I wrote an op/ed to my hometown paper after they published there own op/ed saying that free enterprise should decide whether we are allowed to smoke or not.
If you have anything I should add to it or any other suggestions let me know. I am so tired of hearing the same old smoking crap from "free enterprise fanatics." I am free enterprise too, but not when it endangers the lives of others. Here was my response:
<i>Recently, an op/ed entitled "No Smoking? Let the Free Enterprise System Work," appeared in the " "Star. The article comes after Virginia's House of Delegates voted against a comprehensive ban on smoking in public places.
The point of the article was, as you can probably guess from the title, that ultimately people will choose "with their feet." When it becomes culturally acceptable to do so, they will stop going to smoking establishments such as restaurants.
This is the rationale I always here by those opposed to a ban on smoking in public places. However, sometimes government intervention is warranted. I am all for free enterprise but I would argue a ban on smoking is essential to public health. The government doesn't allow people to drive drunk, nor do they allow builders to use asbestos. At some point the government has to act. Smoking has proven to be harmful both to smokers and to those exposed to second hand smoke. For those with asthma and other lung diseases, exposure can make life even more difficult.
I have lived with a genetic lung disease (cystic fibrosis) for the past 27 years. I'm convinced if the legislators could live one day in my shoes they would ban smoking immediately. The damage caused by second hand smoke is well documented. I am already at the point where I will soon need a lung transplant. I can't continue to be exposed to second hand smoke and risk further damage to my lungs. I'm certainly not the only one in this community who suffers from lung problems. Smoke can be devastating to those with asthma and other lung diseases.
If you live in the " " area you probably know how difficult it is to find a non-smoking restaurant. Your choices are very limited and no one wants to eat at the same place all the time. Non smoking sections in restaurants are laughable. Many times I have been seated side-by-side with a smoker separated by 5 foot divider.
We all know how addictive smoking is. If we are going to wait for free enterprise to bring in more non-smoking restaurants in Virginia, I'm afraid we are going to be waiting a long time. </i>
If you have anything I should add to it or any other suggestions let me know. I am so tired of hearing the same old smoking crap from "free enterprise fanatics." I am free enterprise too, but not when it endangers the lives of others. Here was my response:
<i>Recently, an op/ed entitled "No Smoking? Let the Free Enterprise System Work," appeared in the " "Star. The article comes after Virginia's House of Delegates voted against a comprehensive ban on smoking in public places.
The point of the article was, as you can probably guess from the title, that ultimately people will choose "with their feet." When it becomes culturally acceptable to do so, they will stop going to smoking establishments such as restaurants.
This is the rationale I always here by those opposed to a ban on smoking in public places. However, sometimes government intervention is warranted. I am all for free enterprise but I would argue a ban on smoking is essential to public health. The government doesn't allow people to drive drunk, nor do they allow builders to use asbestos. At some point the government has to act. Smoking has proven to be harmful both to smokers and to those exposed to second hand smoke. For those with asthma and other lung diseases, exposure can make life even more difficult.
I have lived with a genetic lung disease (cystic fibrosis) for the past 27 years. I'm convinced if the legislators could live one day in my shoes they would ban smoking immediately. The damage caused by second hand smoke is well documented. I am already at the point where I will soon need a lung transplant. I can't continue to be exposed to second hand smoke and risk further damage to my lungs. I'm certainly not the only one in this community who suffers from lung problems. Smoke can be devastating to those with asthma and other lung diseases.
If you live in the " " area you probably know how difficult it is to find a non-smoking restaurant. Your choices are very limited and no one wants to eat at the same place all the time. Non smoking sections in restaurants are laughable. Many times I have been seated side-by-side with a smoker separated by 5 foot divider.
We all know how addictive smoking is. If we are going to wait for free enterprise to bring in more non-smoking restaurants in Virginia, I'm afraid we are going to be waiting a long time. </i>