Quality has many identities. There is quality in the manufacturing of automobiles, quality in food preparation, quality in education, quality in surgical procedures, quality in document preparation, and of course air quality, which is the underlying theme of my ranting this week.
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On Saturday, May 1, Michigan began enacting its own “no smoking” policy throughout the entire state. The only exceptions are casinos. So if you want to gamble with your money and perhaps with your health, you can travel to the smoke-laden casinos and hope some have plans for a smoke-free floor. Yes, I realize this is a topic that engenders strong lines of demarcation, but I’m confident the ban on smoking has more widespread acceptance than disapproval. As such, I thought it was appropriate to exhale my own smoke in this debate.
Recently, Oakland county executive, Brooks Patterson, stated that he would not enforce the ban in his county because it was an “unfunded directive.” After more than a hundred phone calls and e-mails, all in favor of the ban, he rescinded that statement and now is working to police the new directive. Other counties in Michigan clearly indicated their readiness for the smoking ban.
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Comments
State-Wide Smoking Bans
I used to live in Maine, where smoking is banned in most public places. What a "breath of fresh air"!! However, I now live in Wisconsin, which is farther behind the times than Michigan. I agree with you: As Americans, we have the right to smoke or not smoke as we choose; however, another's right to smoke ends at my nose!
A different view - but not necessarily about smoking
One could also look at it as a cause for celebration and give the Legislature their due for passing a smoking in public places ban. It was a controversial issue with strong opinions on either side, they had failed to pass it previously, and now they did it. I am confident there are many in Michigan who are glad this is happening and thank the Legislature for it. Functionally, this article is a cheap shot at politicians disguised as a complaint about smoking. Must have been a slow news day.
Nanny State(s)
Bill, I understand someone not wanting to smell smoke who is not a smoker. I am a former smoker, and don't like the smell so much anymore, now that I can smell...My gripe is with the prevailing winds which seem to say that the government MUST have a say in everything, and that this is OK with lots of people. Name something the state is not anxious to control, from smoking, to trans fats, to pate', to salt, to seat belts, to texting-while-driving, on and on. Once the folks running our lives have cleared up all these things, I am going to suggest that hammock you look so comfy in be outlawed. You don't get enough exercise and you might fall out of it! Just looking out for you, you know!
Chuck G
Nanny State
Chuck - always great to hear from you! I'm with you on several of your government interventions but I do think that we need to put the clamps on texting while driving. I don't want government involved in my life nor do I want these same blowhards attempting to run the automotive industry or the financial sector. And yes, it is time for me to be back in my hammock - that's what us retirees do! Hope all is well with you.
Bill
Lake Orion MI
Money Influences the Decision
Until our local, state, and federal governments decline to take in tax revenues on the sale of tobacco products (and any of the other so-called "sin tax" commodities), they will be slaves to a revenue stream of taxation on products that they give lip service to condemning. If the product is that bad for the health, stop making money off if it. If it has an outright cost to society, or a hidden cost to society, let that commodity pay it's own way. How about no health insurance coverage for the results of smoking? Would people become more serious about quitting if they knew their cancer treatment bills were 100% out of pocket?
Money and decisions
Mark - hard to argue with your take on healthcare. I wrote a column about it some time ago and was roundly castigated by those who think us healthy people should pay for the transgressions of those who disregard a healthy lifestyle. I'm not going down that again!
Thanks for writing. All is well here in Lake Orion - we are starting to emerge from a painful winter of snow and ice and some of the blossoms are actually making an appearance!
Bill
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