Posted on 08/07/2005 10:13:06 AM PDT by elkfersupper
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- The day the Legislature approved a smoking ban for most North Dakota businesses, Dennis Laches put a sign on his laundry and television repair shop, announcing he would close when the ban took effect Aug. 1.
"Nobody knew if he was going to go through with it," said Troy Mosbrucker, the mayor of Mott, a town of about 800 in southwestern North Dakota. "He had a point to prove, and he proved it."
As promised, Laches closed his business that day. He said it had nothing to do with his pack-a-day habit. Rather, he said, it was a matter of fairness.
"The state of North Dakota is attempting to make me discriminate against another person or group of people," said Laches, 59. "I don't believe government of any kind should be allowed to dictate what I do at my own business and my own building."
State officials say they know of no other businesses that have closed because of the new smoking ban, though police have rounded up ash trays in some bingo parlors.
The new state law bans smoking in most public areas and workplaces. Bars are exempt, unless they have a restaurant in the smoking area. Violators can be fined up to $500. A building owner who allows illegal smoking also faces fines of up to $500 for multiple infractions within one year.
Law enforcement officers are trying to adjust to the new rules.
"It's almost embarrassing walking in and being called the smoke police," said Ward County Sheriff Vern Erck said. "We have better things to do, but we'll enforce it."
But health officials say feedback had generally been positive.
"We had some (people) call that are dissatisfied, but it's been very few," said Kathleen Mangskau, director of the Health Department's tobacco prevention and control program.
Two days after Laches closed his shop, an economic development group purchased his laundry machines, mostly to keep the 100 or so visiting custom wheat harvesters in town.
"If they leave town to do their laundry, then they leave the town grocery, the gas station and the cafe," Mosbrucker said. "Everything loses."
Laches said his business was never a moneymaker in the 17 years he owned it. Now, he'll either retire or move to another state to find work.
"If I find a job, it's going to have to be in a state that allows smoking," he said.
Profanity? I lashed out with little stars.
Believe it or not, all doctors don't know everything there is to be known about every disease. People with asthma react to different things. Some people get very bad attacks from certain animals, some don't. Some people react badly to mold, others don't.
I react to cigarette and cigar smoke. I don't make demands that no one smoke around me. I just don't hang out with people who smoke. I don't make demands that laws be changed; I just don't go where people smoke.
I used to smoke, and I used to not have asthma.
If every doctor knew everything, what a wonderful world that would be.
Best wishes for your continued (and better) health. Any chronic medical condition is not pleasant.
Thank you for your kind wishes. Actually my asthma was more or less precipitated in my 40s by an overdose of pesticides (sent my way by a neighbor). Some asthmas are chemically caused, but once the damage is done, it's done - I react heavily to all petrochemicals, hence the perfume no nos.
I deal with it - it kind of turns my into a hermit - more time for reading and freeping.
I consider smoking a nasty vice, but I'm not so perfect myself, having been an alcoholic, cigarrette, marijuana and hashish smoker in the past. I hope people who do smoke don't smoke around children, and consider quitting, they'll feel better, smell better, and smell flowers better!
But, since the body is to destruction prone at one time or another, it's impossible to have perfect health, and you just do the best you can. Best to work on the health of the consciousness, since we take that with us when the body drops off.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.