Maine: Groups rally AGAINST smoking ban

boston.com ^ | 6-28-03

[Gabz]

Which is why it's heartening to see pols starting to get shaken on this issue...with 30% of the population smoking, we can sure as hell toss one or two of these guys out,

In Delaware we actually did get 3 new ones last year - at least in part because of the smoking ban.

One long time incumbent admited, after his defeat that his support of the smoking ban was a majorcause of his loss.

The hand-picked successor to a retiring member lost the seat because his position in favor of the ban was against that of the retiring member.

And the third incumbent lost because she refused to even consider re-addressing the issue. The person that one, while pretty much a supporter of the ban was at least willing to re-address it if it showed to be detrimental to business. It did and he did.

There actually is hope.

[SheLion]

?partly funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Yea, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. America's best kept secret. ugh!

[1Old Pro]

Finally, people are starting to stand up for their personal freedoms and rights. I understand that Denver shot down the smoking ban as well.

If enough of these are overturned by the courageous people, then hopefully it will give strength to efforts in other states.

[lizfrog]

Banning smoking in bars isn't so much about smoking as it is Freedom of Choice. One more choice taken away from us --what's next? Mandatory gastric bypass for obese people, no more SUV's? Enough is enough. It's time to make a stand and a point. Let's show the nation that Mainers won't be told what to do and where to do it.

I met Gov. Baldacci while he was campaigning in a bar at a fund raising reception in his honor. He didn't seem bothered by the smoke then! The owners of that bar and many of us customers supported him. Mistake!!!

Where can I find the Maine Freedom Committee's petition so I and many of my coworkers can sign it???