Blowing Smoke

It is ridiculous to think that a person has a right to clean air when they go out in public. When people venture out for a bite to eat or something to drink it should be mandatory for them to be exposed to toxins in the air. Breath that second hand smoke in because it can only cause blood platelets to become stickier, damage the lining of blood vessels, decrease coronary flow velocity reserves, and reduce heart rate variability. Which, by the way, can also cause cancer and an increased chance of a heart attack.

Many businesses have complained about the smoking ban that will be in effect on June 1, especially those businesses in smaller towns. The consensus is that it is the government’s fault. They have no right to impose this regulation. It is not like the government was put into place to look out for the best interests of the people. The government needs to understand that businesses need money and they don’t care how long they have healthy customers, just as long as they get the cash flow.

Is that really what it comes down to? Agreed, that money is important to live a lifestyle that is comfortable, but it does not have to come down to the price of someone’s life. The government is looking out for the best interest of its people and in this case, they want their people to live longer.

The rights of the people are important. People have the right to damage their health by smoking, but they do not have the right to damage another person’s health with their unhealthy habit. The rights of smokers and businesses are still intact. Smokers can smoke. It is not illegal to do so. They just have to go outside or find another alternative to smoking indoors. It could drive people to quit, which would be a healthy alternative.

Businesses rights are still intact as well. They are still able to serve their customers and when the ban comes into effect their establishments will become cleaner and more kid friendly. Children that come with their parents to bars or restaurants can now enjoy arcade games in a fresh air environment. This means that these kids are future customers that will benefit your business in the long run.

It might seem like this ban is a pain right now, but in the long run it will benefit all of Nebraska. State wide we will be healthier and businesses might feel and initial hit in their pockets, but people need to eat more than they need to smoke.