Eateries resist telling smokers to snuff it - owners say they aren't obliged to enforce ban

The Dallas Morning News ^ | March 2, 2003 | By DAVE LEVINTHAL / The Dallas Morning News

[Republic of Texas]

What else would you like to force private citizens to do with their private property, hmmm? Maybe next the mob can get together and force them to stop serving meat? We ALL pay for the costs of heart disease after all. One day though, the mob will turn on YOU. See the mob is never happy with just one ban, for safety you know. The mob wants to make us all safe from EVERYTHING. One day they will come for you, and there will be no one left to defend you. Then, it will be too late.

(BTW, I am a non-smoker, who never smoked and hates cigarette smoke, but loves FREEDOM more)

[Ditter]

LOL Yeah me too, I'm a liar.

[THEUPMAN]

I'm glad to see the debate at FR is at such an intellectual level i.e. na na na I'll get you to
I would be nice if some of these "conservatives" would pay attention to the real question, after all --- aim small miss small.
And the question is .... What are the legitimate limits of government?
Lets make this a generic issue.
I don't like you to _________ because it offends me.
Therefore the Gov. must outlaw ____________.
How many things can we put in the blanks?
What happens when the " for the children crowd" decide that they don't like these fanatics quoting scripture? Do we put that in the blank?
(And don't give me the 1st amendment argument, you people that think we have 10 rights should really learn to read. i.e.
9th Amendment The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. )
So, ... or how about guns? Can we put that in the blanks? After all they could be potentially dangerous to you.
Do you see my point at all here?
The debate should not be about what to put in the blanks, but whether or not it's the Gov. role, and by what mechanisms the blanks are filled.

[Alberta's Child]

I also agree with the laws to require refrigeration of food in PRIVATE establishments. I assume you are OPPOSED to such laws?

This is an interesting question in the context of a discussion about anti-smoking laws. I recently read an article about totalitarian governments, and one of the marks of such a state is that so many laws and regulations are passed that we approach a point where every single human activity becomes either prohibited or mandatory.

I don't smoke, and I've never smoked. But I also think anti-smoking laws are idiotic -- I avoid places with lots of smokers not for health reasons, but because I can't stand smelling like smoke when I get home.

If politicians who support anti-smoking laws really had any courage, they'd call for laws outlawing the production and sale of tobacco products. But they won't do that -- they love the tax revenue far more than they hate tobacco.

[Republic of Texas]

" I also agree with the laws to require refrigeration of food in PRIVATE establishments. I assume you are OPPOSED to such laws? "

Save that red herring for dinner. There is a difference between health codes, designed to protect an unwitting public from proven safety hazards, and promote a baseline level of safety and cleanliness for the dining public, and restricting a legal product, on private property, which has never been PROVEN to harm anyone, other than the user.

If the Smoking Nazi crowd to which you pledge allegiance was THAT strong, you wouldn't NEED a law to force businesses to comply with your wishes, they would do it anyway because it would be business suicide not to.

[Republic of Texas]

Sex in public is NOT legal. Why all the obfuscation? Is your point that weak?

One thing is apparent in this country. Socialist and totalitarian laws NEVER get voted in by the public. They are either enacted by a judge, or by fiat. That's why the Dems place such a high priority on controlling the courts. Fortunately for the FREE people of Dallas, if there are any left, they (I live in Plano) will have a chance to either ratify or reject this law with the Mayoral election this June. I almost want to go by a rent house in Dallas just so I can vote against her (the Hon. Laura Miller, chief Smoking Nazi).

[Republic of Texas]

" It's hard to figure out who I despise more... inconsiderate people who smoke around others, or fascists who want to control private restaurant owners. "

That's easy, you can get away from inconsiderate people. Facists exert their power EVERYWHERE.

[Republic of Texas]

#44 - AWESOME POST!

[jdub]

An overwhelming majority of smokers will cease, when asked POLITELY.

You have gotta be kidding. Some will, true. When I smoked I figured others shouldn't have to endure the output of my habit, so I didn't smoke when at a table with nonsmokers, or smoke in people's houses that don't smoke. Things have gotten better now that nonsmokers have gotten more verbal, but in the past a majority of smokers seemed to believe that they had a right to smoke anywhere at anytime, and if a nonsmoker didn't like it it was their problem (even in a nonsmoker's house).

[gitmo]

I'm amazed that anyone would go to the FreeRepublic to advocate elimination of Freedom.

[MeekOneGOP]

If this trend continues, I may have to take up tobacco chewing. I wonder how the restaurants would like me spluttering into a spittoon on the floor?

That would be interesting, lol ! ...

Look out !

[MeekOneGOP]

...Do you see my point at all here?...

Yes. Have you read some of the comments on this thread yet ? ...

[MeekOneGOP]

I'm not up on all the smoking issues. So they have a TOTAL ban in Delaware? Do I assume correctly? If so, that is pretty dumb, imho ...

This ban in Dallas is supposed to have a hearing on March 10th. It's ridiculous that Dallas did this. I bet this costs Laura Miller her office this year. If I were a Dallas resident, I'd give this 'RAT the pitch ! I live out in the suburbs though ...

Judge Canales scheduled a March 10 hearing on the request for a temporary injunction.

[MeekOneGOP]

Smoking Saves Lives, Everyone Light Up For Health's Sake!!

No thanks. I'm a reformed smoker and will stay that way ...

[Gabz]

Yes, my FRiend. The total smoking ban went into effect in Delaware the day before Thanksgiving.

It is dumb. I'm only 15 miles from the Maryland line. From anywhere in Delaware the absolute maximum distance to another state is 35 miles. The bars in Maryland anywhere near the Delaware line are loving the ban. One bar manager in a nearby Maryland town told me her weekend business has doubled since the ban took effect here.

Two long time Delaware legislators lost their seats last election, and have admitted their support of the smoking ban had a lot to do with it - both of their opponents were very outspoken critics of the ban. So there is hope for the citizens of Dallas to get rid of the Rat!!!!

[Gabz]

BWAAHAAAHAAAA!!!!!!

His blitherings have a certain amount of entertainment value of the guilty-pleasure stripe,

That's pretty much my take on all of the anti-smokers, particularly those that profess to believe in the values of this Country............

[MeekOneGOP]

That is unbelievable. Delaware legislated themselves into the poor house. If they don't reverse it, they will likely raise taxes because of lost revenues too I guess ? ...

Hey, they moved this thread to the Smokey Back Room? Wha hoppened I wonder ? ...

[dcwusmc]

You have to keep in mind that Illbay and his ilk are convinced that our rights come from Big Government and can be revoked, restricted or licensed at its whim. They also believe that, absent law (hence the refrigeration example), NO ONE would follow common sense and do what's right. It all has to be legislated or no one will do it. Why, we even need government-provided shoes to go out in the streets in and government-provided alarms so we can go to our government-sponsored jobs in the government-provided mornings. We, the People, are utterly HELPLESS without government. We cannot protect ourselves, think for ourselves or raise our own families without government. Isn't that amazing?

[Alberta's Child]

Thanks!