Columbus Dispatch Opposes Issue 4, Supports 5
I was reading the Columbus Dispatch today, and they have come out in favor of the smoking ban, Issue 5, and against Issue 4. Apparently Issue 4, sponsored by the Tobacco Industry, allows smoking in “any privately owned facility not open to the public.” In theory, this means smoking could be permitted in restaurant kitchens, fireworks factories, or around hazardous materials. And guess what? There is nothing the Ohio legislature can do about it if Issue 4 passes. And those anti-smoking regulations your town voted in? Issue 4 would nullify these. So much for freedom of choice. I am not much into heavy regulation, but taking a plant, rolling it in paper, lighting it on fire, and then smoking it in public isn’t exactly quite as “inalienable” a right as is freedom of speech in my book. I know, I know, thousands of college students will look less cool in public if this happens. Thousands of our most prized partiers will head to Kentucky, especially those who “only smoke when they drink.” Yes, I am heartless, but at least I will retain my lung function.
My suggestion is still vote no on 4, yes on 5.
