Key Issues
Smoking Bans:
The Slippery Slope of Government Intervention
Smoking bans in Texas bars and tavens open the door to further government intrusion in our lives. Just a few recent examples:
- A Florida county government recently announced it is no longer hiring smokers.
- A vote to ban smoking in city-owned cars in Alaska was recently put on hold for legal review.
- A bill to let landlords prohibit smoking in apartment buildings is being pushed in California.
- New York recently banned trans-fats in restaurants.
As cited in a 2007 report on the ethics of smoking bans, "several cities have started limiting smoking even further, placing restrictions on smoking in outdoor public areas such as parks and patios of restaurants and bars. Furthermore, in California, beginning in 2009 statewide, smoking in the presence of a minor 18 years or younger while driving will be a misdemeanor offense. Perhaps the government should also make laws regarding the kinds of foods a parent can feed their child. In the interest of their health, ban soda and fast food for children? As you can see, this is a slippery slope of logic and one that will certainly be debated heavily in the future."
Latest slippery slope news :
Employers ponder tough tactics to halt smoking
San Francisco Chronicle, June 17, 2008
Obama Admits Smoking Cigarettes in Last Few Months
ABC News, June 10, 2008
Dutch smoking ban to cover coffee shops
Reuters, June 8, 2008
County: Smokers need not apply
Sarasota Herald Tribune, May 20, 2008
Want a job? You may have to quit smoking
Orlando Sentinel, January 6, 2008