Shawn
sheilaMission Statement
Our goal is to help protect the basic rights of Minnesota residents and business owners, preserve the economic viability of rural and out-state communities and help maintain lifestyle choices.
Our mission is to neither encourage nor discourage smoking; rather, we advocate for the individual’s right to choose based on facts and the truth, without government interference, oppressive legislation, or special interest pressure.
We hope to encourage a healthy debate that fosters free-thought by offering valid arguments and alternatives to a government-mandated smoking ban on privately-owned property.
Our Organization
Ban the Ban Minnesota is in the process of incorporating as a not for profit organization in the State of Minnesota. We receive absolutely NO funding from “big tobacco” and we take no salary from donations.
“Concerned Citizens”
Shawn Gertken:
I am a smoker who has consciously made the choice to smoke cigarettes and would never pass judgment on anyone else who makes that choice. I quit smoking in 2000, but started again in 2007, at my own free will.
I believe there is too much money in the world being squandered on intimidating and belittling people to quit smoking. I believe that legislators who support smoking bans do not truly care about public health; if they did, they would make cigarettes illegal.
I believe there are risks we all take every day, yet tobacco is targeted on a regular basis, and smokers are scorned as inconsiderate wretches who go out of their way to inflict harm on others with their second-hand smoke.
I believe that large drug companies and corrupt non-profit organizations are spending millions of dollars lobbying for the passage of restrictive smoking bans for their own benefit, and small taverns are forced to push the majority of their customers out into the cold and rain, costing small businesses millions of dollars.
I believe that smoking bans are based upon fraudulent evidence that must be exposed so that the citizens of Minnesota can truly understand the freedom that is being taken from away from them when our government infringes on private property rights that are guaranteed in the US Constitution.
Sheila Kromer:
I am a wife, mother, chemist, small business owner and a smoker. I would not give up any of these titles for they are the choices that I have made in my life….none of which I regret.
As a chemist, my research of second hand smoke has led me to believe that the “health” industry is pulling a fast one with their so called scientific studies. If I conducted studies like that, I would be fired in a heart beat. It just amazes me that they are allowed to get away with it and that we allow them to get away with it. There needs to be a Federal investigation into these studies and the truth needs to come out.
As a small business owner, I have felt the economic effects of the smoking ban law. I watched, first hand, my customers disappear and stand outside in the freezing cold for a smoke. There are laws on the books that ensure animals are treated better than that. This is what motivated me to explore the “theater” exemption in the law and thus “theater nights” in Minnesota bars was born. I must give credit to Mark Benjamin (a non smoker) for he was an integral part of “theater nights” and I am forever indebted to him.
I spent numerous hours at the Capitol talking with legislators and testifying in committee hearings against the smoking ban. But alas, they didn’t want to hear what I had to say because their minds were already made up. The health care lobbyists were in full force and spreading the lies and deceit about second hand smoke.
As a wife, mother, chemist, small business owner and a smoker, I will not stop fighting this unjust law. I do not believe in having our freedom of choice taken away. I do not believe in trampling on private property owners rights to run their business. I do not take kindly to the government making choices for me and interferring in my life. I am an adult and can make my own choices. I will not be complacent any longer and I will stand up against government intrusion into my life. I do not need a nanny and can take care of myself.
Thanks for the work you’re doing. I have been vehemently against the smoking bans since they have been enacted. I’m frustrated by the public’s willingness to go along with it without a peep. I was hoping I could find an underground club to go to for those nights I’m with my smoking friends and it’s cold outside.
Thanks.
David H
Thanks David! While I can tell you that “smoke-easies” do exist in Minnesota, I cannot tell you where they are, as they risk a $10,000 fine if they are discovered by the wrong person. The good news is that, historically, “smoke-easies” will become more prevelant–this has happened in California and New York and will likely happen in Minnesota as well.
Of course, we’re working hard to give business owners’ rights back to them. We’re hoping 2009 will be a good year in that regard!!
David – We are hoping our voices will be heard on Nov. 4th…but if not we are not going away !