SMOKING BAN

Obesity is a problem. I agree the freedom of choice is most important and I also understand how others didnt want to be affected by second hand smoke. Choices are available and the argument can be made that staff could find other jobs in non-smoking establishments and the other argument is why should staff have to change careers. There is a fine line between freedom of choice and negatively affecting others with those choices. The point made by Chacha is true that watching an overweight person wont cause any affects to you, but it will cause affects to our health care system in insurance rates. As Mr./Mrs. Obesity enters into a long term care facility, I will be affected by my insurance premiums to cover their needs. I am not for restrictions on freedom of choices but I am in favor of education. Informing the public that a triple fat burger has 5000 calories or 2 times the recommended daily amount. Remember the "this is your brain on drugs" with the frying egg. That's education. How about a balloon filled with water which squirts out the water, that would be "this is your heart", and then a balloon filled with axel grease slowly oozing out the grease "this is your heart on fast food". Education and visualization. That's the way to go.

After watching last nights Smoking Session on local TV, I had to comment. I am shocked by the number of people who are willing to give up their freedom of choice. The majority of those approaching the podium for a smoking ban were health care career related individuals. Each gave their interpretation of statistics and these presentations became very redundant quickly. Many missed the big question. Some did not.

The big question is: Do we allow government to take away our freedoms from us. Mr. Bertram identified that question very well. Whereas a following speaker mocked him for those in military are not fighting for our right to smoke. This is a major point in our history if this is passed as other similar issues will follow. Should we have goverment regulate how much cologne and perfume people can wear? I may be allergic to these and why should my choice of dining be limited to my health problems. Maybe we should have all of our residents vehicles fixed so no one can go over 55 mph. 55 mph is the law right? Why should the automotive industry be allowed to make vehicles which go 140mph? The most realistic follow up issue will be our obesity and fat intake. Could our smoking ban be a path to hang our "no fatty foods" ordinance on in the future? I am sure all of the same people who attended last night will show up with similar statistics and stories about loved ones. Mr. Bertram and others will go up and speak about freedom of choice. Mr. Bertram will be mocked by someone who doesnt think our military is over there fighting for our right to eat a greasy burger. Most will miss the big question.

Back to the smoking issue. The bowling "center" owner, Gail Plaisance, made some very good points about air exchange and dedicating a small area for smoking. I feel the business owners are intelligent and creative people. These are the people who should be spoken with. How do these business owners want to handle it? Instead we are asking everyone in the entire city how to handle Mr. Plaisance's business. What next? Is everyone in the entire city going to be asked what color I be allowed to paint my house? Mr. Plaisance knows his customer base, Mr. Bertram knows his. They realize how much business they will lose or gain based on their professional history. I doubt any one of those approaching the podium knows more about his business than Mr. Plaisance. For those claiming business increased in other communities when smoking bans came, I would think Mr. Plaisance would be the first one at the podium saying "let's do this so I can have an extra 20% in revenue!".

I used to be a smoker. I no longer am. I dont care to be around those when smoking. I dont like that my insurance rates are increased due to smoking. I question why those who smoke do BUT I do not feel I should have the right to take away that freedom of smoking a legal over the counter product. If we do have that right to take away other's freedoms, then the next item I want on the council's agenda is a dietary ban on all food which is not necessary. All red meats, high fat dairy, pies, cookies, candies, ice cream, and of course all fast foods. None of this is good for us. This City of Hutchinson can be on the map as the first rice cake and water community with an average life span of 108.

Although I shouldnt have to, I am worried someone will take me serious. I am being sarcastic.

What I really hope that does happen is; the businesses are met with and what comes from this is stickers which need to be placed on all public door entrances. The green sticker which reads "NO SMOKING" and the red sticker which reads "SMOKING ALLOWED" will be seen from the car, and when someone pulls up in a vehicle they will see what the business does. If it is true that businesses revenue increase with no smoking policies then those which allow smoking will lose business, and will soon change their ways.

For those that still insist that they like to go to a particular restaurant but do not because they have smoking, well that's just too bad. If we have the right to manage other people businesses, then I want Mr. Plaisance to start carrying 9.5 pound bowling balls as 10 pounds is too heavy for me. I won't do business with his bowling center because I may drop that 10 pound ball on someone else's toe and then we will have foot doctor's at the podium talking about the affects of foot injuries.

Let's all remember the big question here. Do we open the door for our local government to take away our freedoms? OR does our local government work with our businesses instead?

Fact #1: Tobacco is a LEGAL product in this
State.
Opinion: Business owners should have the right to determine which LEGAL activities are allowed to be conducted in their places of business. If the city council and anyone else needs a "cause", work on the eradication of illegal activities like meth use, vandalism, underage drinking, sexual predators....need any more?