Smoking ban and democracy

The smoking ban vote is more than what it appears. Imagine owning a business and having a government -- be it local, state or federal -- tell you how to run it, who your cliental can be or even what your business can be. This is what the smoking ban is about.

It's not whether smokers can smoke or nonsmokers can breathe fresh air; rather, can a community (even by vote) dictate how a business is conducted? We are not speaking of an illegal activity (smoking). I do not know of any retail business that allows smoking, nor any offices or government buildings that allow it.

Around 85 percent, or higher, of our restaurants do not allow smoking. All of these have made the decision to be smoke-free on their own, without government involvement.

We all hear the commercials about the businesses that have done well from the smoking ban in their state. I personally know of several businesses in Lake County, Ill., that were forced to close their doors due to the state law. This is a fight for the ability to own and run a business like, we as Americans, have the right to do.

If you don't want smoking in your business, there is a really neat invention. It's called a sign. Put one over your door, and let the local citizens choose.

Do not mandate the death of democracy in our community.

TERRY WARMACK, Cape Girardeau