My name is Bill Hannegan and I started a group called KEEP ST. LOUIS FREE! that totally defeated a proposed smoking ban in St. Louis by disputing the junk science behind bans. I can provide information and help you fight bans where you live. Contact me at: hanneganlounge@safeplace.net

Why can't we let the business owners decide if they want smoking in the place of business or not? Why do we have governments deciding this for us? Why not have bars that are non-smoking and bars that allow smoking?

Personally I wonder why the government feels they can take away business owners rights to decide wheather or not to allow smoking in their establishments. After all, most people seem to forget that after it's all said and done, it is the business owner they are effecting. How would you feel if someone came into your house and told you what you could do and how you could do it?

It would be nice if we could be adults and that includes the smokers. I have a right to be able to breathe and not have someone push their smoke in my face just because I want to go out to eat, or to the mall. If smokers were more grown up they would consider other people and smoke where they would not disturb others. If they want to smoke go ahead just don't make me a party to it. I don't go to bars because of the smoke, that is my choice and I agree if I know an establishment does not have a non-smoking section I won't go there, however public places (like Malls, theatres) are different I go far away from smokers and they move over next to me and light up. If they would be considerate maybe we would not need legislation, but somewhere along the line non-smokers rights were lost and we need to get them back too.

why must we INSIST on legislating EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of life??? do we have nothing better to do than to dictate and direct everything for everyone? where did all the grown-up's in this city GO? if a business chooses to go non-smoking, works for me. if someone chooses to no patronize an establishment becuase they permit smoking on the premises, ok by me. be an adult and make your own decision. if you want to have someone else legistlate your life for you, move to boulder.

How is smoking in a bar a right in the first place? Privilege, maybe. Smokers still have a right to start (or stop) smoking, buy cigarettes, smoke all they want. Smokers' rights are like drinkers' rights, maybe. Alcohol sale and consumption are regulated, so I don't see how regulating cigarette sale and consumption infringes on rights. I am interested in hearing an explanation of what people mean by "smokers' rights."

Smokers' shouldn't have the right to indirectly harm others when they could enjoy the same smoke outside where less damage will be done. Establishments find it difficult to survive as the odd man out even if it is what the mass public desires. I don't want to go to a local bar and come home reaking of smoke, but just aas importantly, I don't want to miss out on the fun because I don't smoke. Luckily, it is about more than just a bad smell, it is about proven long term effects of second hand smoke.

How can the Dems enact a state-wide smoking ban? Wouldn't that negate home rule?