Subject: Ohio Needs Our Help
Hello Everyone -
If you have a few minutes to spare, please help out Ohio with their smoking ban and e-mail Senator Schuler below. Just click on the link and let him know you support his Bill SB346. Additionally, if you have not already done so, please sign the petition for a Congressional hearing on the science behind second hand smoke. We need to take this to the highest level and be heard. If they can get by with this bad science then what's next? You can either call the number or e-mail as indicated below...it doesn't take but a minute.
Did you know that the Surgeon General retired right after his Report that SHS kills....I wonder why!
Thanks much!
Onward We March!
Sheila
----- Original Message -----
From: Pam
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 10:03 PM
Subject: Ohio Smoking Ban - We need YOUR help
As a signatory of our Petition Requesting a Congressional Hearing into the smoking bans, we are asking your help with two things.
1). On June 11, 2008, Ohio Senator Robert Schuler-R introduced SB 346. http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=127_SB_346. This bill will exempt, as Ohio's smoking ban was supposed to, private clubs and family owned businesses (family owned businesses are defined as those family businesses not publicly trading stock). Senator Schuler, and the many co-sponsors, have heard the cries of Ohio's family businesses and private clubs and we owe he and the co-sponsors our debt of gratitude.
What we need your help with is those who live in Ohio, we are asking that you WRITE each State Representative and State Senators (especially your own) and ask that they support SB 346, and PLEASE copy Governor Strickland @ 77. S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. It is imperative that you WRITE. Letters that fill file folders speak volumes over emails. Those of you who live out of state, please email Senator Schuler at SD07@mailr.sen.state.oh.us and let him know that even though you do not live in Ohio, how you feel about smoking bans and if you own a business that has been impacted, please tell him so. You've all left excellent comments on the petition. If you have businesses, please let Senator Schuler or your Ohio senator know how the ban has impacted your businesses, your families, etc.
We only have until the Senate returns to session to get make our pleas heard. The Anti-Tobacco faction will be doing the same and we need the PEOPLES' pleas heard.
I've listed the links to the House and Senate so you can look up your respective legislators.
http://www.house.state.oh.us/jsps/Representatives.jsp
http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/by_name.html
2.) FORCES is an educational, non-profit organization, who supports human rights and - in particular, but not limited to – the defense of those who expect from life the freedom to smoke, eat, drink and, in general, to enjoy personal lifestyle choices without restrictions and state interference. At the same time, FORCES is an organization in support of scientific integrity and the use of appropriate scientific methodology in the science which is claimed to be at the foundation of public policy. The issue of poor scientific/statistical methodologies, presented as unquestionable and sound science, and the further misrepresentation of the results of those faulty methodologies to the public to justify the current draconian public health policies are fundamental issues taken up by our organization. FORCES has filed a complaint against Surgeon General Carmona's outrageous report upon which many smoking bans are solely based. FORCES needs people to agree to sign the complaint. The more signatories, the more the Office of Research Integrity, Health and Human Services, will realize there are people who DEMAND that an investigation be launched. Here is how to become a signatory: please call 304-765-5394 between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM EST, or write to maryetta.ables@forces.org. A signatory must be prepared to supply full name, address and phone number to be included in the documentation that we will present to the US Office of Research Integrity for them to verify the authenticity of the information. In the case of private individuals, on our website we will publish only the information that you permit, and you will be expressly asked for that permission by your telephone interlocutor. The information concerning organizations will be published.
As we all work to return our country to its People, we need to pull together. Please help Ohio.
Thank you so much for your help.
Pam Parker
Opponents of Ohio Bans
P.O. Box 402
Grove City, OH 43123
www.opponentsofohiobans.com
Friday, June 13, 2008
Buggs Bar Defense Fund
Subject: Buggs Bar Defense Fund
June 11, 2008
Tavern League Members
Bowling Proprietor Members
Concerned Citizens for Individual and Property Rights
This appeal on behalf of a defense fund for Buggs Bar Defense fund is everyone’s fight who cherishes and believes in the rights of individuals and hopes to protect the thousands of jobs that are being lost in the hospitality industry. The Minnesota Health Department has been trying to threaten and bully Buggs Bar into signing an agreement that they will cease running these theatre nights during which actors are allowed to smoke.
