An Aid To Memory

Here is the scoop on the Ohio Anti-Smoking Issues.

Issue 4:

- Keeps Smoking in Restaurants and most public places
- Overturns local anti-smoking measures
- Would prevent any new anti-smoking measures from passing
- Backed by Big Tobacco
- Voting Yes on Issue 4 would cancel out Issue 5

My Take: Vote NO

Issue 5:

- Bans Smoking in most public places
- Smokers will have to step outside to smoke
- Supported by various health groups

My Take: Vote YES

Issue 4 pretends to be a “smoke less” initiative, but it will not have this effect, because, if passed, this issue (sponsored primarily by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco) would overturn local anti-smoking ordinances across the state and prevent new ones from being passed. Plus, since Issue 4 is a proposed constitutional amendment, if it passes, it will nullify Issue 5, which polls show will likely easily pass. So don’t be fooled into voting for both Issue 4 and 5, because if Issue 4 passes by a few votes, Issue 5 fails, even if it passes 80-20.

Issue 5 is not an outright “smoking ban” but rather a proposed state law that makes smokers smoke in a place that will not affect those who have chosen not to smoke. Smokers would still be allowed to smoke on restaurant patios or in tobacco stores (and a few other exempted places). I honestly believe Issue 5 is a positive step for those of us concerned about health care costs and who don’t like to leave a restaurant smelling like we just sat around a campfire!

I know, I know, “smokers have rights,” and “let’s not regulate” and so forth. We are not talking about blacks on the back of buses or censorship of ideas, i.e. serious matters. I am simply suggesting that a person who lights a plant rolled in paper should do so outside. I could say “it’s about the children” but I don’t like inhaling smoke either, and I suspect non-smoking restaurant workers don’t like it either. In fact, a study in Scotland showed that restaurant and bar workers’ health improved after just one month of being in a smoke-free environment.

For more information, check out Smoke Free Ohio

This entry was posted on Friday, October 20th, 2006 at 2:46 pm and is filed under Current Affairs, Health and Wellness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.