The march towards a Nanny State continues

When will people realize that government cannot solve all the problems of the world?

Once again, the push towards banning smoking in all work places is gaining steam in Madison. They want to pass laws instead of letting common sense and the market dictate what people want. The government would rather put good people out of business, thus losing tax dollars, just so someone who doesn't like smoke can go into a cigar shop? Or a bar? Or a casino?

This is just plain silly. One of the more popular watering holes just south of Milwaukee opened up as a smoke free place and has been wildly successful. They offer a place for those who don't like smoke to be able to enjoy a drink. It works. Many restaurants in Waukesha have done the same thing. The market can and does adjust where needed.

Passing laws to force the banning of smoking is ridiculous. You are trying to protect people that cannot make sensible decision. In nature, it is survival of the fittest. Culling the herd. If someone wants to have a drink in a bar or restaurant or any public place, they should check the place out and determine whether smoking will be a problem for them. If not, eat somewhere else.

This article mentions a man who complains that his 11 year old daughter cannot go to the bowling alley for school outings. Is that all they do in Portage is bowl? Is it such an impact on the child to not be in a bowling alley? And who exactly is smoking up a storm when these kids are around? I would assume it is during the day. The faculty of the school cannot keep the teachers from smoking around this kid?

They have no clue that by passing this law they are really creating more problems down the line. In fact, I think they are promoting alcoholism. Think about it. The people that whine and bitch about not being able to do to bars or restaurants because of the smoke either don't drink or end up drinking at home. Now you are opening a new market to them. You are telling them to go visit these establishments now because the smoke cannot bother them. They are not use to stoppign when they have had too much to drink. This could lead to more people getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Why? Because now they can go out to get loaded.

We need to get back to common sense. If you don't like second hand smoke, patronize a place that is smoke free. If you want to work in a bar or cigar shop, understand that you yourself are making a decision to deal with the smoke. Otherwise get a job that protects you. Being a bartender is not the only job in the world. The world needs ditch diggers too. Ok that has nothing to do with anything. I just wanted to include a quote from Caddyshack.

Full disclosure: I do not smoke. I am an adult. I make decisions for myself and assume responsibility for my actions. If I make the choice to have a drink in a bar that is smoky, I understand my clothes may pretty well reek of smoke when I leave. I know my hair might smell like a cigarette butt. But I deal with it but I made the choice and have accepted the consequences.