Buggs Bar has retained Patrick O’Neill Jr. as their attorney. This is an expensive fight and the Tavern League and BPAM have agreed to assist in raising funds. Some of you have already received this appeal, but many others have said they didn’t receive the original request. Donations have come from some of you already and the people at forces have been invaluable as their members from thousands of miles away have sent checks. Many of these checks have come from non-smokers who ask “Where and when will this abuse of government power stop?”
We are asking that you do one of two things or both if you are in the hospitality business.
1. Send checks made out to the Tavern League to my attention. Note on the check that it is
for the Buggs Bar Defense Fund. No check is too small. We have received checks for as
little as $5 and as much as $100. If you have friends, relatives, suppliers, and employees
who feel strongly with you on this issue, ask if they wish to contribute.
2. Show up at Buggs Bar and show your support 6:00 June 14th, 2008
100% of your donations will be sent to the defense fund! As a great American once said, “Surely we will hang together or we will all hang individually”! I have discussed this with Mike Warring the President of the Bowling Proprietors who is a non-smoker like myself. We agree this fight concerns every man and woman who cares about individual freedom and property rights!
Buggs Bar is located at:
925 North Concord Their phone number is 651 455 2195
South St. Paul, MN Kenn Rockler, Executive DirectorBowling Proprietors Association of MN & The Tavern League of Minnesota235 Roselawn Avenue East Suite #17Maplewood, MN 55117On the web www.bpam.org or www.tavernleaguemn.orgBPAM Phone: 651-487-2141 or 1-800-622-7769Tavern League of Minnesota 651-487-2149 or 1-877-332-9257 Cell phone: 612-205-0110
June 11, 2008
Tavern League Members
Bowling Proprietor Members
Concerned Citizens for Individual and Property Rights
This appeal on behalf of a defense fund for Buggs Bar Defense fund is everyone’s fight who cherishes and believes in the rights of individuals and hopes to protect the thousands of jobs that are being lost in the hospitality industry. The Minnesota Health Department has been trying to threaten and bully Buggs Bar into signing an agreement that they will cease running these theatre nights during which actors are allowed to smoke.
Buggs Bar has retained Patrick O’Neill Jr. as their attorney. This is an expensive fight and the Tavern League and BPAM have agreed to assist in raising funds. Some of you have already received this appeal, but many others have said they didn’t receive the original request. Donations have come from some of you already and the people at forces have been invaluable as their members from thousands of miles away have sent checks. Many of these checks have come from non-smokers who ask “Where and when will this abuse of government power stop?”
We are asking that you do one of two things or both if you are in the hospitality business.
1. Send checks made out to the Tavern League to my attention. Note on the check that it is
for the Buggs Bar Defense Fund. No check is too small. We have received checks for as
little as $5 and as much as $100. If you have friends, relatives, suppliers, and employees
who feel strongly with you on this issue, ask if they wish to contribute.
2. Show up at Buggs Bar and show your support 6:00 June 14th, 2008
100% of your donations will be sent to the defense fund! As a great American once said, “Surely we will hang together or we will all hang individually”! I have discussed this with Mike Warring the President of the Bowling Proprietors who is a non-smoker like myself. We agree this fight concerns every man and woman who cares about individual freedom and property rights!
Buggs Bar is located at:
925 North Concord Their phone number is 651 455 2195
South St. Paul, MN Kenn Rockler, Executive DirectorBowling Proprietors Association of MN & The Tavern League of Minnesota235 Roselawn Avenue East Suite #17Maplewood, MN 55117On the web www.bpam.org or www.tavernleaguemn.orgBPAM Phone: 651-487-2141 or 1-800-622-7769Tavern League of Minnesota 651-487-2149 or 1-877-332-9257 Cell phone: 612-205-0110
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Subject: Theater Night Update 6-11-08
Subject: Theater Night Update 6-11-08
Hello Everyone -
Time for another update. Mark has successfully filed the appeal on behalf of Tom Marinaro. There is no word yet on the breifing schedule. As a reminder, Bugg's Place (in So. St. Paul) is having a fund raiser this Saturday starting at 6:00 pm. Mark and I will both be attending so hope to see you there! Bars are struggling and dying...."The Oz" by Elko Speedway just went under and I heard of another in Mpls. that went under this week..they just couldn't hang on any longer. Some bars want to put in a patio but are finding the cost too expensive....I'm afraid this is just the beginning of the "ending". And what about that gas price....someone should pay and it shouldn't be us....remember November!!
