Text 17348, 86 rader
Skriven 2011-04-22 16:48:46 av Lee Lofaso (1:323/120.0)
Ärende: Equal Air For All
=========================
Hello Everybody,

Ten years ago smokers could light up and do their thing
whenever and wherever they wanted, in all 50 states in the
USA.  Today, that is no longer true.  25 states have banned
smoking, in all environments (workplaces, bars, restaurants,
casinos, etc.).  That is roughly half the population of the
US covered by comprehensive state or local indoor smoking
bans (and some outdoor smoking bans).

Another 10 states have limited smoking bans (smoking is
banned in workplaces, bars or restaurants, but not in all
three venues).

That leaves 15 states that have less restrictive laws, of
which 7 of those states have no smoking bans in place at all.

What are those 7 states?  Some of the cities in those states
might have local ordinances in place banning smoking, but
that doesn't count as being a statewide ban -

Indiana
Kentucky
Mississippi
South Carolina
Texas
West Virginia
Wyoming

Word to the wise -  If you value your lungs, do not visit
any of those 7 states.  And may God help you if you actually
live there.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is predicting smoking
bans to spread to more places and states as people become more
aware of the dangers smoking presents to non-smokers.  What
that means is by 2020, every state in the USA might have bans
on smoking in restaurants, bars and the workplace.

Every non-smoker who works for a living should demand -

                -=EQUAL AIR FOR ALL=-

That demand should be without exception.
Not "Equal air for all - except bar and casino employees"
Not "Equal air for all - except Larry, Curly, and Moe"
Not "Equal air for all - except those who work at the joint"

In Louisiana, employees in every industry enjoy equal air
quality in the workplace.  EXCEPT FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN BARS
AND CASINOS.  That is not fair.  Especially to musicians, such
as myself.  I have to breathe that shit in every time I play
and entertain a crowd.  So do bartenders and barmaids.  And
those pretty girls who serve you drinks on the floor as you
play the slots or Texas Hold `Em.  What kind of respect is
that, blowing smoke in a young girl's face?

Bar and casino employees in my state do not enjoy the
same basic right to a smoke-free environment as those who
work in other states.  In fact, bar and casino employees
in my state do not enjoy the same basic right to a smoke-
free enviornment as the rest of the population of my own
state, as very few people work in bars and casinos relative
to other places of employment.

Breathing smoke is not healthy for anybody.  Not for smokers.
Not for non-smokers.  While that is true, patrons have the option
to leave an establishment.  But not employees.  Bartenders,
casino workers and musicians do not have the option to leave.
Instead, they have no choice but to breathe that shit in.
Every day.  And suffer the same ill effects as pack-a-day
smokers.

It is time to clear the air.  Not only in Louisiana, but
everywhere.  This land may be your land, but it is also my
land.  And blowing smoke in peoples faces is not respecting
me, or anybody else.

It is time for non-smokers to get involved and support equal
air quality in all workplaces in Louisiana - and everywhere.

--Lee

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 * SLMR 2.1a * My reality check just bounced.
 * Origin: Chowdanet (401-724-4410) telnet://chowdanet.com  (1:323/120)