To those of you that live in Boise this will not be new information, however, I have an opinion dammit. As of January 2nd a smoking ban in the city of Boise has become law- you heard me- a bona fide law, meaning that despite the fact that I purchased my cigarettes legally as an adult I am unable to smoke in public. So, when I go downtown to spend my hard earned money and relax after a week of toil and work I am now threatened with a $45 ticket if I lit up. Allow me explain my smoking etiquette before proceeding:
First rule, never smoke around children, its bad form and extremely rude.
Second rule, walk away from the crowd before you lit up, though I am a smoker I hate walking through a cloud of smoke on my way into a business.
Third rule, have some damn sense, don't litter, cigarette butts last longer that we do so toss 'em in the trash or pocket it if no trash receptacles are available.
The reasons for the smoking ban-through my limited channels of information-have ranged from environmental concerns-which I will touch on later-to health concerns for the community. Now lets look at these two senerios which supposedly led to this new law being enacted.
The environmental argument: Cigarette smokers contribute to global warming (I'm sorry, but WHAT!!!) Idaho is redder than red politcally, this is not an opinion but electoral college fact. Who has been the biggest opponent to global warming? Well...Republicans so I'm suppose to believe that the most Republican state in the Union now has such a great concern for the environment that it will waste police officers' time and taxpayer dollars to do the right thing and not allow smoking in the noble attempt to cut down on greenhouse gases. I ask you this, how many times have you walked by an empty police cruiser that is idling in the parking lot, hmmm no smoking eh? As much fun as it is to discuss the environment aspect I have to think that is false. So lets take a look at the health aspect of this new law.
Cigarettes are bad!!! no ifs, ands or buts about it. However so is everything else we do. Fast food for lunch anyone? What about a gallon of coffee throughout the day, or the handful of medications that we take without thinking only because our doctors say its safe and will make us feel better? 64oz Big Gulp anyone? Mm-mm sound delicious. I'm suppose to believe that my government cares about me health? Ha! Do me a favor and take a little time to research the FDA, you may actually plant that garden you've been thinking about after you do. There is nothing in government that really cares about the
individual, its sole purpose is that of any business, to make money and convince the shareholders (you and me) that they are doing the best they can with what they have. That's the reality, every president in my lifetime as been no different its all about the Benjamins. This is where I could say, its always been that way, but that would be unfair and ill advised. This country has been sliding down a slippery slope of lies and financial corruption. This however, is a relatively new phenomenon our for-fathers were a different breed, revolutionaries and would most certainly be shunned as lunatics and left-wing fanatics if they where here with us now. Hell, Thomas Jefferson grew hemp
and smoked it whilst watching the sun go down behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its recorded in his journals and memoirs. This new law is the same as any other, it was born of emotional impulse and sets the precedent for other laws. When does it stop? Where is the line drawn, where freedoms are taken one at time without question until we have none left. Is this the new America? Is this what we are heading toward? Bit by bit piece by piece our identity is stripped away and we left with a confused shell, an apparition devoid of hope only living our day just because that's all we have left. My soul screams for freedom as it slips through my clenched fingers, only to become a memory, both distant and foreign. Grab your freedoms, hold them tight against your chest, become informed, talk to your friends and learn to give a damn. We are at a tipping point, and if we fall, well, this America will be nothing more than a story told to our grandchildren.
Thank you reading and please tell me your thoughts I am eager to hear them. Tell me your story, your view. Have you seen similar tales or do you just think I'm a loony that needs to be locked away, cause that's cool too.
Until next time be well and be aware