On July 6th, is the 2nd Annual World Defiance Day. Let's join the party and smoke up!! Oooops, I meant speak up!!
It's not over!
The show must go on!!
Sheila & Mark
E-mail from Hawaii's Smokers Alliance Group
Hello all you supporters of the cause....
November is Elections... Pay back time!
It's that critical time of year again...
The 2nd annual World Defiance day has been set for Sunday July 6, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the State Capitol with the traditional smoke IN celebration to follow at O'Tooles!
Last year thousands around the globe in 11 Nations participated with us in the defense of personal and business FREEDOM OF CHOICE!
Be a part of history in the making, National news coverage and possibly global news coverage.
People it's time to put your body where your mouth is...
Get off you can and make a stand!!!
We need a head count as we are looking into Ban the Ban T shirts for all attendee's... Kindly reply with your shirt size by June 15th. (latecomers, we will try to accommodate you as well..)
Check out the :Red List" at http://www.thesmokevote.com for a comprehensive listing of just where your particular Lawmakers stand on this pivotal issue.
And don't forget to bring your broom...
Aloha and thank you for support,
Jolyn Tenn
Co-Chair
Hawaii Smokers Alliance
Star & Tribune Article
Restaurants struggle with cost of patios
Some establishments want outdoor seating for patrons who want ambiance -- or a place to smoke --but find the fees prohibitive.
By DAVID PETERSON and PATRICK LEE, Star Tribune staff writers
Last update: June 10, 2008 - 6:27 PM
The minute smoking was banned inside American Legion Post 643, in downtown Savage, 10 to 15 percent of the smoking clientele vanished. And Tom (Digger) Anderson, the general manager, would like to have those customers back.
Were it not for the fees he'd have to pay the city and the Metropolitan Council, he said, he'd put a patio in "nearly immediately." But he discovered that it would cost about $40,000 in hookups for sewer and water.
"I was shocked," he said, "by the amount of money it was going to cost us to put in a half a dozen chairs, tables, and simply to have a place outside for someone to smoke a cigarette."
The combination of the statewide smoking ban, and a growing civic desire for the ambiance created in historic downtowns by the presence of sidewalk tables on a sunlit evening, has a lot of places across the south metro area eyeing the possibility of moving chairs and tables outside.
But they are finding obstacles -- not only the cost, but concerns from neighbors about clutter and noise from tipsy patrons.
The Met Council's role as an obstacle is ironic. Even as the council's sewer arm needs to pay the bills by charging users a fair rate, as Anderson readily concedes, the same regional agency's planners dish out tens of millions of dollars aimed at subsidizing quaint walkable downtowns with leafy streets and sidewalk tables.
The council needs to charge as much as it does, said spokesman Tim O'Donnell, "because the Met Council must build its sewer pipes and treatment plants with enough capacity to handle the times when restaurants and other businesses are operating at their maximum. That level of wastewater service capacity is in effect year-round, even if businesses scale back seasonally. Because of this, we cannot alter the rates for outdoor versus indoor seating."
But Savage is now considering doing what it can, as a city, to minimize the charges downtown business would have to pay, said city planner Bryan Tucker.
"We'd like to make downtown more of a destination, and give businesses the opportunity to succeed," he said. "The concern is that these charges could discourage folks. Especially because the outside use is seasonal, but they have to pay fees as if it were permanent space."
Phil Roberts, owner of Parasole Restaurant Holdings, which has outdoor tables at several locations--including Good Earth, Chino Latino, Salut and Muffuletta, agreed.
"There are four good months, from mid May to mid September," he said. "But it can be too cold in May and June. It rains some days. ... You might get 70 days all year as you contend with all these enemies."
Charges vary immensely by community, he said. "Some governments are smart and understand that this is not a year-round thing, you don't need bigger sewer or water lines for this. But others seem to need money really badly and imagine we're far more lucrative than we are."
The patio issue has been a preoccupation in Lakeville as well, with noise being a greater concern than cost, said Brian Anderson, assistant city administrator.
