BCT Editorial – 6/20/06

This page was last updated on June 20, 2006.

Smoked out; Editorial; Beaver County Times; June 20, 2006.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject editorial.

“Add another reason besides its historical sites and cultural events to visit Philadelphia - it’s on the verge of being smoke free.

“In a close vote last week, city council approved a bill that would ban smoking in most public places, including many bars and all restaurants.

“The bill isn’t draconian. The Associated Press reported exceptions will be granted to sidewalk cafes, specialty tobacco establishments, private clubs and so-called local taverns - places where drinks alone constitute at least 90 percent of gross sales.

“Nor is it out of the political woods. The bill still needs approval from Mayor John Street, and also faces some amendments when the council reconvenes in the fall.

“Council should not backslide when the bill comes up again in the fall. If supporters of the measure stand by it, they might embarrass Democrats on the state House Health and Human Services Committee to reverse their position on a bill that would have banned indoor smoking in most public places in Pennsylvania. The panel is supposed to reconsider the bill today.

“Seventeen others states and 461 municipalities and counties across the nation have smoke-free laws. It’s time for Pennsylvania to get with the anti-smoking program.”

[RWC] Aargh! I think my head may explode. This is the third anti-smoking editorial in the last three weeks. Please see my previous critiques since I have nothing to add.

I guess I do have something to add. Because “Seventeen others states and 461 municipalities and counties across the nation have smoke-free laws” that infringe on property rights and the right to choose, doesn’t make it right. Remember, at one time a bunch of states and municipalities had segregation laws.