This is unacceptable. Do these people understand what will happen to the surrounding areas? Eau Claire city proper might be able to absorb the economic blow of a smoking ban, but the county villages and towns will not be so fortunate.
These lawmakers may think that they know best, but in the end what do they really know? They know the things they are told, which is mostly hearsay and ad hominem. How often are experts in the field actually consulted before moving ahead on things like this. Listening to doctors or anti-smoking advocates isn't the right answer. After all, is a MD or armchair anti-smoking activist versed in economics enough to be able to objectively put the pieces together, or are they too blinded by their own subjective opinions on the subject?
I would beg that the lawmakers and business owners in the area look at the issue from all perspectives before making any sort of movement like this. Put aside the subjective rhetoric and look at all of the facts. This issue goes far beyond smoking so maybe it's time to listen to more than just the anti-smoking zealots.
The previous posters are right -- the county government is clearly ignoring our basic human rights, spelled out so plainly by the Founders:
"Congress shall make no law interfering with the right of citizens to enjoy the smooth, refreshing flavor of Winston-brand cigarettes."
It's in the Constitution. That's a fact right there, look it up.
I'd suggest that we should start our own militia immediately in preparation to defend our God-given right to smoke in bars, but the last time I tried to run more than a couple hundred feet I ended up bent over coughing. Which, before some commie pinko America-hating libruhl suggests otherwise, had nothing at all to do with my three pack-a-day habit.
Spring Break
Ryan Evans
posted 4/03/08 @ 7:11 AM CST
These lawmakers may think that they know best, but in the end what do they really know? They know the things they are told, which is mostly hearsay and ad hominem. How often are experts in the field actually consulted before moving ahead on things like this. Listening to doctors or anti-smoking advocates isn't the right answer. After all, is a MD or armchair anti-smoking activist versed in economics enough to be able to objectively put the pieces together, or are they too blinded by their own subjective opinions on the subject?
I would beg that the lawmakers and business owners in the area look at the issue from all perspectives before making any sort of movement like this. Put aside the subjective rhetoric and look at all of the facts. This issue goes far beyond smoking so maybe it's time to listen to more than just the anti-smoking zealots.