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Print This StoryEditorial: Should Wisconsin's New Motto Be 'Come Smoke Here'?
Neil Heinen Weighs In On New Smoking Ban In Chicago
UPDATED: 5:46 pm CST January 3,
2008
By Neil Heinen
Editorial DirectorSlowly but surely the rest of the civilized world is ensuring its public places are smoke free, leaving Wisconsin further in the backwater of risky behaviors and public health policies.This week, two more bastions of libertarian traditions -- the city of Chicago and the country of France -- banned smoking in taverns, cafes and other public places to the resignation of some, and the utter delight of far more.Once again, we worry about the message this sends as much as about the health of workers and others stuck in these Wisconsin businesses where smoking is still allowed. We know how many people see the news and now feel free to travel to Chicago or France, secure in the knowledge that they won't be putting their health in jeopardy.But how many business owners, students, creative entrepreneurs and smart workers are eliminating Wisconsin from their list of places to live, work and invest because of its growing reputation as a backward, unenlightened state with an unhealthy environment.Our elected officials must change this misperception -- before it becomes real.What do you think? Give your two cents in Channel 3000's TALKBACK section.
Editorial DirectorSlowly but surely the rest of the civilized world is ensuring its public places are smoke free, leaving Wisconsin further in the backwater of risky behaviors and public health policies.This week, two more bastions of libertarian traditions -- the city of Chicago and the country of France -- banned smoking in taverns, cafes and other public places to the resignation of some, and the utter delight of far more.Once again, we worry about the message this sends as much as about the health of workers and others stuck in these Wisconsin businesses where smoking is still allowed. We know how many people see the news and now feel free to travel to Chicago or France, secure in the knowledge that they won't be putting their health in jeopardy.But how many business owners, students, creative entrepreneurs and smart workers are eliminating Wisconsin from their list of places to live, work and invest because of its growing reputation as a backward, unenlightened state with an unhealthy environment.Our elected officials must change this misperception -- before it becomes real.What do you think? Give your two cents in Channel 3000's TALKBACK section.
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