Posted on Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 5:40 a.m.
It's been a great six months under Michigan's smoke-free law
By Letters to the Editor
It’s hard to believe it has been six months since the smoke-free law took effect in Michigan.
I’ve enjoyed being able to go out to my favorite bars and restaurants and not worry about the health effects of secondhand smoke.
We waited a long time for this healthy change. Now, it’s hard to believe we ever allowed smoking in our work places.
My father passed away from lung cancer 11 years ago. He was not able to walk me down the aisle and he never knew his grandchildren. I would not wish this on another human being and hopefully, with the passing of the smoke-free law, there will be fewer families that have this same experience.
It’s been a great first six months of the smoke-free law.
Jennifer L. Belaire Ypsilanti
Comments
David Briegel
Tue, Nov 16, 2010 : 10:19 p.m.
skotsky, It is precisely because of Ronnie Reagan and the Bushies version and vision of "free enterprise" that we are bankrupt, deregulated, and morally adrift as the Mad Hatters are complaining that when the first amendment fails you must exercise your second amendment remedy! Now, put those evil words in the mouth of a liberal 6 years ago and tell me your response. And Skotsky, is it a "mental disorder" to still await the mythological promise of Ronnie's trickle down? Personally, I and most people I speak with are thankful for the smoking ban and it hasn't harmed any business at all!!
janawritesalot
Mon, Nov 15, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
The only opinion worth reading regarding "enjoying" the effects of the smoking ban are the waitstaff and bartenders. After all, this "public policy" decision was supposed to be about their benefit, not yours. Whether or not restaurant patrons are enjoying the effects has nothing to do with the original decision to pass the smoking ban, because you had a choice to enter or not enter establishments that allowed smoking. I would also venture to guess that those who die of lung cancer tend to be those who are smokers themselves, not individuals who occasionally dine near the smoking section. I doubt that this ban will result in fewer families dealing with the same experience.
JSA
Mon, Nov 15, 2010 : 11:26 a.m.
Maybe you should get rid of the tobacco taxes by way of apologizing for persecution you hypocrites.
Rusnak
Mon, Nov 15, 2010 : 10:18 a.m.
JohnnyA2 I hate to tell ya but with the GOP taking a majority in Michigan gov't there's already talk that the whole smoking thing will be revisited. As for targeting cigarettes to children? Joe Camel is no longer the face of Camel's. Of course the name Happy Meal is targeting children. That's where the parents responsibility should take over. Things should be done in moderation. Now this comment takes the cake. "Reconcile your silly free enterprise failed system any way you want, but it's the law, it will stay the law, and it is a good thing." Without free enterprise this nation would not be where it is today, this country is the envy of the world. Why do you think so many people want to come here? Don't take this wrong I enjoy a good debate. But, your views are proof why Liberalism is a Mental Disorder.
Erich Jensen
Mon, Nov 15, 2010 : 9:46 a.m.
Except smoking patrons now stand in the doorways of restaurants (e.g., Main Street)!
Mick52
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 8:08 p.m.
Typically I lean toward keeping the govt out of people's business, but when the govt decides it must, I prefer no hypocrisy. Skotsky is not going to like my post. If the govt wants to get into health care especially under the guise of making it "affordable," then they should do everything to do so. Thus smoking should be banned completely. And people should be strictly directed to healthy lifestyles. Smoking and obesity are significant financial burdens on health care - and employers who supply health insurance. Since it is nearly impossible to keep people from smoking and eating crap, then those who do should have to pay significantly more for their health care insurance. Why should taxpayers pay for lung cancer treatment of smokers, heart surgery for the overweight? Many people who are not up to speed on the health care issue think that a single payer system is the way to go. Well if you smoke or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, you may want to think differently. It is happening: http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/uk_smoker_denied_surgery_for_broken_ankle/
johnnya2
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 2:25 p.m.
@skotsky NOBODY HAS BANNED SMOKING! They have just banned doing it in a place of public accommodation. A happy meal may have never killed a child, but anybody who thinks marketing cigarettes or deadly food to children is acceptable needs to really get their head examined. A happy meal by its very definition is targeting children. Would you be for an advertisement promoting condoms or sex toys for children? Maybe a promotion if you buy a Trojan we will throw in a puzzle game? As for the legality of those things I mentioned. So is smoking in a restaurant. Sex is not illegal, but using it for employment is. Smoking is not illegal, but doing it in a bar or restaurant is. Drinking is not illegal, but doing it too excess or without a license is. Gambling is not illegal, but doing it in an UNREGULATED way is. You just accept them as illegal because it has been that way for so long. There was a time when a man could rape his wife, because she was property. Laws change to keep up with the times. Smoking is ILLEGAL in a bar or restaurant in the state of Michigan as well. Reconcile your silly free enterprise failed system any way you want, but it's the law, it will stay the law, and it is a good thing.
Rusnak
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.
JohnnyA2: You stated in your response, "We currently ban marijuana. All salt, transfat and happy meals do are make people enjoy something. The same as marijuana. Except of course marijuana has never directly killed people." I don't of anyone who died of a happy meal either. And, God forbid if they enjoyed something. The things in your viewpoint describe things that are illegal. Smoking is not illegal. Your idea that transfats, salt and happy meals are a good start is ridiculous as well because if we follow that logic then we better ban coffee. If we did that there would be riots in A2.
bruceae
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 11:22 a.m.
Come on down to the Detroit Casinos, they are doing a booming business. We have been spending a lot more time there since the ban. And because they put those video machines in the bars the area is considered "the gaming floor". We also haven't spent one evening in any of the sports bars for the entire football season. Again we either watch the games at the casinos with friends or host private parties at home.
Killroy
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 10:52 a.m.
Now if only we could have a total smoking ban in Michigan that includes the Casinos? In light of the Cigarette Industry's struggles trying to recruit new customers, I added a link to this fascinating article about what their trying to do in the developing world: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/business/global/14smoke.html?_r=1&hp
Deb
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.
(I meant to say I'm all for smaller government without governmental interference.)
Deb
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.
Skot, It was left up to the owners and the private sector and it hit a plateau; the majority of bars and restaurants remained smoker-friendly. I'm all for smaller government (and its interference) but second-hand smoke affects everyone. I don't care if someone smokes but in a public area this habit treads on the rights and the freedom of non-smokers. It's rather nice enjoying a nice dinner out without the dining experience ruined by the smell of lingering stale smoke. I don't care if you smoke your brains out but leave others alone. If this argument is about rights and "freedom" it certainly falls short because non-smokers have rights too.
JD
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.
I love, love, love that Michigan is smoke free. Really, this issue could go back and forth all day but there are a lot of things we aren't "allowed" to do in public places because they affect others and smoking is a perfectly acceptable one to add to the list. There's a big difference between YOU choosing to smoke and me having to breathe it in - eat as much salt and trans fats as you want - I don't care.
sh1
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:54 a.m.
My husband and I have enjoyed frequenting the places we had stopped hanging out at. All seem to be bustling.
Rusnak
Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:04 a.m.
This whole smoking thing should have been left up to the owners. Some establishments were already going smoke-free and that's fine, it's their business. Politicians protecting Detroit casinos from the ban for their own personal gain was unjustified. Smoking in a private club such as the American Legion, Moose, Elks, etc... should have been left up the members it's a "private" club. Next the protection police will want to ban transfats, salt, (i.e. NYC) or, the Happy Meal, (San Fran). And don't give me this "to protect the workers" no one is forcing them to work in such an establishment. I agree smoke smells and is a vicious habit. But it's not the govt's business. Get out of the way and let the free market decide. Stop trying to save me from myself.