The proposed smoking ban in Cincinnati (“Butt Out,” issue of Feb. 23-March 1) has already passed in sister cities like Columbus and recently went into effect as the last mutterings of debate died down and people got back to the business of eating, drinking and taking in live music. Why doesn’t Vice Mayor Alicia Reece discuss any of the previous leg-work that went into the ban that’s already in place? It seems rather ridiculous to make no mention of it on her part and to not draw on the experience of communities that are obviously ahead of the communication mark.
The legislation that went into dividing public spaces into “smoking” and “non-smoking” was not privy to the absurd amounts of research and evidence that we as consumers are now inundated with thanks to the efforts of anti-smoking groups like the ubiquitous Truth campaign. Until they devise an air-tight bubble wrap for smokers to sit in and puff on butts, I will continue to breathe in carcinogens simply because I enjoy the physical locale of certain bars and coffee joints.
The increased revenue from a new clientele more concerned with staying healthy and alive will generate funds for heated/covered outdoor facilities for the smoker. Or not. I really don’t care.
What if I just sat next to you the next time you lit up in my favorite local haunt and stood just inches from your ear and WOULDN’T STOP YELLING THE WORD “HOSANNA” AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS FOR AN HOUR? That’s what your smoking is like for me.
— Kevin R. Hollo, Oxford
Kroger Execs Lie to Camp Washington Patrons
People were lied to in order to shut us up about our objection to the decision of Kroger executives to close the Camp Washington Kroger store (Porkopolis, issue of Feb. 16-22).
The lie was that Kroger had no intentions as of a few months ago to close that specific store despite the fact that store managers and employees were giving customers this information.
Unless those employees just felt the need to make this up, we were lied to by the executives — once we bought the issue before them — so as to get our minds off of the situation. When our eyes batted for a moment to look in the other direction, Kroger decided to backstab all the parties interested in keeping the store open.
They have announced a definite closing date for the small, Cinderella-esque store. Clearly Kroger doesn’t see a need to service an element that depends greatly on this store staying open. The stores considered “near” are not feasible for area residents lacking personal transportation.
Elected Cincinnati officials need to harshly reprimand Kroger in the only way a panhandler understands: economic sanction!
— Joy R. Rolland, South Cumminsville
This article appears in Mar 2-8, 2005.
