In a Sioux Falls debate on Friday we get a preview of how the next governor of South Dakota views the role of government and our constitutional rights.
According to an Associated Press report, “Democrat Scott Heidepriem and Republican Dennis Daugaard agreed about supporting the smoking ban on the November ballot.”
Neither of these candidates respects the rights of individuals and business owners. They both believe it is incumbent upon government to make decisions on how to run private businesses. Some may not see this as a big deal. IT IS A BIG DEAL. South Dakota citizens are bright enough to make their own decisions about whether to patronize a business that allows smoking. And business owners have the right to make their own decisions on how to operate those businesses.
This issue is not about smoking. It is not about 2nd hand smoke. It is about whether we are free to make our own decisions as business owners and consumers. It is not very comforting that our next governor, whichever candidate it is, believes it is acceptable for State government to make those choices for us.
At a time when the Federal government is attacking our freedom on every front, we need a governor who will stand up for our rights.
When I look at these two men on issues of defending our freedoms all I see is a “VACANCY” sign.
Gordon Howie-Rapid City, SD
Apparently Terri hasn’t owned or run a business. If you don’t want a child to breathe in smoke, don’t bring him to the smoky environment. Remember, nobody is forcing you to. As to this coming to a vote, this is a typical example of the tyranny of the majority. The downside effect of a ban on smoking inside is to the business owner and smoking minority,; the majority voting on this probably don’t smoke and will not personally be affected. Granted, if passed the non-smoking majority will be able to enter all establishments without smoke, but remember they enter these establishments voluntarily!! Too much big brother, and for those who don’t fear the government taking away more of your rights I guess it’s ok that now we will be forced to purchase health insurance against our wishes. So much for the right of free will in this area.
Just some random thoughts folks, take care and keep passing the open windows!
Terri,
Thanks for the post. I don’t like the smoke either. I just believe it is my right to CHOOSE whether I go in to a place that allows indoor smoking. Also, my choice as a business owner, whether I cater to smokers or non-smokers. Should the government really have the autority to tell us what to eat, drink, what to do in our own businesses? Should they then have the autority to tell us we can’t smoke (I am a non-smoker) in our own home or auto?? Where does it end? I say it should end right here, right now! And then begin taking back previously lost ground as it relates to our personal freedoms.
ps Thank you Ed R. for keeping our blog a place where people can disagree without being mean and nasty!!!! Good job!!
It is a sad day when free people give up their freedom of choice willingly. and are unwilling to make a decision for themselves. If you dont like the smoking in that business leave. There are those that will give up any and all the freedom they have to the Govt in order to force someone else to comply with misguided and sometimes horrendously wrong social edicts. I predict a new govt agency very soon called the social police. Their duty will be to protect us from ourselves. God help us. Napoli.
I’ll have to disagree with you on this one, Gordon. (sorry)
Nobody is saying “you can’t smoke”, we are just saying “you can’t smoke INSIDE”. Nobody is taking away a persons rights with this one………… Suck on those cancer sticks, just go outside where you don’t destroy my lungs, or even better, where you don’t destroy my CHILD’s lungs.
…. If a person should be able to smoke INSIDE then by golly a person should be able to discharge a firearm INSIDE. Do you think is it OK for someone to do that? If not, then the way I see it, it is the same thing. Go ahead and shoot your rifles or smoke cancer sticks, just do it OUT side where there isn‘t injury to others.
And to Independent: FYI, I AM the Tea Party…
You really know how to grab people attention because when I started to read I wanted to know what will be in the end.
This bill will pass with a sweeping majority, and your opinion is fraught with sensationlism and extremism. The vast majority of South Dakotans simply don’t think like you or the Tea Party. There is no conspiracy theory attempting to strip individuals or business owners of rights. It really is just about smoking.
It’s no more about smoking than gun control is about guns. IT’S ABOUT CONTROL.
Control of what, and by whom? People’s minds? That’s silly. We elect officials to indirectly do our bidding through the political process. In this case the law was referred to a vote of the people. The people will directly decide if this becomes law, of their own accord.
This entire process is a prime example of a government of the people, by the people, for the people. It just doesn’t get any better than this.
Control of you, me and everyone. Control of all aspects of our lives from conception to physical death. The complete antithesis of freedom and liberty. You may wish to wrap yourself in that fuzzy little blanket of security sacrificing your liberty and freedom on the government’s altar, but not me.
I guess I’ll vote for the ban then. One simple vote on one simple issue. I don’t chose to live in fear, thinking the government is plotting to remove more of my rights. Like I said, we the people are going to vote on this, and the majority will rule, not the government.