Lakeville now dictates that patios within 150 feet of a residential area may not serve alcohol or food after 10 p.m.
Porterhouse Steaks and Seafood, an upscale restaurant in Lakeville, opened in November but is already working on fencing in its patio to meet city and state code. Though it's not a bar, said Executive Chef Chad Grant, Porterhouse could benefit from having a place for people to smoke.
"With it being enclosed, it allows them to sit out there with their drink, if they want to smoke," he said. "It was pretty simple as far as having a smoking patio; it just gets a little tricky if you are serving drinks or food."
Some owners and managers stress that the smoking ban has been a mixed bag: Once they gave their bars a thorough cleaning, they began attracting a new clientele. Said Anderson:
"We replaced the ceiling tile, cleaned our facility, and we gained that back and more from non-smokers who would now come to our establishment because it doesn't smell like smoke."
David Peterson • 952-882-9023
Patrick Lee • 612-673-7452
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/19644179.html?location_refer=$sectionName
Article from Forces
Germany: antismoker exposed for corruption10th June 2008
Former minister of environment for the Nord Rhein Westfahlen region and rabid antismoker Bàrbel Hòhn has been accused of peculation. According to the accusation, Hòhn received unapproved financing without any oversight by the appropriate government agency. There is, in fact, no official record of the money transfer.
The damages are estimated to be over 4.3 million Euros.Bàrbel Hòhn is also a fanatic supporter of smoking prohibition along with the rest of the Green Party, and she went as far as pushing for the prohibition of smoking even on German trains. Needless to say, she used false figures on smoking provided by the cancer centre DKFZ of Heidelberg, which collaborates heavily with the health Nazis of the World Health Organization. Her most ludicrous claim to date is that, in Ireland, there has been no decrease whatsoever of business in pubs since the smoking ban!
The DKFZ, in turn, was involved in a corruption scandal in March 2007, exposed by FORCES Germany, concerning falsification and manipulation of data by director Dr. Poetscke-Langer. We report here from our archives the comments we wrote at the time.
March 13, 2007 [04:30 GMT] - Antismoking is fraud, fraud is antismoking, antismoking is the WHO. Another "public health" document, another fraud: why are we not surprised? - A good ventilation in locales DOES decrease the danger of harmful molecules in the air. But Dr. Poetscke-Langer director of the Heidelberg cancer centre quotes documentation that turned out to be manipulated (false). The document showed that even a good ventilation system in a locale would not be sufficient to decrease the "dangerousness" of cigarette smoke. However, the studies upon which the document was based showed quite the opposite.
Federal government member Paul Werner voiced his hope that all the arguments on cigarette smoke by Dr. Poetscke-Langer are not manipulated as well. The DKFZ (German Cancer Research Centre) is a collaborator of the World Health Organization, by which it is controlled, and therefore it works for the elimination of smoking in the world. The use of manipulated and falsified information has put into serious question the integrity and the credibility of the Heidelberg's institute.Netzwerk Rauchen/Forces Germany member of the board Werner Paul pointed out that this paper by Dr. Poetschke-Langer is even more obviously manipulated than her other arguments, and invited the research centre to distance itself politically from the persecution of smokers. It has also asked to split the institution from the tobacco control enterprise in order to avoid contamination by the corruption of the World Health Organization. Finally, Poetschke-Langer has been asked by the Netzwerk Rauchen no longer to take advantage of the integrity of the institution to the ends of the campaign against tobacco consumption. …We are Tobacco Control, corruption is us!
http://forces.org/News_Portal/news_viewer.php?id=1215
Hello Everyone -
Time for another update. Mark has successfully filed the appeal on behalf of Tom Marinaro. There is no word yet on the breifing schedule. As a reminder, Bugg's Place (in So. St. Paul) is having a fund raiser this Saturday starting at 6:00 pm. Mark and I will both be attending so hope to see you there! Bars are struggling and dying...."The Oz" by Elko Speedway just went under and I heard of another in Mpls. that went under this week..they just couldn't hang on any longer. Some bars want to put in a patio but are finding the cost too expensive....I'm afraid this is just the beginning of the "ending". And what about that gas price....someone should pay and it shouldn't be us....remember November!!
On July 6th, is the 2nd Annual World Defiance Day. Let's join the party and smoke up!! Oooops, I meant speak up!!
