Smoking Ban "Hypocrazies", Nanny McState

When it comes to the Indiana State Legislature it looks as if it's business as usual, new regime same old Progressive agenda. Let's toss Liberty and Self-responsibility out and bring in the Nanny State. The House Public Health Committee voted, 9-3, this afternoon to pass the statewide smoking ban, exempting only casinos and horsetracks.

Money talks.

Bars and taverns are not exempted at this point nor are Cigar Bars or Tobacco shops. I guess they're not as important as Gambling Establishments.

Let us consider the case of a cigar store owner. No food is served. No alcohol is available. The only products are cigars and tobacco products and accessories. Let us also assume that this establishment is owned by a retiree and he is the sole employee. No one else works there. He started this store because of his love of cigars. The store is open 6-8 hours/day. He has become something of an expert and customers often seek out his advice, much in the way a wine enthusiast may seek the opinion of a sommelier.

Under the proposed ban he will not be allowed to sample a new cigar in his own store in order to provide advice for his customers.

Who is being harmed and needs to be protected by the expanded ban?

Does he not have the right run his business to best of his ability?

Is he any less deserving of an exemption because he does not have the lobbying clout of the casinos and horsetracks?

Hats off to those Liberty conscious legislators who voted against this travesty.

The Game's Afoot

Silly Season, otherwise known as the state legislative session has descended upon Indianapolis and it seems that the primary goal of the first few days is to play childish political games.

I will be posting my thoughts and recommendations regarding the introduced Bills beginning this weekend.