An attempt to be "bipartisan". This specific event has already occurred but Denver will be hosting the Democratic National Convention.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/apr/04/rules-are-for-the-little-people/
Rules are for the little people
Chuck West, Thornton
Reading about the Mile High Dreams Gala in the Pepsi Center and its theme, "A night in old Havana," with Cuban-inspired food, VIP mojito bar, salsa dancing and a cigar lounge, I can only assume that the smoking ban applies to the poor people ("For charity, athletes play poker, throw dice," March 6).
I am ashamed of a country that allows overpaid, pampered prima donnas to smoke a cigar while drinking their highballs, but will deny a veteran with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star the freedom of going to his VFW or American Legion club and having a cigarette with his beer.
Friday, April 4, 2008
St. Paul Sen. Pappas apologizes for St. Paul council's Thune
Dave Thune is apparently a "p0ster child" for the anti-smoking "bullies" who can "dish it out but not take it." There was a proposal before the MN legislature all the option of having bars close at 4AM during the Republican National Convention. I have no opinion on this and it is not related to the "smoking theater" issue.
Dave Thune represents downtown St. Paul in the St. Paul City Council. Thune is suspected of being the person who personally "rolls up the sidewalks in downtown St. Paul at 7PM every evening.Dave Thune opined on the proposed convention 4AM closing.
“I got 8,000 people who live downtown who don't want a bunch of Republican lobbyists puking on the streets,” Thune who represents downtown and eastern Grand Avenue, said Wednesday Tuesday. The city council voted 4-3 not to back the later bar closing." http://blogs.twincities.com/politics/2008/04/st_paul_sen_pappas_apologizes.html
First off, I certainly believe that convention planners should address democrat Dave Thune's concern by, to as great of an extent as possible, avoid booking events or recommending patronage of hospitality industry businesses in Dave Thune's district to ally Thune's fear of "puking republicans". The Twin Cities is ten times the size of St. Paul so so many other hospitality venues should be available that have not expressed objection to "puking republicans".
Dave Thune hasn't apologised for his remarks but a "proxy" apoligy (with no indication that Dave Thune approved that message) by the "foul mouthed" MN State Senator Sandy Pappas. (who voted for the so-called "Freedom to Breath act".
Dave Thune, a smoker at the time, was the chief proponent of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Hennepin County smoking bans. http://citypages.com/databank/25/1228/article12211.asp
As I recall, Thune was in a band that played at bars and also cited this "workplace" exposure to second hand smoke. Thune is no doubt "protected" from such smoke exposure since the demand for band by bars has decreased dramatically following the bar smoking bans. This has be chronicaled in this blog. http://freedomtoact.blogspot.com/2008/03/letter-to-elected-officials-from.html
Thunes insensitive, hateful and stereotyped comments clearly demonstrate dramatically how many anti-smoking "advocates" feel they have some sort of licence to be thugs, bullies and jerks. I hear this from a lot of people, even those who hope that fewer people smoke in the future. They are very uncomfortable with the increased "thuggery" of the anti-smoking "advocates".
We can envision "bully" Dave Thune hiding behind "mommy Pappas's skirt" when his bullying and thuggery gets Thune into trouble. (hint: a great idea for an editorial type cartoon either for a publication of from a reader who can draw.) Greg Lang
Dave Thune represents downtown St. Paul in the St. Paul City Council. Thune is suspected of being the person who personally "rolls up the sidewalks in downtown St. Paul at 7PM every evening.
“I got 8,000 people who live downtown who don't want a bunch of Republican lobbyists puking on the streets,” Thune who represents downtown and eastern Grand Avenue, said Wednesday Tuesday. The city council voted 4-3 not to back the later bar closing."
First off, I certainly believe that convention planners should address democrat Dave Thune's concern by, to as great of an extent as possible, avoid booking events or recommending patronage of hospitality industry businesses in Dave Thune's district to ally Thune's fear of "puking republicans". The Twin Cities is ten times the size of St. Paul so so many other hospitality venues should be available that have not expressed objection to "puking republicans".
Dave Thune hasn't apologised for his remarks but a "proxy" apoligy (with no indication that Dave Thune approved that message) by the "foul mouthed" MN State Senator Sandy Pappas. (who voted for the so-called "Freedom to Breath act".
