Another quick shot to the shins of freedom, brought to you by the very same organization that is supposed to be protecting our right to choose our own destinies: the government.

Have the authors of the anti-smoking bill actually sat down and thought this through?

Anyone who applies for a job at an establishment that allows smoking should already know smoking and secondhand smoke is bad for us and can make their own decision to work there. If the smoke is a nuisance, they should find someplace that doesn’t allow smoking.

Every decision made by any person on any subject has its own inherent dangers. Does the government actually feel that people are incapable of making their own decisions?

The government simply cannot legislate against every perceived danger.

People don’t need legislators wasting time on this issue. They have already voted with their wallets. Those who want to patronize smoking establishments do so. Those who enjoy a smoke-free atmosphere go to those spots.

Bar and saloon owners have made their decisions based on their bottom lines. If forced to ban smoking, owners know that they will make less money. Less money means fewer employees, lowered entertainment expenses and less tax revenue.

It is not the government’s job to decide whether it’s constituents’ lifestyle decisions are “good” or “bad.” What’s next? A ban on red meat?

I am not a smoker. I don’t patronize smoky bars. That is my decision to make, not the government’s.

Jeff Johnson, Lewiston

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