Thanks for Not Smoking
Oddly enough, this one got people out of their chairs in a hurry.
Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, moves to ban smoking in the Members Lounge that's right off the floor of the House. The provision says the House will dedicate a smoking section at some point, but no longer can members - who include Rep. Terri Hodge, D-Dallas, and Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston - light up where members go to rest, eat lunch, nap and smack each other around between votes.
Rep. Harold Dutton, a nonsmoker, wanted to know how it would be enforced.
"Are you going to be the one to tell Terri Hodge she can’t smoke in the member’s lounge?" he asked.
Bonnen: "I'm terrified of that idea, honestly."
But vote they did, and the ban passed 84-52.
"I don't know what they're going to do about it," Mr. Dutton said. "I don't know of any sergeants at arms who are tough enough to take on Terri."
Garnet weighs in: :"Anyone who's hard up enough to smoke a cigarette smelling doo-doo and wee-wee ought to be allowed to do it."
Apparnetly, Garnet knows the meaning of the word "nic fit." Then again, after 15 solid hours on this House floor some nights, everyone becomes a smoker...
Comments
Another reason why brain-damaged smokers shouldn't be elected to ANY political office. Smoking should be banned everywhere, indoors and out. Anyone that violates that law, smack 'em with a large wooden club!
Posted by: Bill Thompson | March 3, 2007 11:47 AM
This smoking ban legislation has gone way too far.
Public owned buildings are one thing, but private businesses that invite the public in, is quite another. They should be allowed to choose their own policy and post it for potential employees and customers to decide.
The second hand smoke studies are completely flawed and overblown. Don't just read the false conclusions, read the studies.
If we use the same methodology on other fumes and odors, we can expect bans on many other non-essential fumes and odors as well.
Are you ready to give up:
Fireplaces, BBQ's and hibachis?
Open alcohol containers in bars?
Fireworks exhibits and ammunitions?
Cleaners and degreasers?
Potpourri, incense, and eucalyptis?
Deodorants and Perfumes?
Hot tar roof repairs?
This list could be expanded exponentially.
Let's bring sanity back into government.
Freedom is not just the freedom to do the smart or healthy thing. That kind of freedom is no freedom at all.
Posted by: Gregory | April 22, 2007 9:16 AM