Alternate Smoking Ban Legislation

Alternate Smoking Ban Legislation by Dorothy Weiland, RN
URL http://www.PetitionOnline.com/371013/petition.html

Approximately 5 months ago I sent a Smoking Ban Legislation and Research Proposal idea to all WI Legislators, Tobacco Researchers, and to the Dept. of Health and Family Services. Since I have received no meaningful response, I am appealing to the public at large in two separate petitions. Below are some excerpts, in effect, I took from the Legislative aspect of my most recent version.

Goal: WI to develop an all inclusive Smoking Program which includes reaching the many persons with obsessive/compulsive and poor impulse control type personalities who have been unable to quit using all current available treatment modalities.

Proposal 1. Create legislation banning the sale of cigarettes and smoking in all public places, including outside, statewide for at least one year. This plan will help many smokers quit if we choose to keep it simple, ethical, and cost effective.

One of the biggest obstacles for smokers to overcome is that temptations are all over the place. You walk in any store, they are right behind the counter. While trying to quit, I have been known to pick up cigarette butts from ashtrays. When the craving begins, we are unable to override short term needs with long term rational thoughts. Likewise, we tolerate freezing temperatures, ill health, a habit we can not afford, low self-esteem, and moody inconsiderate behavior. A total ban is reasonable since tobacco is a drug (mind altering) and a killer. Ask any opponent: Is prohibiting accessory to murder unconstitutional? If someone unsuccessfully attempts suicide, WI law states they have to be locked up. Why then does the law not see how slow suicide should be treated any differently? We dont let farmers grow other deadly drugs! Singling out smokers by raising the cigarette tax is also a cruel thing to do in the wrong direction and reflects a selfish, total disregard for this group of people.

While some will go on to collate this suggested prohibition to eating, drinking, and gambling, it is essential to avoid these types of comparisons. There is basically no such thing as a social smoker. Yes politics, big money, and smugglers will get in the way but if you believe there is a good solution to just about every problem then please come on board. Someone can figure out how to appease the tobacco farmers. Im sure the loss in taxes would be recovered by savings in health care and an increase in productivity. We wouldnt need the time consuming Building Bans in every city as there would be no loss in business from competition. Potential individual future lawsuits against WI would be avoided. Its beyond me to think how the government could sue tobacco companies on our behalf but still allow cigarettes to be sold.

Could this be done by 2005? Take courage Wisconsin for you can do anything you want if motivated for the right reasons. Lives are at stake so let us free up and quicken the process. We need compassionate, mass participation and persons with influence acting on our behalf. For those who disagree or lack understanding, it would be well to read the entire document called Alternate Smoking Ban Legislation and or Research Proposal http://www.PetitionOnline.com/37101350/petition.html. Please give us hope by contacting your local Representatives and signing one or both Petitions. Thank you.