By Shane Goodman shane@dmcityview.com

Up in smoke

Smoking should be banned from public places. And most Iowans agree. Everything about it, from the appearance, to the smell, to the litter, to the time wasted participating in it leads to serious medical, social and work performance issues. Absolutely nothing beneficial comes from this nasty habit. And how someone ever thought that a plant could be rolled up, lit on fire and breathed into lungs without causing serious damage is beyond my comprehension.

Our legislators need to pass a complete and unbiased ban of cigarette smoking in public places. But, of course, they won’t. Because as addictive as smoking is, the addiction that our elected officials have to the $230 million in tax revenue derived from the sale of cigarettes is even greater. Instead, we are now faced with a partial ban — House File 2212, the “Smokefree Air Act” — which provides exemptions for casinos and veteran’s groups, leaving us wondering why the health of these people is deemed less important than everyone else’s.

Proponents of the proposed bill realize it isn’t perfect, but feel the legislation is better than nothing and will lead to a decrease in smoking. Opponents see this as another intrusion into private business and are worried the exemptions will lead to potential litigation, costing taxpayers once again. We, like most Iowans, see both sides, but want to breathe clean air. We must demand a level playing field for all involved, regardless of how much tax revenue is generated or lost. Michael Swanger shares the views of those close to this burning subject in our cover story this week.

Ultimately, cigarettes are destined to go up in smoke. But who is left in the ashes remains to be seen.

Thanks for reading.

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