Dave Thune, a smoker at the time, was the chief proponent of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Hennepin County smoking bans. http://citypages.com/databank/25/1228/article12211.asp
As I recall, Thune was in a band that played at bars and also cited this "workplace" exposure to second hand smoke. Thune is no doubt "protected" from such smoke exposure since the demand for band by bars has decreased dramatically following the bar smoking bans. This has be chronicaled in this blog. http://freedomtoact.blogspot.com/2008/03/letter-to-elected-officials-from.html
Thunes insensitive, hateful and stereotyped comments clearly demonstrate dramatically how many anti-smoking "advocates" feel they have some sort of licence to be thugs, bullies and jerks. I hear this from a lot of people, even those who hope that fewer people smoke in the future. They are very uncomfortable with the increased "thuggery" of the anti-smoking "advocates".
We can envision "bully" Dave Thune hiding behind "mommy Pappas's skirt" when his bullying and thuggery gets Thune into trouble. (hint: a great idea for an editorial type cartoon either for a publication of from a reader who can draw.) Greg Lang
Hawaii's smoking ban’s effect on bars needs study.
Notable because Hawaii has neither "border states" or winter cold. Apparently, bars are still suffering much like they are here. Greg Lang
http://starbulletin.com/2008/03/17/editorial/editorial02.html
OUR OPINION
Smoking ban’s effect on bars needs study
THE ISSUEA report commissioned by the state has concluded that restrictions on smoking have not hurt the visitor industry.
Bar owners have complained that a state smoking ban that was extended to their establishments in late 2006 has been bad for business. A report by the state Department of Health maintains that it has not hurt Hawaii's visitor industry but has failed to address the bar owners' concerns. A more precise study is needed.
A report prepared for the department by the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., found that the food and beverage sector of Hawaii's tourism industry gained 212 more employees and 1,541 jobs since the law went into effect. It also said the state's overall visitor spending, including that by visitors from Japan, was comparable last year to the previous year, although declining slightly.
Unfortunately, the report does not include data from the Honolulu Liquor Commission because it did not fall within the time period needed to evaluate the law's effect. The Health Department should examine Liquor Commission data at the earliest opportunity to determine the ban's effect.
In a legislative hearing in January, bar owners contended that the ban has cost them revenue. One said the no-smoking law has cut his business in half, resulting in a $65,000 loss last year. Bar owners have sought an entire exemption from the ban.
The health risk caused by secondhand smoke justifies a ban, although the Hawaii law is too broad by including open-air sections, where secondhand smoke poses little or no risk.
http://starbulletin.com/2008/03/17/editorial/editorial02.html
OUR OPINION
Smoking ban’s effect on bars needs study
THE ISSUEA report commissioned by the state has concluded that restrictions on smoking have not hurt the visitor industry.
Bar owners have complained that a state smoking ban that was extended to their establishments in late 2006 has been bad for business. A report by the state Department of Health maintains that it has not hurt Hawaii's visitor industry but has failed to address the bar owners' concerns. A more precise study is needed.
A report prepared for the department by the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., found that the food and beverage sector of Hawaii's tourism industry gained 212 more employees and 1,541 jobs since the law went into effect. It also said the state's overall visitor spending, including that by visitors from Japan, was comparable last year to the previous year, although declining slightly.
Unfortunately, the report does not include data from the Honolulu Liquor Commission because it did not fall within the time period needed to evaluate the law's effect. The Health Department should examine Liquor Commission data at the earliest opportunity to determine the ban's effect.
In a legislative hearing in January, bar owners contended that the ban has cost them revenue. One said the no-smoking law has cut his business in half, resulting in a $65,000 loss last year. Bar owners have sought an entire exemption from the ban.
The health risk caused by secondhand smoke justifies a ban, although the Hawaii law is too broad by including open-air sections, where secondhand smoke poses little or no risk.
False Advertising? Billboard: Minnesota: Clean air in a cloud of smoke.
They still got it wrong. Monitoba has a bar and restaurant ban that includes Indian reservation so, by the billboard's logic Manitoba is "cleaner" than Minnesota. http://www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving/smokingban.html First Nations bars, restaurants and casinos will no longer be exempt from Manitoba's smoking ban, provincial minister Dave Chomiak announced Wednesday. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2006/09/13/smoking-ban.html
Greg Lang
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/17222749.html
Minnesota: Clean air in a cloud of smoke
Dml -
A new billboard shows a clean, green Minnesota surrounded by smoke to celebrate the state's new smoke-free law.
By JOSEPHINE MARCOTTY, Star Tribune
Last update: April 2, 2008 - 1:56 PM
States will be reminded that the air is cleaner here.
