I hate smoking. My wife and I don't smoke, and we teach our children about smoking dangers. My grandfather died because he smoked, and I hate smelling like a chimney when I enter a smoke-filled restaurant. You get the picture.
I also have no intentions of supporting a statewide smoking ban.
Recently I received some criticism regarding my vote during a House Health Committee hearing against the proposed ban. I oppose the plan because it's a severe violation of civil liberties and property owners' rights.
Unlike methamphetamine, tobacco is legal. Recently I visited a district restaurant where a constituent implored me to vote for the statewide smoking ban. I pointed over to the non-smoking section of the café, where I found the owner and a waitress smoking. I then asked the constituent that if I voted for the plan, what would change here other than making these two criminals for smoking a perfectly legal product on their property. The answer, of course, is nothing.
Let's not forget that this proposal would apply to most business owners, not all. Tribal casinos are exempt. You can make the argument about "sovereign nations" but a large portion of their workforce -- more than 13,000 strong -- are not Native American, and apparently, we're not supposed to care whether these Minnesota citizens breathe clean air. And what about those who are there to play? Sure, they know they'll be faced with second-hand smoke before they walk in, but can't you say the same thing about bars and clubs that currently allow smoking?
ADVERTISEMENT
Not only does this alleged ban violate rights, it picks winners and losers. As written, the proposed statewide smoking ban is hypocritical and embarrassing, and even though I DESPISE smoking, I won't support it.
