Ohio was on the forefront of the first Prohibition, and now it appears it’s again repeating history (“Butt Out,” issue of Feb. 23-March 1). In pressing their case for a statewide ban, the anti-smoking advocates rely solely on your beliefs: belief that tens of thousands of people die each year from secondhand smoke; belief that businesses are not adversely impacted by the ban; and belief that this prohibition is different from others.
You might likely believe yourself. It’s hard not to be a believer with the constant bombardment of the horrific claims of secondhand smoke in the news and by impressive literature supplied by the well-funded anti-smoking movement. You might not like the smell of smoke, which reinforces your belief.
You also might or might not like alcohol, red meat or people talking on a cell phone. Like smoking, these are all legal activities and you have the choice of participation. I exercise my civil liberties to spend my money at locations that offer an environment I like to be in. At the same time, I respect the liberties of others to enjoy a legal activity. I can’t imagine someone trying to restrict my choice to indulge in these products, even though there are constant claims of the health risks associated with their use.
I believe fully in the rights of business owners to put their necks on the line to support their families and their employees’ families and offer what they believe will be a good product in an inviting atmosphere. If that business makes it or fails, that should be by their doing, and not by government intervention.
I’m also one who does not blindly accept sensational headlines and claims. You have the duty to deliberate and decide policy based on the facts, not on belief and not giving in to the pressures of the so-called masses. Bad things happen when we blindly follow the crowd. Ask any lemming. …
The smoking ban issue has a religious fervor — if you believe, then any information provided to the contrary is dismissed as heresy. It’s difficult for anyone to overcome the well-funded blitzkrieg of the anti-smoking advocates. All I have to offer are the facts.
If you have an open mind, I hope you clearly see that this isn’t an issue of health but a propaganda campaign based on hatred. This time it happens to be about smoking. Prohibition has never worked to enlighten or improve life, and in the end everyone is hurt.
— Samantha Phillipe President, The Smoker’s Club
smokersclubinc.com
This article appears in Apr 6-12, 2005.
