate (since I don't 
frequent these unhealthy bars), is that the demographic that smokes the most 
and who frequent bars the most are blue-collar, working-class people and 
minorities.  Mark my words, certain politicians (if you get my non-acerbic 
drift) will rue the day if a total ban passes.

I agree:  Call your senators and reps. Find their numbers/addresses at:
<http://www.leg.state.mn.us>
Dennis Tester
Mac-Groveland

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