Anti-smokers use 'lies, fear' to promote 'government nannyism'
Editor:
Anti-smokers have developed a standard strategy now. It descends on your mayor or county Commission, and then carries them away with primitive lies and invitations to fear. Last Tuesday's Columbia County Commission meeting was a perfect example of this onslaught of hysteria. If you expect reason, fairness or any genuine willingness to compromise from them, or the bewitched commissioners, you'll be wrong.
"Government nannyism" is how one Maryland legislator once characterized the bans on smoking in restaurants and bars, meaning that these intrusive initiatives seek to make children of adults. Why do we need a ban in Columbia County if we already have choices for people to make? Smoking, like wearing fur, is something that certain factions want to ban simply because they don't like it. It has slipped from a health crusade to a moral one.
As for cancer deaths and other afflictions among those who might be affected by secondhand smoke, who is forcing anyone to work in an eating and drinking establishment that allows smokers? Nonsmokers can just as easily make the choice to patronize eating and drinking establishments that voluntarily impose bans. At least now they have options; with a total ban smokers do not.
Three Columbia County commissioners have swallowed the special interest anti-smoking crowd's propaganda hook, line and sinker, wearing their anti-smoking buttons on their chests during the entire meeting. The other two used common sense! They have looked at the facts. Austin, Texas, for example, revoked a similar smoking ban after its devastating effects on the local economy.
Columbia County's 3 stooges for anti-smoking have rejected any compromise other than an out right ban and have not researched the facts independently from the special interest anti-smoking fanatical goon squad.
The evidence from New York State, Delaware and other locations makes clear that smoking bans are poison for business. ...
The problem is that anti-smokers' only, although bogus, reason for smoking bans is based on protecting innocent bystanders from toxic air. Remove the "toxins" and there is no problem, except for anti-smokers. Why are they doing everything possible to prevent all establishments from utilizing devices that purifies the air completely? In all the years since tobacco smoke was "discovered" to be deadly, anti-tobacco has done its best to ensure that ventilation is never considered, even though non-smokers and smokers alike would rather have air scrubbed of all irritants than see prohibition imposed.
The anti-smokers don't want there to be any research in ventilation systems because their entire house of cards would fall. ...
Two level-headed Columbia County commissioners favor freedom of choice, for individuals and businesses alike, and that includes smoking. There are smoke free restaurants, well-ventilated restaurants, and smoke-friendly restaurants in Columbia County. People have the ability to choose what they want. Let the demand designate the supply, and not look to over-regulation as a solution.
Woody Highsmith
Evans