Comments 'a cheap shot at Democrats'; ban fits Republicans

Editor:

I'm writing this letter in response to The News-Times' Aug. 1 editorial, stating that consideration of a countywide smoking ban was initiated from the wrong party.

This editorial was just a cheap shot at the Democratic Party, from your so-called non-Republican newspaper. The Columbia County News-Times always endorses Republican candidates, just like your patriarchal newspaper, The Augusta Chronicle, always endorses Republican candidates.

A smoking ban would fall into place with the Republican Party brainchild, the Evans town center, which doesn't allow Christmas light displays on businesses but allows a lighted Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn. A Republican-backed county ordinance says a Rebel flag cannot fly on public property, not even on a monument in the back of the courthouse.

I agree; smoking is nasty and unhealthy, and should not be done in a restaurant, office, etc. But to say a ban would most likely have come from another party except the Republican Party?

George W. Bush brought you the Patriot Act, which should be changed to the "George Orwell Act." Who says the Republicans are for less government?

Kevin Brown

Martinez