Abilene Smoking Ban Proposal

Regarding the Abilene Smoking Ban—Why this non-smoker will vote “no.”

When I am in a restaurant, I don’t like cigarette smoke. However, I will still vote “no” to the proposed Smoking Ban because the city should not force my preferences on someone else. If I don’t like cigarette smoke, I can spend my money in a smoke-free business and let others spend money where they choose. Eventually, businesses serving the free market will succeed, and those who don’t will fail. The city council should not interfere with free trade.

Consider Abilene’s Dixie Pig. After considering both sides of the issue, the owners decided a few years ago to make their restaurant smoke-free. Since then, the citizens of Abilene who prefer such an environment have kept their business alive and well. The same goes for other establishments, such as The Towne Crier, Rick & Carolyn’s, and the Cracker Barrel. Each of these restaurants decided to serve its clientele in its own way, and customers who want to smoke with their meals have moved on to restaurants who choose to allow smoking. That’s what free enterprise is about.

Bottom line? We do not need the city council to pass legislation forcing private businesses to adopt this or that policy when owners are perfectly capable of deciding for themselves. Vote “no” to the Smoking Ban ordinance.

Exhibit "B." Wisdom Prevails in Chicago

From USA Today:

CHICAGO (AP) — Mayor Richard Daley vetoed an ordinance Monday that would have required mega-retailers to pay their workers more than other employers after some of the nation's largest stores including Wal-Mart Stores (WMTI) warned that the measure would keep them from opening their doors within the city's limits.
Supporters said the measure would guarantee employees a "living wage," but in a letter to City Council members released Monday, Daley said the ordinance would drive businesses from Chicago.

"I understand and share a desire to ensure that everyone who works in the city of Chicago earns a decent wage," Daley wrote. "But I do not believe that this ordinance, well intentioned as it may be, would achieve that end.

Libertarian Candidates

I don't wonder why Libertarian candidates don't get voted into office here in Abilene. They are not too impressive on paper and in interviews as the polished and well educated candidates for the Rebublicans and Democrats. Hmmm....what to do.