Can We Post: To Those Who Lurk Here

Can we post on the website? I promised I would not reveal who sent it in case of harrassment.

Since this website gets a lot of attention from all kinds of folks, I know that those below will receive the messages intended for them.


Commissioner Magnan –With all due respect, could you please answer a question? The Pioneer Press (4-12-08) states that you said one asthma sufferer called the Department of Health to complain after that worker’s place of employment began holding smoking performances. How is that any different if that person worked for the Guthrie Theater? The truth please without the spin. In addition, please do not insult our intelligence by saying that thousands of people die from second hand smoke every year. When throwing out these statistics you should really have the data to back it up or no one will take you seriously.

John Stine, John Olson, Dale Dorschner – I know that you are all just doing your job even though a little zealously at times. I also understand that if you don’t do as your superior’s tell you then you could suffer the consequences of losing your job. The loss of a job (resulting in lost income) is a very traumatic and unhealthy experience for anyone as these small bar owners, their employees, vendors, distributors and entertainers can attest to. So, we don’t blame you for trying to protect your livelihood as we are trying to do.

MDH – Just a thank-you for finally bringing this to court. An interpretation, of the theatrical performance exemption, by a court of law is definitely needed since there is disagreement. I think you have been treated very unfairly by the legislature. The legislature could have re-opened the FTBA statute and more clearly defined the exemption but they chose not to and in so doing threw it back in your lap. If I were you, I think I would have a little talk with that Mr. Huntley. Isn’t he the one who is responsible for this exemption in the first place? Shame on you Mr. Huntley, you should have stepped up to the plate but you didn’t.

Phyllis Kahn – This one time I actually agree with you. You propose that the bars stay open until 4:00AM during the Republican Convention so that our state comes off as being “sophisticated” like other states with the late night bar hours. Only, I would suggest you take this one step further like New York has and offer up hard ship waivers for small bars to allow smoking. Then we truly would be as “sophisticated” as New York.

Legislators – To those of you that supported and voted for the all out smoking ban, remember that elections are this November and don’t think that for one minute it will be forgotten who you are. When people’s livelihoods are on the line they don’t forget! As one of you said last year during the debate, if we lose a few smoker dependent bars the health care savings will be worth it. Our response to this will be quite evident in this November’s election.

St. Louis County Health Department – There are no words to describe the shenanigans you’ve partaken in. Shame on all of you and I hope you can sleep at night. You know who you are.

Clearway, American Lung Association - Sorry to have messed up your budget plans for this year. I know that you planned to cut back on anti-smoking efforts to spend more money on your “anti-obesity” campaign since the FTBA was passed. I wonder how big a dent all those new radio ads will put in your anti-obesity campaign. At least the “over-weight” people will get a slight reprieve from your good intentions.

Anonymous

My comments: To the legislature and others. If the MN appeals and MN Supreme Court rules that the "letter of the law" applies there could be a "smoking theater anarchy" since the current "letter" of the law does not define theater. The proposed revisions of the so called "Freedom to Breath Act" specify conditions for smoking in bars.

A powerful argument in the appeal process is the ability of the legislature to revise a law when the wording is believed flawed. The bar smoking theater controversy has been going on for almost two months with the MN legislature in session. This gave plenty of time to reopen and revise the so called "Freedom to Breath Act" in whatever way the legislature chooses. The legislature could, if it wanted close the "theater" loophole completely. Other states such as Colorado have no theater exemption and so far the courts there have sided with the "letter" of that law. Greg Lang