It's not over!
The show must go on!!
Sheila & Mark
E-mail from Hawaii's Smokers Alliance Group
Hello all you supporters of the cause....
November is Elections... Pay back time!
It's that critical time of year again...
The 2nd annual World Defiance day has been set for Sunday July 6, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the State Capitol with the traditional smoke IN celebration to follow at O'Tooles!
Last year thousands around the globe in 11 Nations participated with us in the defense of personal and business FREEDOM OF CHOICE!
Be a part of history in the making, National news coverage and possibly global news coverage.
People it's time to put your body where your mouth is...
Get off you can and make a stand!!!
We need a head count as we are looking into Ban the Ban T shirts for all attendee's... Kindly reply with your shirt size by June 15th. (latecomers, we will try to accommodate you as well..)
Check out the :Red List" at http://www.thesmokevote.com for a comprehensive listing of just where your particular Lawmakers stand on this pivotal issue.
And don't forget to bring your broom...
Aloha and thank you for support,
Jolyn Tenn
Co-Chair
Hawaii Smokers Alliance
Star & Tribune Article
Restaurants struggle with cost of patios
Some establishments want outdoor seating for patrons who want ambiance -- or a place to smoke --but find the fees prohibitive.
By DAVID PETERSON and PATRICK LEE, Star Tribune staff writers
Last update: June 10, 2008 - 6:27 PM
The minute smoking was banned inside American Legion Post 643, in downtown Savage, 10 to 15 percent of the smoking clientele vanished. And Tom (Digger) Anderson, the general manager, would like to have those customers back.
Were it not for the fees he'd have to pay the city and the Metropolitan Council, he said, he'd put a patio in "nearly immediately." But he discovered that it would cost about $40,000 in hookups for sewer and water.
"I was shocked," he said, "by the amount of money it was going to cost us to put in a half a dozen chairs, tables, and simply to have a place outside for someone to smoke a cigarette."
The combination of the statewide smoking ban, and a growing civic desire for the ambiance created in historic downtowns by the presence of sidewalk tables on a sunlit evening, has a lot of places across the south metro area eyeing the possibility of moving chairs and tables outside.
But they are finding obstacles -- not only the cost, but concerns from neighbors about clutter and noise from tipsy patrons.
The Met Council's role as an obstacle is ironic. Even as the council's sewer arm needs to pay the bills by charging users a fair rate, as Anderson readily concedes, the same regional agency's planners dish out tens of millions of dollars aimed at subsidizing quaint walkable downtowns with leafy streets and sidewalk tables.
The council needs to charge as much as it does, said spokesman Tim O'Donnell, "because the Met Council must build its sewer pipes and treatment plants with enough capacity to handle the times when restaurants and other businesses are operating at their maximum. That level of wastewater service capacity is in effect year-round, even if businesses scale back seasonally. Because of this, we cannot alter the rates for outdoor versus indoor seating."
But Savage is now considering doing what it can, as a city, to minimize the charges downtown business would have to pay, said city planner Bryan Tucker.
"We'd like to make downtown more of a destination, and give businesses the opportunity to succeed," he said. "The concern is that these charges could discourage folks. Especially because the outside use is seasonal, but they have to pay fees as if it were permanent space."
Phil Roberts, owner of Parasole Restaurant Holdings, which has outdoor tables at several locations--including Good Earth, Chino Latino, Salut and Muffuletta, agreed.
"There are four good months, from mid May to mid September," he said. "But it can be too cold in May and June. It rains some days. ... You might get 70 days all year as you contend with all these enemies."
Charges vary immensely by community, he said. "Some governments are smart and understand that this is not a year-round thing, you don't need bigger sewer or water lines for this. But others seem to need money really badly and imagine we're far more lucrative than we are."
The patio issue has been a preoccupation in Lakeville as well, with noise being a greater concern than cost, said Brian Anderson, assistant city administrator.
Lakeville now dictates that patios within 150 feet of a residential area may not serve alcohol or food after 10 p.m.
Porterhouse Steaks and Seafood, an upscale restaurant in Lakeville, opened in November but is already working on fencing in its patio to meet city and state code. Though it's not a bar, said Executive Chef Chad Grant, Porterhouse could benefit from having a place for people to smoke.
