City's case against smoking bus goes up in smoke

Sioux City Journal ^ | 10/13/05 | Sioux City Journal Staff

[elkfersupper]

Sounds like the people of Omaha are doing yeomans' work.

[feefee]

smokin' bus ping! ;^)

remind me to get a gillig, like he did, next time I contemplate purchasing a bus and converting it for my personal use (and perhaps, if it is needed, the use of others that may smoke).

[KJC1]

Thanks for the ping, feefee. Interesting article.

The bus was not part of the establishment so tough beans. Sheesh. It's not like the restaurant patrons had to make a mandatory pass through the smoke-filled bus.

[Mears]

Gary Walker is my new hero!

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

These people (anti-smoking zealots) are bottom-feeders, plain and simple.

In Appleton, Wisconsin, all the taverns and sportsbars are on the verge of closing up because of a stupid anti-smoking ban. These people have lost thousands of dollars since the ban went into effect July 1st.

The people who are bringing these bans are outside special-interest groups who have no ties to the community. Oh, they'll say that businesses would make more money once they go smoke-free. If this is the case, then why aren't the businesses doing it in the first place?

[metesky]

Good attitude.

Welcome to Free Republic.

[metesky]

This won't be the end of the harassment. Our elected betters will just go back to the drawing board...

[Madame Dufarge]

Private property is far too dangerous a concept since it can lead to outbreaks of freedom.

Throw in some capitalism, and who knows where it could all end?

[SheLion]

Gary Walker is my new hero!

[The Foolkiller]

It's always private property except where smokers are concerned.

[Mears]

That kitty pic always makes me grin.A face filled with pure joy!

[jim_trent]

Not completely. The clown-cilmembers that made such stupid decisions were elected in the first place.

[CSM]

"But I still support the smokers rights."

As do I.

---

FYI. This has nothing to do with smoker's rights or with non-smoker's rights to breath clean air. It has to do with property owner's rights to cater to a chosen clientele. For a good explanation click on this article by Walter Williams:

http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/walterwilliams/2003/11/19/160293.html

[patriot_wes]

"The city recognized that the smoking ban didn't cover this bus, so in an effort to limit the circumstances under which people can consume tobacco, they attempted to use the zoning ordinance," he said."

Proving once again...it's not about health - it's about power!

[stevie_d_64]

I like the name...

As for me...Those who know me, know that I am not a smoker...And that I will not support efforts to ban that activity...

I am somewhat puzzled by those efforts, as some of the elected officials I know, I consider to be good conservative reps...But thats beside the point...Everyone has their little pet peeves...

Tobbaco was one of the original cash crops this country produced in the beginning...And I think the Treasury building in D.C. has the crop immortalized in the flourishes on top of the columns supporting the roof of that building, big tobbaco leaf fronds...

I do think cigarettes do make smoking a convienent vice that is addictive and makes the risk to health greater...

On the other hand, remembering my grandfather smoked only pipes and cigars occasionally, it was a habit he did at a regular time and place every day...

My Dad never picked up on that activity, but grew up with that...So I guess it never got passed on to me...

[AppyPappy]

How can we feel safe in America knowing there is a bus full of smokers outside a diner in Lincoln?