Posted on Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 3:44 p.m.
It's time for Michigan Legislature to clear the air and pass smoking ban
By Cindy Heflin
The Legislature is considering a ban on smoking in workplaces that would include bars and restaurants.
AP file photo
The editorial notes that the majority of workplaces already ban smoking. "Indeed, smokers huddled outside the doors of their places of employment are the norm, rather than the exception," the editorial says. "Why should bartenders and the wait staff have a lessened expectation for clean indoor air, just because it is their customers exhaling carcinogens rather than their co-workers?"
Comments
David Briegel
Thu, Dec 10, 2009 : 4:57 p.m.
Yeah! I can't wait to sit at my favorite bar, smoke free! Ah, civility at last!
Atticus F.
Thu, Dec 10, 2009 : 1:57 p.m.
The new angle seems to be "we need to do this to provide a safe work environment"...But I would argue that there are plenty of jobs that carry risk, like working as an electrician, working on a fishing boat, cutting lumber, and any job that involves driving, you are more likely to suffer injury or death than someone sitting in an office. My point is that if you dont want to work in a smokey invironment, then find a job at a non-smoking estabishment...But please dont expect paying customers to change their behavior to suit your needs. BTW, I do not smoke, but I think people should have the right to choose for themselves.
treetowncartel
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 3:19 p.m.
I'm for the free market model. however, there should be a law on the books preventing smoking in confined spaces with children, e.g. cars. So you got this kid in a 5 point safety seat mandated by the federal and state governement, yet the windows are rolled up and he or she is getting all that second hand smoke. As an adult I can walk right out of a restaurant if it is too smokey, a kid can't get away from it as easy.
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 9:48 a.m.
David, The subsidy is another sign of the corruption of our system by a powerful lobby. Welfare for growers is foolish. Free Market? Right! Terrestrial Alignment? I don't know. See ya Fri!
Hot Sam
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 9:04 a.m.
There must be some terrestrial alignment...I agree with Briegel as well!!!
PersonX
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 8:29 a.m.
The point of a smoking ban, and many states have already instituted them, is not to regulate tobacco, which is too large of a national political problem to be addressed locally, but to protect those who do not smoke from the harmful effects of other peoples' behavior. Too many studies have shown that second-hand cigarette smoke poses severe health hazards. The behavior of many in our legislature is simply a scandal. I agree, just forget special interests and pass the ban.
David Read
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 6:53 a.m.
Smoking is a legal activity. Growing tobacco is subsidized by the federal government. If tobacco products are really that bad for us, then stop subsidizing its production and let the chips fall where they may. If you really want to fix the problem, treat tobacco as a controlled substance. This is not something that I would agree with but if tobacco is that unhealthy, why do we still allow it to be grown? On the other hand, as long as its sale and consumption is legal, then it shouldn't be banned. I am a reformed smoker who patronizes only businesses which are smoke-free and that is how this issue should be resolved - by the free market. If we let the free market determine the real cost of tobacco, I bet you would see a lot more smoke free places due to the fact that cigarettes would be too expensive.
David Briegel
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 6:01 p.m.
Our totally inept legislature needs to quit pretending on this and get it done! To hell with the casinos and the tobacco companies! Just Do It!!