There isn’t a day that passes, when I wish private business owners still had the legal right to decide their smoking policy, and not have to secretly break the law and smoke indoors. Before the state ban took effect across Illinois, there already were more than enough businesses catering to the non-smoking niche, while businesses catering to smokers also could freely exist. It seems like to me that Minnesota had to have been the same way(enough businesses catering to non-smokers, and some towards smokers, both existed), before their state ban took effect. It also seems to me that slightly more local bans existed in Minnesota, before their state ban took effect. (and as opposed to Illinois, where bans only gained a foothold in the Chicago area and central part of the state)

By the way, the trend of demonizing vices because a vocal minority didn’t like a certain activity, has been going on for centuries. It occurred with alcohol in the 19th and early 20th Century(and led up to a U.S. constitutional amendment prohibiting alcohol), and occurred with other vices before then. (including rulers who prohibited tobacco use pre-20th Century)

You see, the founders of this country believed that the citizens of this great country had a right to liberty. By depriving private property owners of rights to conduct business as they choose, it is in direct violation of the US Constitution. Sure, some corrupt special interest groups whipped up some phony stats to make it look as though smokers are evil, murdering scumbags, but when a business owners is deprived of his private property rights based upon half-truths and downright lies, it opens the door to depriving all of us of our property rights.

I know it’s a difficult concept for people like you to understand, Ed, but a big powerful government has the power to control its people, just as many other powerful governments have enslaved their people.

If you do even a little research, Ed, you will see that there have been many other anti-smoking crusades throughout history, and they have all failed. The most notable would likely be the Nazi’s anti-smoking crusade.

Personally, I’m not too concerned about patio smoking legislation and choose where to go based on where I can enjoy good food and beer without smoke.

I’m curious to find out why you think the current trend in protecting non-smokers from smokers will reverse itself. Presonally, I see this being something that’s more likely to follow things like seatbelt legislation which have continued to become more strict over time.

I thought you would like this one. It is about your buddy Bob from ALAMN
http://banthebanwisconsin.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/finally-an-admission-of-censorship/

Don’t let them get away with it.

Michael J. McFadden
Author of “Dissecting Antismokers’ Brains”

P.S. It’s also a good idea to check out Jacob’s orignal 22nd column on the study. It’s linked right near the top of the 27th column.

Also, in WI Doyle has put a State Smoking ban in his budget proposal that is up for a vote in June or July.