Luciano Displays Common Sense

I'm not a big fan of Phil Luciano of the Peoria Journal Star. I don't read his features very often, but he does sometimes offer readers a good article with a good opinion on a valid issue. Today's was probably one of the best. While Mr. Luciano always has strong opinions, today's was right on with razor sharpness.

Mr. Luciano goes on the explain that while it is now illegal to smoke in public places, the fact remains the same, it will continue to happen. He compared the situation to the "Just Say No" campaign of the 1980's to keep kids from doing drugs. As Mr. Luciano claimed, "People still do drugs." I think I would have used the analogy of the speed limit. It's well posted at 65 mph, but yet, you still find a large number of drivers travelling well above that; especially in the Chicago area.

I also liked how Mr. Luciano referred to no-smoking ban proponents as "do-gooders." I have noticed in the past week from letters and comments from others stating how they liked going to an establishment without having to deal with cigarette smoke. The same could have happened for these "do-gooders" before the smoking ban was enacted if they would have gone to already existing smoke-free places. Examples include Apple's Bakery, LePeep Restaurant, Panache, Rhythm Kitchen, Adams Street Cafe, Paparazzi, French Toast, Monical's, Jubilee Cafe. I could go on.

Mr. Luciano also goes on the about the complex problem of enforcing this law and how it will probably go totally unenforced in establishments in small towns. The best part of today's article is:

"...smoking will continue. I'm not saying that's legally right, it's
just how it is. The bleeding hearts will have to learn to deal with
it. Not everyone wants to be saved by the government."

Common Sense of it All: The smoking ban can also be seen as continued legislation of morality. And with dumb and/or unpopular law, it is going to be infringed upon in large order.