Jump to full article: South County (MO) Times, 2009-10-30
Author: Dwight Bitikofer
Intro: I have not made a study of studies, but it stands to reason that frequency and intensity of exposure come into play - and I have rarely seen those cited. The danger from second-hand smoke and a host of other things we ingest is relative to exposure.
Passionate proponents would have us believe that a passing whiff of cigarette smoke endangers lives. Passionate opponents would have us believe that bar and restaurant business will evaporate like smoke if patrons can't light up.
There has long been a national movement toward smoke-free public environments that will be nearly complete when all bar and restaurant smoking is forbidden. That is the direction of the public tide. It is unlikely that will reverse anytime soon. But the question is raised about how much freedom of living we are willing to trade for ridding our lives of risk - or more specifically, ridding the lives of our neighbors of risk whether or not they choose healthier lifestyles. . . .
So go to the polls on Tuesday. Voter turnout is predicted to be light. Your vote can make a difference. You can choose restriction or you can vote for freedom of the marketplace. It is your choice. And we will all learn to accept the outcome, however it falls. Won't we?
Or will we take one modicum of successful control and find new targets?
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