Enough of "Smoke Free Places"

Hat Tip to my daughter Sarah who checked my blog down in Paraguay (she's there with her Mom visiting family) and politely let me know I haven't posted lately!

I just watched a local news clip describing how SAFE ("smoke free areas for everybody" or something like that) is trying to pass an ordinance in Oneida County that would prohibit smoking in all bars and eating establishments. The Tavern League is apparently going to fight this to the bitter end, and I wish them luck in their efforts.

These people who are so against smoking just don't get it:

1. Smoking is a legal activity
2. Bars and restaurants are privately owned and their respective owners should be able to set whatever standard they want as regards smoking
3. Most importantly, everybody chooses for themselves where they want to go eat and drink.

If you think that second hand smoke is that bad, then don't go to a bar or restaurant that allows smoking!!

If you think that second hand smoke is that bad for you, then don't take a job in places that allow smoking!!

If nobody goes to places that allow smoking, then those places will either go out of business, or they will change their policy. Same thing about workers - if no one will work in these establishments that allow smoking, then they'll either go out of business or they'll change their policy!

To all those fighting to make every stinking square foot in the nation "smoke free", stick it in your ear. Quit forcing your idea of a healthy environment on me. If enough people don't want second hand smoke in their face, then they will drive the change through their purchasing power in the market place.

I get ticked off about this every time I hear of it.

And I don't even smoke...