Steve Rodich – 4/6/08

This page was last updated on April 6, 2008.

Non-response speaks volume; Steve Rodich; Beaver County Times; April 6, 2008.

To begin, I need to disclose I’ve always been a non-smoker, find tobacco smoke objectionable, and don’t permit smoking in either my home or car.

This is at least the fifth letter – and the third since late June 2007 – from Mr. Rodich supporting a smoking ban on private property. Mr. Rodich’s previous letters are here, here, here (I didn’t critique this letter.), and here.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I am a proponent of Senate Bill 246, the Clean Indoor Air Act.

“The bill is now in the hands of a conference committee charged with recommending compromising changes to the bill before a vote by the entire House and Senate.

“In its present form, the bill prohibits smoking in bars and restaurants but allows exemptions for clubs and casinos.

“This is wrong as well as unfair to the other businesses. A smoking ban should apply to all indoor facilities, without exception. Second-hand smoke is carcinogenic and a health hazard to anyone exposed to it.”

[RWC] Does Mr. Rodich support a ban on alcohol? After all, while I can avoid second-hand smoke via my choices, I can’t avoid a drunk driver.

“Contrary to some opinions, according to expert witnesses, there is absolutely no filtration system capable of removing the hazardous particulates contained in second-hand smoke.”

[RWC] Even if true, who cares? That’s not the issue. If you don’t want to breathe second-hand smoke, don’t patronize businesses, clubs, etc. that allow their customers/members to smoke.

“After listening to hours of testimony before the conference committee on March 13, I sent an e-mail to our area lawmakers and others urging support for SB 246 without exemptions.

“This bill will not be voted on before the upcoming primary election. However, voters who believe in breathing clean air and fairness to other businesses should question those seeking election and know their position relative to this bill.”

[RWC] Seriously, does anyone know “voters who [don’t] believe in breathing clean air?” This isn’t the issue and Mr. Rodich knows it.

“In my e-mail I asked the following question: Are you in favor of Senate Bill 246 without exemptions?

“The only area lawmaker responding was Rep. Jim Marshall, who stated, ‘If I had to vote up or down to pass the bill without exemptions, I would do it.’”

[RWC] I have to admit I don’t follow Mr. Marshall closely, but this is at least the second position of his that demonstrates he may be a Republican, but not exactly a conservative one. The first comment that caught my eye was shortly after Mr. Marshall’s 2006 election. Mr. Marshall indicated he would be in favor of legislation to limit campaign funding, and thereby infringe on free speech.

In this case, Mr. Marshall appears to favor government interference over individual property rights and choice.

“I commend Marshall for his position and response. Why did the others choose not to respond?

“Perhaps, as The Times editorials often said, it is politically safer to say and do nothing.

“Don’t they realize 71 percent of adults in the United States are nonsmokers?”

[RWC] So what? If 71% of adults were not hunters, does that mean we should ban hunting on private property? After all, the last time I checked, while not carcinogenic, arrows, bullets, and shot will kill you.