by J. Jablonski
New Mexico and Hawaii are two more states on the latest ‘smoking ban in public places’ bandwagon being voted on in the legislature to be made into law.
The proposed law, which failed in New Mexico last year is up on the block again which would include banning smoking in all public places where food and drink are served. This would also include bars, and any outdoor eating areas. California, New York and New Jersey already have similar laws in effect. Many business owners of these establishments effected by this law are not happy about it because it has hurt their business. Even employees, food servers and bartenders are experiencing less income from tips due to the lack of smoking patrons who would have normally been there enjoying a drink and a smoke after work who are not patronizing these places any longer.
Being a smoker myself, I understand that this is a choice I have made and although I am sensitive to others that may be offended by smoke, I think there should be provisions made not only to protect those who do not wish to be around smoke, but for those of us who enjoy smoking. Separate the smokers from the non smokers so that we can enjoy our rights as American’s and not be penalized and forced to not go to certain establishments that we may enjoy because some politician thinks it’s his duty to protect us all from the unhealthy aspects of smoking.
Non smokers should not be forced to endure second hand smoke if they feel it is detrimental to their health and choose not to. However, in this day of modern technology there has to be other solutions that would not infringe upon people’s rights as smokers. There should be a happy medium, not just a ban on smoking.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to meet others in a public place that either smoke themselves, or accept smoking since so many of our rights and places to meet are quickly being infringed upon.
We send our men and women overseas to fight for our freedom and our rights as Americans, but find our own politicians and so-called advocates wanting to take away more and more of our rights every day. It’s not right that today, a soldier can die for our freedom, but cannot kick back and relax at a bar here in the states with a cold drink and a cigarette.
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