Blog: Ban Outdoor Smoking?

Councilman Pat Aust wants to ban smoking on the breezy . I suppose he wants his "Blue Zone Community" trophy. This outdoor ban will discourage smokers from spending money in Pier businesses because smoking would be forbidden outside. When Aust quells their personal liberty, smokers will seek a more pleasant situation elsewhere. In a bad economy, while much unpleasant construction is underway to renovate the Pier, Aust wants to further cripple Pier businesses. Pat Aust should be living in Santa Monica, where government is encouraged to be intrusive. 

The notion of secondhand smoke should not shape public policy—even if it had merit. Many believe the hysteria—the myth—that secondhand smoke is a hazard. And Liberals, especially, are inclined to believe that the pursuit of good health trumps personal liberty. It does not. American soldiers fought for liberty. They did not fight for a nanny state.

This medical reports is quite concise:

http://yourdoctorsorders.com/2009/01/the-myth-of-second-hand-smoke/

I do not smoke. There is nothing about cigarette smoke that I like. But that's not the issue. I object to the erosion of personal liberty. I resent that a non-smoker's disdain for smoking can impede a smoker from enjoying a lawful activity. I don't happen to like pink cars. But I will never try to keep Pat Aust or anybody else from having a pink car.