Three billboards showing a satellite image of Minnesota as the clear green spot in a fog of tobacco smoke went up on highways at the borders of Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota.
They were provided by three local anti-smoking coalitions who say they want to brag about Minnesota's status as the only state in the region with a state-wide smoking ban. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota provided the funding for the advertising.
"Today, our neighbors are not smoke-free," said Cynthia Piette, project coordinator for Smoke-Free Washington County, which is sponsoring a billboard on Interstate Hwy. 94 in Woodbury just over the border from Wisconsin. "We are the regional leader."
The antismoking groups chose today to unveil the billboards because it's "Kick Butts Day," and in honor of the six-month anniversary of the state's anti-smoking ban, which was April 1.
Josephine Marcotty • 612-673-7394
Minnesota: Clean air in a cloud of smoke
Dml -
A new billboard shows a clean, green Minnesota surrounded by smoke to celebrate the state's new smoke-free law.
By JOSEPHINE MARCOTTY, Star Tribune
Last update: April 2, 2008 - 1:56 PM
States will be reminded that the air is cleaner here.
Three billboards showing a satellite image of Minnesota as the clear green spot in a fog of tobacco smoke went up on highways at the borders of Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota.
They were provided by three local anti-smoking coalitions who say they want to brag about Minnesota's status as the only state in the region with a state-wide smoking ban. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota provided the funding for the advertising.
"Today, our neighbors are not smoke-free," said Cynthia Piette, project coordinator for Smoke-Free Washington County, which is sponsoring a billboard on Interstate Hwy. 94 in Woodbury just over the border from Wisconsin. "We are the regional leader."
The antismoking groups chose today to unveil the billboards because it's "Kick Butts Day," and in honor of the six-month anniversary of the state's anti-smoking ban, which was April 1.
Josephine Marcotty • 612-673-7394
Smoking shelter bill makes progress in MN House of Representatives.
Hello Everyone,
I was watching the House Floor session tonight live on my computer. At ~ 11:30 pm an amendent came up on the HF1812 Ominbus supplemental budget bill. The amendent is HDA-911and is copied below.
This is not a done deal, the HF1812 Omnibus bill will still have to go to conference committee and the amendent could get stripped back out. I'll keep you posted. This amendment is basically for a smoking shelter, meaning 4 walls, floor & ceiling.
HF1812 (Carlson) Omnibus supplemental budget bill
HDA-911
1.1 .................... moves to amend H. F. No. 1812, the third engrossment, as follows:1.2Page 277, after line 5, insert:1.3 "Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 144.4167, is amended by 1.4adding a subdivision to read:1.5 Subdivision 1. Smoking shelters. Sections 144.411 to 144.417 do not prohibit 1.6smoking in a structure located outside of an establishment that provides shelter for persons 1.7smoking outdoors. Employees of an establishment with a smoking shelter may not serve 1.8food or beverages to persons in the smoking shelter. "1.9Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references1.10Amend the title accordingly
I was watching the House Floor session tonight live on my computer. At ~ 11:30 pm an amendent came up on the HF1812 Ominbus supplemental budget bill. The amendent is HDA-911and is copied below.
This is not a done deal, the HF1812 Omnibus bill will still have to go to conference committee and the amendent could get stripped back out. I'll keep you posted. This amendment is basically for a smoking shelter, meaning 4 walls, floor & ceiling.
HF1812 (Carlson) Omnibus supplemental budget bill
HDA-911
1.1 .................... moves to amend H. F. No. 1812, the third engrossment, as follows:1.2Page 277, after line 5, insert:1.3 "Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 144.4167, is amended by 1.4adding a subdivision to read:1.5 Subdivision 1. Smoking shelters. Sections 144.411 to 144.417 do not prohibit 1.6smoking in a structure located outside of an establishment that provides shelter for persons 1.7smoking outdoors. Employees of an establishment with a smoking shelter may not serve 1.8food or beverages to persons in the smoking shelter. "1.9Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references1.10Amend the title accordingly
Toddlers Can No Longer Marry in Arkansas..
Soon in Arkansas you won't be able to marry your cousin until she is eighteen or (gasp! or a non-relative) until they are eighteen unless the woman is pregnant and the man's uncle, err!, I mean the woman's parents, provide consent. (Do they have provisions for checking in the Uncle/Father's shotgun at the courthouse when the couple "with child) applies for a marriage licence in Arkansas.