"With it being enclosed, it allows them to sit out there with their drink, if they want to smoke," he said. "It was pretty simple as far as having a smoking patio; it just gets a little tricky if you are serving drinks or food."
Some owners and managers stress that the smoking ban has been a mixed bag: Once they gave their bars a thorough cleaning, they began attracting a new clientele. Said Anderson:
"We replaced the ceiling tile, cleaned our facility, and we gained that back and more from non-smokers who would now come to our establishment because it doesn't smell like smoke."
David Peterson • 952-882-9023
Patrick Lee • 612-673-7452
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/19644179.html?location_refer=$sectionName
Article from Forces
Germany: antismoker exposed for corruption10th June 2008
Former minister of environment for the Nord Rhein Westfahlen region and rabid antismoker Bàrbel Hòhn has been accused of peculation. According to the accusation, Hòhn received unapproved financing without any oversight by the appropriate government agency. There is, in fact, no official record of the money transfer.
The damages are estimated to be over 4.3 million Euros.Bàrbel Hòhn is also a fanatic supporter of smoking prohibition along with the rest of the Green Party, and she went as far as pushing for the prohibition of smoking even on German trains. Needless to say, she used false figures on smoking provided by the cancer centre DKFZ of Heidelberg, which collaborates heavily with the health Nazis of the World Health Organization. Her most ludicrous claim to date is that, in Ireland, there has been no decrease whatsoever of business in pubs since the smoking ban!
The DKFZ, in turn, was involved in a corruption scandal in March 2007, exposed by FORCES Germany, concerning falsification and manipulation of data by director Dr. Poetscke-Langer. We report here from our archives the comments we wrote at the time.
March 13, 2007 [04:30 GMT] - Antismoking is fraud, fraud is antismoking, antismoking is the WHO. Another "public health" document, another fraud: why are we not surprised? - A good ventilation in locales DOES decrease the danger of harmful molecules in the air. But Dr. Poetscke-Langer director of the Heidelberg cancer centre quotes documentation that turned out to be manipulated (false). The document showed that even a good ventilation system in a locale would not be sufficient to decrease the "dangerousness" of cigarette smoke. However, the studies upon which the document was based showed quite the opposite.
Federal government member Paul Werner voiced his hope that all the arguments on cigarette smoke by Dr. Poetscke-Langer are not manipulated as well. The DKFZ (German Cancer Research Centre) is a collaborator of the World Health Organization, by which it is controlled, and therefore it works for the elimination of smoking in the world. The use of manipulated and falsified information has put into serious question the integrity and the credibility of the Heidelberg's institute.Netzwerk Rauchen/Forces Germany member of the board Werner Paul pointed out that this paper by Dr. Poetschke-Langer is even more obviously manipulated than her other arguments, and invited the research centre to distance itself politically from the persecution of smokers. It has also asked to split the institution from the tobacco control enterprise in order to avoid contamination by the corruption of the World Health Organization. Finally, Poetschke-Langer has been asked by the Netzwerk Rauchen no longer to take advantage of the integrity of the institution to the ends of the campaign against tobacco consumption. …We are Tobacco Control, corruption is us!
http://forces.org/News_Portal/news_viewer.php?id=1215
Friday, June 6, 2008
Storm Lake, Iowa Police: No manpower to enforce new smoking ban
Hey Greg - Looks like Iowa is having a problem. Can we post.
thanks
Sheila
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19748916&BRD=1304&PAG=461&dept_id=180485&rfi=6
SL Police: No manpower to enforce new smoking ban
Don't expect Storm Lake Police to become anti-smoking stormtroopers any time soon."We were contacted by the State of Iowa about enforcement of the new smoking ban, and we stated at that time that we neither have the time or the people to enforce the ban," Public Safety Director Mark Prosser said."In my mind, this is truly an unfunded mandate, and it will not be very high on our priority list at all."
Bonnie Mapes, director of the health department's division of tobacco control, said this week that either businesses or people smoking illegally could be fined by local police. She said the health department will oversee the complaint system, but it's up to law enforcement to take further action.Law enforcement officials across the state were under the impression that the health department would be primarily handing smoking ban complaints, using an 800 number that is to be set up for people to report smoking lawbreakers."
