EDITORIAL: New ordinance is needed but shouldn't hamper Waco pubs and restaurants
Here is another perspective on the smoking ordinance from the editorials on today's Waco Trib.
Personally, I'm against taking away any more personal freedom. Let the market decide. If people want smoke-free bars, then someone should open one and not allow smoking. I just don't see that happening.
Whatever side you are on, the BEST (and only, really) way to have your voice heard is to GO TO THE CITY COUNCIL meeting and address the council. You fill out a card. They call you up and you have three minutes to say what you want. There won't be discussion, but you will make your voice heard. Come in groups so they can see what the people want.
Don't forget you can also write and call your council members. The email addresses and phone numbers are easy to find on the city's website. I believe there is also a central number where they take suggestions and questions from citizens.
When a government dictates behavior, it takes away a person's responsibility and accountability. Once the majority of people have lost that, they will become effectively slaves of the state - unable to make decisions for themselves. Worse yet, blaming others for their failures. You can already see it happening.
Individuals need to be free and responsible. Communities and society should dictate the "rules" for living - not the government. When governments and economies collapse (and they do) all that will be left are the PEOPLE to rebuild. The PEOPLE need to be free and strong and have the ability to MAKE their own decisions and live with the CONSEQUENCES of their own decisions.
The Waco City Council needs to take NO further action on smoking bans. In fact, I believe that they should take a stand and say that in Waco, TX, we value the rights of the individual and respect their ability to make their own decisions. We value and protect the rights of property owners to manage and use their property the way they see fit.
Friday, October 23, 2009
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Great article Lisa! If people do not exercise their rights, speak their minds and address their elected representation they can quickly lose their rights.
ReplyDeleteSmoking may not be a glamorous freedom to stand-up for, BUT it is something that government has no need to regulate. It is the beginning of government being dictative in every aspect of our lives and business. If they will just allow our capitalist system to work, the majority of the people would choose what is best. As an example; the owners of the pubs, restuarants, etc. have one end result in mind, to make the most money. If the majority of their patrons like or dis-like smoking in their facilities the owners will most definitely choose to abide with the majority to make the most money. Let Freedom Ring!
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