Indoor Smoking Bans Are A Real Drag

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By By Ken Schram

Summary

But if they have to happen, I want it to be from a vote of the people, not the Legislature.

Story Published: Jul 25, 2005 at 1:04 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2009 at 12:02 PM PDT

Indoor Smoking Bans Are A Real Drag
SEATTLE - Think it's bad here?

Check out New Jersey.

Lawmakers in the "Garden State" are trying to pass a law making it illegal to smoke in your car.

Not for any health reasons mind you.

Legislators say it's because taking a drag while driving is a distraction that causes accidents.

(An accident is finding yourself driving in Jersey!)

Makes Washington state look like a veritable oasis for smokers.

Of course, we've got Initiative 901 looming on the November horizon.

That's the measure that would not only kick puffing pariahs out of virtually every public place and business, but would further banish us to the outer rings of hell, or 25 feet from outside entrances, whichever is further away.

Now, I'll be honest with you: If a smoking ban like that has to happen, I'd rather it come from a vote of the people instead of a bill in the legislature.

That doesn't mean I'm in favor of the ban smoking initiative.

I'm not.

It just means I am totally fed up with government and what I call its "Don't Run with Scissors" laws.

I'll be voting "NO" on 901.

And since I vote absentee, you can bet I'll be smoking as I cast my ballot.

Want to share your thoughts with Ken Schram? You can e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com