As we read the information at this time, they can defer to local law enforcement," Prosser said - which could take officers away from patrols and other community safety work.Preliminary rules from the state seem to put the burden on business operators. They are to put up signs at every entrance, and if someone still smokes, they first are supposed to ask them to stop; if the smoker refuses the businessperson is supposed to stop providing service to them and then can tell them to leave the property if necessary, Prosser said.
If a smoker still won't leave, the business can call police, and the issue could become one of trespassing or other charges."If the business asks a person to leave, they need to leave," Prosser said.Assitant Chief Todd Erskine will be attending a briefing from the Iowa Attorney General's office later this month - likely to include discussions of the smoking ban impact.
Prosser is not certain how effective the legislation will be, without resources to enforce the rules."I'm not sure we want our officers very involved with this at all. It presents itself with a variety of problems including customer relations and public relations," Prosser said.He hopes that businesses are able to step up and prevent smoking, and that citizens are aware of the law and respect it without law enforcement policing it.Police will continue their efforts in the area of spot checks for illegal sale of tobacco to underage kids, Prosser said, "but as far as specific checks to see who is smoking where, I don't see that happening."
Police and sheriff officials around the state are probably reaching the same conclusion - that they don't have the staff or resources to enforce the state's new ban."It is not uncommon to address an issue - including important issues - with well-minded legislation, and then realize later that there may have been problems in the details that hadn't been foreseen at the time," Prosser said.
In Storm Lake, the Public Safety Director is particularly concerned about how the ban is to be applied at outdoor public events."How is this going to be addressed in our city parks. When we have large concerts and celebrations or activities, how are we supposed to prevent people from smoking? In a large crowd situation, trying to stop them could cause a bigger problem than it solves."City officials are planning a brainstorming session on how they will have to deal with the smoking ban.It is possible that they will have to put up signs in all the parks as well as other public places."We would at least want to be in compliance with signage regulations - although we are going to need more information to know what we need to do."The smoking ban is currently scheduled to take effect July 1.
thanks
Sheila
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19748916&BRD=1304&PAG=461&dept_id=180485&rfi=6
SL Police: No manpower to enforce new smoking ban
Don't expect Storm Lake Police to become anti-smoking stormtroopers any time soon."We were contacted by the State of Iowa about enforcement of the new smoking ban, and we stated at that time that we neither have the time or the people to enforce the ban," Public Safety Director Mark Prosser said."In my mind, this is truly an unfunded mandate, and it will not be very high on our priority list at all."
Bonnie Mapes, director of the health department's division of tobacco control, said this week that either businesses or people smoking illegally could be fined by local police. She said the health department will oversee the complaint system, but it's up to law enforcement to take further action.Law enforcement officials across the state were under the impression that the health department would be primarily handing smoking ban complaints, using an 800 number that is to be set up for people to report smoking lawbreakers."
As we read the information at this time, they can defer to local law enforcement," Prosser said - which could take officers away from patrols and other community safety work.Preliminary rules from the state seem to put the burden on business operators. They are to put up signs at every entrance, and if someone still smokes, they first are supposed to ask them to stop; if the smoker refuses the businessperson is supposed to stop providing service to them and then can tell them to leave the property if necessary, Prosser said.
If a smoker still won't leave, the business can call police, and the issue could become one of trespassing or other charges."If the business asks a person to leave, they need to leave," Prosser said.Assitant Chief Todd Erskine will be attending a briefing from the Iowa Attorney General's office later this month - likely to include discussions of the smoking ban impact.
Prosser is not certain how effective the legislation will be, without resources to enforce the rules."I'm not sure we want our officers very involved with this at all. It presents itself with a variety of problems including customer relations and public relations," Prosser said.He hopes that businesses are able to step up and prevent smoking, and that citizens are aware of the law and respect it without law enforcement policing it.Police will continue their efforts in the area of spot checks for illegal sale of tobacco to underage kids, Prosser said, "but as far as specific checks to see who is smoking where, I don't see that happening."
Police and sheriff officials around the state are probably reaching the same conclusion - that they don't have the staff or resources to enforce the state's new ban."It is not uncommon to address an issue - including important issues - with well-minded legislation, and then realize later that there may have been problems in the details that hadn't been foreseen at the time," Prosser said.
