What’s the point?

I’m looking over the details of the bill that passed out of committee yesterday at the Statehouse that would implement a statewide smoking ban.  

So let me get this straight.

Because our state legislators want to be able to say that they’ve done something, they’re looking to pass a law that would ban smoking in all places EXCEPT bars, casinos and other establishments that permit people only over the age of 18.

 But what is more ridiculous, is the fact that local communities would be barred from passing tougher rules unless they did it by January of this coming year. Why the hurry? Because big tobacco is in the back pocket of your state legislature. That’s the only thing I can come up with. I mean seriously, why would they put a “deadline” on this unless it was to make sure that most of the state did NOT toughen regulations. (I wonder how many of those who passed this turkey out of committee yesterday are the same ones who argue that the government closest to the people is the best form of government? Just wonderin)
Apparently the casinos aren’t happy either because they don’t want to make 20 percent of their establishment “smoke free,” (ya know, like when there were  smoke free sections in airplanes…..breathe deeply…mmmmm) 

Apparently, nobody’s happy with this. So how bout if we go back to the drawing board and either do something substantial or drop it. But stop playing games. Thank ya now.