This Just In ...

One more reason to oppose the smoking ban

Posted by Kevin Fischer on July 5, 2010

By now, most are aware that today is the start of Wisconsin’s infringement on individual private property rights, also known as the statewide smoking ban. Confusion reigns about what the new law entails. But by golly, we finally got our ban and I don’t have to smell someone else’s tobacco when I go out to eat.

Let’s be clear. I don’t smoke. Never have. I don’t particularly like the smell of smoke. Don’t like it seeping into my nice clothes. Though legal, smoking, in my view, is unhealthy and downright stupid. Even so, I don’t support the smoking ban for many reasons I’ve outlined in previous blogs.

Here’s another. I’ve read the law and am fully aware of its specifics. Smoking is now off limits in many areas including veteran’s homes in Wisconsin.

Think about it. A soldier that had an arm or leg or more blown off while fighting for our country, now sitting in a wheelchair or lying in a bed in a veteran’s home is no longer allowed the simple pleasure of lighting a cigarette.

Meanwhile, Potawatomi and other casinos that helped bankroll Governor Doyle’s campaigns to the tune of millions were conveniently left exempt. Despite the fact casinos rest on tribal grounds, the Governor’s office has historically negotiated provisions of gaming compacts. I’m pretty sure the Doyle administration never intended to even suggest smoking be restricted at the casinos he owed mighty big favors.

One of the arguments made by proponents of the ban was that individuals shouldn’t have to work in unhealthy environments. Apparently the health of casino employees isn’t nearly as important as workers in other occupations and settings.

But the veteran’s home inclusion is upsetting. Telling a disabled veteran he/she can’t smoke a cigarette is even more disgusting than the smoke the ban supporters hate so much.