Not to get all political and stuff, but.....

Sometimes I just feel like I want to, or need to. And you guys know, normally, this isn't my thing. At least not here. This space is generally reserved for making fun of people (myself), talking about TV and movies, sports, and poo jokes. However, sometimes you care about stuff, and sometimes you just don't want to see underhanded legislation sneaking through a state election. This is something that was forwarded to me, and is available on the American Cancer Society's website:

This November 7th, there will be two smoking-related issues on the ballot. One is clear cut, the other is designed to confuse voters. Issue 4 is sponsored by a coalition of pro-smoking groups including the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association and the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. Their PAC goes by the name "Smoke Less Ohio." (This is a spin name. What the backers want is for there to be more smoking in Ohio ). They propose a constitutional amendment that would ban smoking in a very few places, and would specifically exempt bars, bowling alleys and bingohalls. It would mandate smoking sections in all restaurants. It would also repeal all current municipalities' smoking restriction legislation and bar any further local choice in the matter. This is the BAD ONE!

Issue 5 is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Lung Association and a coalition of health groups called "Smoke Free Ohio", including the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners. It restricts smoking in indoor public working environments and is meant to ensure the safety of people who work in the hospitality industry and to shield non-smokers from second-hand smoke. If passed, it would be a state law, not a constitutional amendment. Make no mistake about it, THIS IS THE GOOD ONE!!!. If people vote yes on both issues, Issue 4 will trump Issue 5, since it is a constitutional amendment that bans all smoking legislation. This is most likely what the Smoke Less Ohio folks want. It is imperative that you, your friends and neighbors know and understand the difference. This is the most important Public Health Issue to come down the pike in Ohio in the past three decades. It is important that you vote NO on Issue 4 and YES on Issue 5.
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There's a couple of reasons I posted this, the least of which is that I think smoking is a dangerous and unhealthy habit. People want to smoke? That's their business, I understand that. But here's a couple of thoughts.......

1) In no way, shape or form do I think that corporations should be driving a constitutional amendment that affects individual municipalities. For one, the state should leave it up to local governments to better decide what is right for their communities, as the state of Ohio has done on this issue up to this point.

2) I find it marginally to completely reprehensible that companies that KNOW that they produce products that kill their customers and non-customers would produce a bill called "Smoke Less Ohio" that is still very much geared towards protecting their own self interests.

3) (and this is very personal) Have you ever been to a smoke free city? Its' SPECTACULAR. Columbus is smoke free, and I know when I go down there, I drink a ton, completely over do it, and get way out of hand, but I never seem to get a hangover, despite often getting 5 hours of sleep on a floor or a couch, not a bed. Additionally, I don't smell like an ashtray, which is a nice bonus. And for anyone who says that their business will go down if smoking is banned in bars? If its' banned everywhere, people won't have a choice. Ask the C-bus bar owners if they are having any problems keeping their places busy. Trust me, they aren't.