Jump to full article: Bennington (VT) Banner, 2009-06-15
Author: Alden Graves
Intro: Am I missing some fundamental point concerning the issue of smoking in local public parks? I don't understand why it is an issue at all. Aren't we talking about -- among other things -- the health of children here?
. . .
For decades, tobacco companies have doctored, distorted and suppressed vital information, oftentimes the results of their own research, about the devastating consequences of smoking.
Lawyers possessing more ambition than compassion -- notable among them, New York's squeaky clean junior senator Kirsten Gillibrand -- helped to keep that information from the public. Congressional representatives from states that flourish on tobacco revenues, inspired by North Carolina's late and unlamented Jesse Helms, quashed any annoying interference on a federal level. And people died by the thousands. . . .
Some members of the Bennington Select Board aren't so sure that people who don't wish to be exposed to second hand smoke should have the right to intrude upon the pleasures of those with a more cavalier attitude toward their health. It has even been suggested -- in complete seriousness, I guess -- that, if people don't wish to be exposed to toxic fumes, they should stay away from the parks. . . .
The most intelligent comment on the issue came from a young man -- who was smoking at the time -- who told a Banner reporter that he supported the ban because it would discourage other young people from taking up the habit. I wonder if he would consider running for the Select Board?
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