would like to congratulate the Monroe Times for its forthright opinion in "Our View" of Nov. 12 - that people should decide for themselves when to smoke in public places, not the government making the decision.
The people have decided there shall not be smoking in civic places, restaurants, airplanes, etc. and this is very proper. But when we come down to taverns and private clubs, the matter is different. All such places should be able to come to their own policies. A tavern owner can provide nonsmoking areas or nonsmoking times and have good ventilation to avoid offending anyone. In this city there are plenty of nonsmoking bars already, so there is absolutely no problem for patrons or employees. They can choose. Similarly, a private establishment such as a golf club has a board of directors who will regulate appropriately.
By contrast in the same publication, the Times printed a letter from a board member of Smoke Free Wisconsin who trots out the party line. However eloquent his pleas, the criticisms are obvious and many. He repeats several times over that "It is time." Yes, it is time, but not quite as he sees it.
A rather famous document includes the phrase "pursuit of happiness." It does not mention smoking, since the framers never thought anyone would object. It is indeed time to consider the civil rights of other people whose opinions differ from his.
It is indeed right to look at the behavior of our neighboring states and try to learn from their mistakes, not copy them blindly. Minnesota already is reconsidering - see the Tavern League of Wisconsin Web site. It is indeed time to face the fact that statistically the harm from secondhand smoke is strongly disputed by many thorough scientific papers - see Web site of Forces International.
It is indeed time to admit that anybody voting on this issue should only do so after a study of such opposing papers. If they have not, then their opinions are unbalanced and worthless and their motivations very questionable. It is time to consider that the public is not dumb and can come to its own decisions. Happiness is not a 51/49 state vote. It also applies to minority groups and people with other views.
The only certain effects of this proposed ban will be to close down even more taverns and throw more people out of work.
What a time to do it.
The people have decided there shall not be smoking in civic places, restaurants, airplanes, etc. and this is very proper. But when we come down to taverns and private clubs, the matter is different. All such places should be able to come to their own policies. A tavern owner can provide nonsmoking areas or nonsmoking times and have good ventilation to avoid offending anyone. In this city there are plenty of nonsmoking bars already, so there is absolutely no problem for patrons or employees. They can choose. Similarly, a private establishment such as a golf club has a board of directors who will regulate appropriately.
By contrast in the same publication, the Times printed a letter from a board member of Smoke Free Wisconsin who trots out the party line. However eloquent his pleas, the criticisms are obvious and many. He repeats several times over that "It is time." Yes, it is time, but not quite as he sees it.
A rather famous document includes the phrase "pursuit of happiness." It does not mention smoking, since the framers never thought anyone would object. It is indeed time to consider the civil rights of other people whose opinions differ from his.
It is indeed right to look at the behavior of our neighboring states and try to learn from their mistakes, not copy them blindly. Minnesota already is reconsidering - see the Tavern League of Wisconsin Web site. It is indeed time to face the fact that statistically the harm from secondhand smoke is strongly disputed by many thorough scientific papers - see Web site of Forces International.
It is indeed time to admit that anybody voting on this issue should only do so after a study of such opposing papers. If they have not, then their opinions are unbalanced and worthless and their motivations very questionable. It is time to consider that the public is not dumb and can come to its own decisions. Happiness is not a 51/49 state vote. It also applies to minority groups and people with other views.
The only certain effects of this proposed ban will be to close down even more taverns and throw more people out of work.
What a time to do it.
