Yes on Prop N: Help curb tobacco addiction in our state
As a former smoker, I have watched the debate surrounding Proposition N on next Tuesday’s ballot with great interest.
This ballot measure takes an important first step in promoting smoke free indoor air in enclosed public places across St. Louis County. It troubles me though that it doesn’t address how to help those who smoke quit tobacco.
I successfully used the drug Chantix to kick the habit after 40 years of smoking. I had no negative side effects and haven’t smoked for nearly two years. It wasn’t easy to be sure!
A recent report by state Auditor Susan Montee shows Missouri had the fourth largest percentage of adult smokers last year, compared to other states. It also shows more people lit up last year than in the two previous years.
We must support efforts to curb tobacco addiction in our state. This goal should go hand-in-hand with efforts to make public places across Missouri smoke free.
Charlotte Layman
Climax Springs, Mo.
Public places are already smoke free, genius. Private places are not, so why do we have a bill that bans smoking in public places? Can someone smoke in a library? No. People are idiots and need to learn the difference between public and private.
So, Oh boy, I guess you are also opposed to laws against robbery, murder, assault, etc., whenever they take place on private property. It’s my place, I can harm whomever I want, right?
A few years ago Big Tobacco paid huge amounts to the states, supposedly as reimbursement for previous harm, and that money went straight to the general fund instead of to smoking cessation or health funds. Part of the settlement should have required Big Tobacco to provide nicotine gum or patches, or products like Chantix to smokers for free.
Another genius has spoken, well done Marcus! Why are you comparing an ILLEGAL activity no matter where it takes place in this country, to a LEGAL activity?
For example, in California one can smoke outside, but one cannot murder anyone anywhere. So, why do you have the RIGHT to tell a private property owner what LEGAL activities take place on their property?
Stop being a hypocrite and accepting tobacco taxes with one hand while removing freedoms with the other. By what right do you tell me what to do on my property.
You think this is a good thing? Next they’ll be forcing their way into your homes because you gave your child a cup cake. If you don’t think this will happen, just remember, it’s for the children.
Anyone who believes they have the right to ban any legal substance in a privately owned establishment is a hypocrite and a moron.
Well if you don’t like something pass a law. Lets see, people that talk too much, the old lady in the check out lane who gets out her checkbook after everthing is ringed out. Dogs barking, I can hear them in my house, in my space. Rap music, should be a law.
Let me get this straight; St Louis on a full court press to ban smoking in private establishments after the fed passes increased CHIP entitlements partially funded from tobacco taxes,,,,hmmm