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Rebuttal to C-J on Smoking Bans

By Terry Gray

In a recent editorial, the Courier-Journal stood on the side of smoking bans, taking sides against GLI.  It cited a survey that was conducted by the University of Kentucky nursing department late last year in which 64% of those surveyed either strongly supported or somewhat supported the ban and 36% strongly opposed or somewhat opposed the ban.

Does it strike anyone as odd that “strongly” and “somewhat” are lumped together for a measurement?  Does it strike anyone odd that Ellen Hahn, a strong proponent of smoking bans is an Associate Professor of that same Nursing Department?  Does it strike anyone as odd that the University of Kentucky receives research funding to prove the dangers of tobacco?  Does it strike anyone as odd that another survey conducted by the Lexington Herald at the same time as the U of K survey showed that 50% opposed the ban and 47% supported it?

Forces Kentucky has a seven page list of bars and restaurants that have been put out of business or are going out of business because of smoking bans.  New York is not doing as well as the C-J would have its readers believe.  The hospitality business in New York has grown since their ban was passed, but it has grown at around 8%, while areas not under oppressive smoking bans have grown upwards of 20%.  As important is the fact that smoke-easies are becoming popular, black markets in tobacco are thriving, and people are dying in ban wars; stories that the mainstream media don’t cover.

Economics are an issue in this ban fiasco because property rights are at stake.  We are not children, as much as the government and the Courier-Journal would like to believe.  We are capable of making our own decisions and decisions concerning the health of our children.  Responsible adults do not demand that owners of private businesses that are open to the public ban a percentage of their patrons simply because well-funded fanatics have made a case against property rights in our communities.  Propaganda, folks, it eats at the fabric of freedom.

Communities all across the U.S. are passing smoking bans in bars and restaurants with the support of many so-called “conservatives” who apparently don’t grasp the concept of private property rights.  They maintain they have a “right” to breathe smoke-free air...even in someone ELSE’S private business.

Maybe these so-called “conservatives” will think twice now that they are being joined by one of the last remaining communist nations in the world: Cuba.  Fidel Castro banned smoking in all public places yesterday.  He also banned cigarette machines.  Nice company you’re all in. – Chuck Muth

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