Unregistered
June 4th, 2003, 10:27 AM
Two months ago, the New York State Legislature voted overwhelmingly in support of a law that would require all workplaces and public facilities to be smoke-free. Health groups praised this new law because it made it possible for all workers to collect a paycheck without having to be drenched in carcinogenic tobacco smoke.
Nonsmokers were finally looking forward to the day they could walk out of a bar or restaurant without having their clothes smelling like an ashtray. Many restaurant owners were happy because the Legislature was able to craft a law that created the same smoking rules for everyone: bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. Unfortunately, nothing is that easy in Albany.
It appears that politics and special interests are working overtime to undo what the vast majority of New Yorkers already support. Big tobacco has enlisted a handful of vocal bar owners to spread their lies about economic doom and fraudulent health studies. This is nothing new; we've heard these lies before.
What is new and disheartening is the fact that some of our elected officials, including several from Western New York, who should know better, are listening. Perhaps promises of campaign contributions or other political favors have clouded their thinking.
One would have to think so because, unbelievably, one of the proposed amendments to the law would require taxpayers to foot the bill for the construction of indoor smoking rooms. That's right, if you're a nonsmoker and want clean air to breathe, you'll have to pay!
All I can say to those elected officials who fall prey to this obvious ploy by big tobacco is shame on you.
K. MICHAEL CUMMINGS
Cancer Research Scientist
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
www.buffalo.com
Nonsmokers were finally looking forward to the day they could walk out of a bar or restaurant without having their clothes smelling like an ashtray. Many restaurant owners were happy because the Legislature was able to craft a law that created the same smoking rules for everyone: bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. Unfortunately, nothing is that easy in Albany.
It appears that politics and special interests are working overtime to undo what the vast majority of New Yorkers already support. Big tobacco has enlisted a handful of vocal bar owners to spread their lies about economic doom and fraudulent health studies. This is nothing new; we've heard these lies before.
What is new and disheartening is the fact that some of our elected officials, including several from Western New York, who should know better, are listening. Perhaps promises of campaign contributions or other political favors have clouded their thinking.
One would have to think so because, unbelievably, one of the proposed amendments to the law would require taxpayers to foot the bill for the construction of indoor smoking rooms. That's right, if you're a nonsmoker and want clean air to breathe, you'll have to pay!
All I can say to those elected officials who fall prey to this obvious ploy by big tobacco is shame on you.
K. MICHAEL CUMMINGS
Cancer Research Scientist
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
www.buffalo.com