Another Right Stripped Away
Well, they’ve gone and done it again…
Madison – Smoking would be banned in restaurants, bars and other businesses starting in July 2010 under a bill the Legislature passed Wednesday.
Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, who has made an indoor smoking ban a priority, pledged to sign the measure.
“Today, Wisconsin is taking an important step to save lives and protect our kids and citizens from the scourge of tobacco,” Doyle said in a statement.
The scourge of tobacco? I think that’s a bit dramatic, considering all of the revenue that the state gets from that scourge.
“I wish the ban would be implemented sooner, but I am proud the state is embracing the healthy direction the world is going. Making Wisconsin smoke-free will save money in health care costs, improve public health across the state and save lives.”
The measure passed the Senate 25-8 and the Assembly 61-38.
Virtually all workplaces would become smoke-free on July 5, 2010.
The Tavern League of Wisconsin fought the ban for years. Though the group lost the battle, it won a concession by delaying the start date a year. Taverns and restaurants could allow smoking in outdoor areas under the bill.
But the only Senate Democrat to vote against the bill, Kathleen Vinehout of Alma, said a ban would unfairly interfere with the decisions of small businesses.
“I don’t believe the state should be telling small businesses what to do,” Vinehout said.
Rep. Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) said lawmakers shouldn’t infringe on employers’ ability to run their businesses.
“We’re telling the owners of businesses that they can’t allow a legal product,” he said. “Don’t punish business owners that are allowing a legal activity.”
Rep. Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) said a ban would cause taverns in northern Wisconsin to go out of business.
“What works in Madison doesn’t work in Abbotsford, doesn’t work in Hayward and doesn’t work in many of the rural areas of this state,” he said.
And therein lies my point. I was not referring to smokers’ rights, although I think there is an argument for that. I am referring to the rights of small business owners. Who does the government think they are telling a small business owner that by law, he cannot permit a LEGAL activity in his place of business??
I am so freaking sick and tired of the nanny government telling us what we can and cannot do, what we can and cannot eat, what we can and cannot drink. If I want to drink, eat or smoke myself to death, that’s MY prerogative. I just don’t understand what’s happening in this country in that the government, be it local or federal, be it through taxes, fees or bans, is trying to legislate good health, good parenting, etc. Whatever happened to personal responsibility?
The government is getting far too involved in our personal business, and I can tell you right now, it’s not gonna stop here. They’re already pushing for the soda tax. What’s next? Artifical sweetners? Salt? White flour? I can guarantee you one thing here and now – eventually, it will affect each and every one of us. We will no longer have freedom to live our lives as we choose.
Rich said,
May 14, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
it’s a sad day for liberty
Kate said,
May 14, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
When is he gonna do away with the biggest ‘scourge’ of all? Himself? I’m rethinking my trip up there in August.
Just on general principles.
Chris fr said,
May 14, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
@Kate Hopefully in 2010 that scourge, that scoundrel, that “for sale” POS will be gone. GO SCOTT WALKER!
As for the other – Woman, if I have to hunt you down, you WILL be sorry!! Many others will join me – we were just talkin’ about you comin’ up at DR on Tuesday…
Chris from Racine said,
May 14, 2009 @ 9:11 pm
Hey – what happened to the rest of my name???
Kate said,
May 18, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
Bit yer hinder, eh? Heh.