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HEIDI LOCKRIDGE · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 01:24 pm Posts: 450

D.L.:

I understand that the smoking ban was passed. If we had voted on it, I would have voted against it. But I what I wish that you would understand is that this smoking ban is just the beginning. I fear that this will lead to more government, whether it be local or national, getting more and more into my life dictating what I can eat, what I can wear, where I can drive my car etc.

For example, I work with a Russian that moved to this country in his teens. He is now in his 20's, has a college education, married and has a family. He also has his green card. He was amazed that something like smoking was made into such a big issue in Tyler. He said it reminded him of living in Russia where they dictated every aspect of your life from the minute you were born. You have no personal choices.

It may sound drastic to compare smoking to other crimes but what I believe is that this will lead to more "rules and laws" from our government. There are bigger issues to tackle than smoking in a restaurant. And before you say I don't understand about the dangers of smoking - I do. My mother smoked for 28 years and developed cancer. I understand what smoking can do to a person.

Smoking sucks but it isn't illegal (unless you are underage).

D.L. FORDE · Joined: 04 Mar 2008 05:29 pm Posts: 30

You know Heidi I agree with you about 7 out 10 times. I usually don't agree with you when you go to the extremes. Like when you wanted to burn tires on Earth day. I don't celebrate Earth day either but I don't see the harm in having day devoted to keeping the Earth clean. Another example is this smoking ordinance. Even if the public did vote it would have passed. There are way more people for this then against. This was proven by the people who came to speak out at the council meetings. This IS NOT the beginning of more rules and regulations from the government. We ARE NOT anywhere like the old communist/repressive Russia. The city council is a representative government. The representatives form an independent ruling body (for an election period) charged with the responsibility of acting in the people's interest. The point being if you don't like the way they represent you then find others who also disagree and do your best to vote them out on the next election. Or better yet run for a council position yourself! If you are successful your elected council can reverse the rulings of the previous council. That's the beauty of America. If you don't like something you CAN change it!

Smoking is still legal. You can still smoke, just not while you are indoors in a public place. I just don't have to breathe your toxic fumes while I eat.(yes Heidi I know you don't smoke) One thing I would change is that the ordinance shouldn't include bars and clubs. The city smoking ordinance is no different then all the city restaurants getting together and deciding to ban smoking themselves.

HEIDI LOCKRIDGE · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 01:24 pm Posts: 450

D.L.:

We are not like the repressive Russia.....YET! I am looking at the bigger picture here, not just the smoking ban. I found my colleges comments very disturbing at best.

I think smoking in clubs should also be allowed. But where do you draw the line? My father in law owns his own business. He has for over 35 years. He has paid millions in taxes, put his blood, sweat and tears into this business and now he can't even smoke in his own office. For me, that is outrageous for a very small group of representatives to place rules and regulations on business owners like that.

Over and out...........
(P.S. - Earth Day was a blast for me. It took me a good four hours to get that tire to burn down. KIDDING PEOPLE! Geez.....)

Heidi

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