On a serious level, the Arkansas Legislatue, as part of bill to raise the age of marraige to 18 orinigally wrote the following which appeared to give no minumum age of marraige if the female was not pregnant and had parental consent (hmm!). The original law read.
"The bill read: "In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage.".
The point of this that the law, as written, was letter of the law allowing marriage at any age while the "spirit" of the law may have been the opposite. The Arkansas legislators took the proper and correct legal action by reopening the law, ammending it to remove not.
This is the appropriate course of action if Minnesota's so called "Freedom to breath law" is to be ammended.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hahZy1lTXtSwYpy8bSQN-uo7f2QQD8VQD4FO2
Toddlers Can No Longer Marry in Ark.
By ANDREW DeMILLO – 16 hours ago
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas' marriage-age crisis is over. A law that mistakenly allowed anyone — even toddlers — to marry with parental permission was repealed by a measure signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Mike Beebe, ending months of embarrassment for the state and confusion for county clerks.
Lawmakers didn't realize until after the end of last year's regular session that a law they approved, intended to establish 18 as the minimum age for marriage, instead removed the minimum age to marry entirely. An extraneous "not" in the bill allowed anyone who was not pregnant to marry at any age with permission.
The bill read: "In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage."
Some lawmakers called for a special session last year, saying the error would make it easy for pedophiles to take advantage of the law. Gov. Mike Beebe said he didn't see any imminent crisis and said the chances of children marrying under the law were slim.
Legislators, however, had the chance for a do-over this week when Beebe convened a special session to consider a hike in the state's severance tax on natural gas. They repealed the botched law, and reinstated 17 as the minimum age to marry for boys and 16 for girls.
Rep. Will Bond, the sponsor of the botched 2007 law and its correction, apologized for the error and asked his colleagues to "throw me a rope and bail me out here."
"I always thought if you put your name on a bill, you should be ready to take the blame if you're willing to accept the credit," Bond said Wednesday.
Bond, a Democrat, said there hadn't been any reports of young children attempting to marry under the 2007 law.
On a serious level, the Arkansas Legislatue, as part of bill to raise the age of marraige to 18 orinigally wrote the following which appeared to give no minumum age of marraige if the female was not pregnant and had parental consent (hmm!). The original law read.
"The bill read: "In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage.".
The point of this that the law, as written, was letter of the law allowing marriage at any age while the "spirit" of the law may have been the opposite. The Arkansas legislators took the proper and correct legal action by reopening the law, ammending it to remove not.
This is the appropriate course of action if Minnesota's so called "Freedom to breath law" is to be ammended.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hahZy1lTXtSwYpy8bSQN-uo7f2QQD8VQD4FO2
Toddlers Can No Longer Marry in Ark.
By ANDREW DeMILLO – 16 hours ago
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas' marriage-age crisis is over. A law that mistakenly allowed anyone — even toddlers — to marry with parental permission was repealed by a measure signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Mike Beebe, ending months of embarrassment for the state and confusion for county clerks.
Lawmakers didn't realize until after the end of last year's regular session that a law they approved, intended to establish 18 as the minimum age for marriage, instead removed the minimum age to marry entirely. An extraneous "not" in the bill allowed anyone who was not pregnant to marry at any age with permission.
The bill read: "In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage."
Some lawmakers called for a special session last year, saying the error would make it easy for pedophiles to take advantage of the law. Gov. Mike Beebe said he didn't see any imminent crisis and said the chances of children marrying under the law were slim.
Legislators, however, had the chance for a do-over this week when Beebe convened a special session to consider a hike in the state's severance tax on natural gas. They repealed the botched law, and reinstated 17 as the minimum age to marry for boys and 16 for girls.
Rep. Will Bond, the sponsor of the botched 2007 law and its correction, apologized for the error and asked his colleagues to "throw me a rope and bail me out here."
"I always thought if you put your name on a bill, you should be ready to take the blame if you're willing to accept the credit," Bond said Wednesday.
Bond, a Democrat, said there hadn't been any reports of young children attempting to marry under the 2007 law.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Letter send out by "anti-smoking" groups. Click on images. Comments under images.
Are these groups receiving "public money" from the Minnesota Tobacco Settlement and if they do, do they believe that t his would affect their research and advocacy? The letters statements of the MN DOH position on the supposed illegality of "theater nights" still fails to cite any written and dated legal opinion SIGNED BY A CONSULTING LAWYER to back the MN DOH opinion. This document should be dated before the MN DOH press release that claimed that "smoking theater" was illegal.
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