In Storm Lake, the Public Safety Director is particularly concerned about how the ban is to be applied at outdoor public events."How is this going to be addressed in our city parks. When we have large concerts and celebrations or activities, how are we supposed to prevent people from smoking? In a large crowd situation, trying to stop them could cause a bigger problem than it solves."City officials are planning a brainstorming session on how they will have to deal with the smoking ban.It is possible that they will have to put up signs in all the parks as well as other public places."We would at least want to be in compliance with signage regulations - although we are going to need more information to know what we need to do."The smoking ban is currently scheduled to take effect July 1.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Short "red rant" and guest commentary I recieved via email.
Red Rant: Some interesting points. I still remember the "smoking patch" TC commercial where the person using the "patch" goes over and talks to people smoking there. If you want to quit smoking it's best to avoid smoke completely. I quit before Minnesota's original Clean Air Act and had to avoid smoking situation and alcohol for six months. I quit and haven't restarted in more than 30 years. After the six months second hand smoke didn't give giving smoking urges. Enjoy the comments below, Greg Lang
Greg - Thank you for your updates and great work on the web site. I saw this on the MN Dept of Health Web site under the frequently asked questions section:What can I do if I lose my job in the hospitality industry as a result of FTB? "The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership Board will provide services under the dislocated worker program to certain employees who become unemployed between October 1, 2007 and October 1, 2009, because of the provisions of the act."
Now, if the State set up a program to help dislocated workers due to the ban, why couldn't an owner of a bar that goes under sue the state, seeing they already knew this was going to have an effect on small business employees? Regardless of what anyone says about the ban affecting businesses, the State already made provisions for those that will lose their livelihood. They knew what was going to happen, but put the law in anyway. These are the same people who said that a ban will be better for these businesses because all the non-smokers will start showing up. Ya right.
This is also a post I put up on a web site called http://fishingminnesota.com
______- You asked about OSHA, as I have 3 different times. I had also posted a link to this earlier that showed the results, but the bottom line is this:The only way smoking bans have been able to be passed is based on the dangers of second hand smoke. One study will say 53,000 have been killed, another will say 3,000. Bottom line is NO ONE KNOWS!!!!!! The City of St. Louis Park was considering a ban and commissioned an independent study. The results threw them for a loop."The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specifies that .5 mg of nicotine per cubic meter is an acceptable level. Testing conducted in 2004 of 18 restaurants in St. Louis Park, Minnesota disclosed that none of the restaurants had second hand smoke levels close to the allowable minimum specified by OSHA. In fact, most were far, far below the minimum."Another study:"The measurements taken by the St. Louis Park Environmental Health Department in 19 restaurants that had smoking sections had a full range of between <1 (too low to detect) to a maximum 32.5 (and that one establishment was the only one above 7.5 micrograms, the other 18 were all below that). The absolute worst establishment, the one that was nearly 5 times worse than all the others, was still 85% below the safe exposure limits."The whole smoking ban issue hinges on one thing. That second hand smoke is dangerous to the employees and/or patrons. Not unpleasant, but dangerous. As in life threatening.
The City decided, rather than a ban, they would enforce air quality controls and have each establishment that allowed smoking post them. Now that's something that makes sense.But this movement isn't about what's really right. And like our whole political landscape, there is no such thing as compromise. Believe me, in my 20 plus years of trying to fight environmentalists from taking away 25 horse motors in the exterior of the BWCA, your eyes get opened very quickly about how things work. This is no different.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has 5.3 billion dollars in holdings. The board of directors is made up of CEOs & former CEOs of some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in America. Here is just a partial list of grants this organization has handed out to lobbyist groups over the past 10 - 15 years to push this type of legislation all across the country. All of this is completely verifiableRecipient: American Medical Assoc. $88,000,000.00 Recipient: American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association $99,000,000.00
Smoking cessation products are a multi billion dollar industry."Since the 1998 election cycle, employees of the pharmaceutical and health product industry, their family members and industry political action committees have given $133 million in campaign contributions to candidates running for federal and state offices......
"Now ask yourself, which non profit organizations are screaming the loudest about the dangers of second hand smoke? And Why? And why is the local tavern the one to take it on the chin? Over 150 bars and restaurants in the Twin Cities area have closed since than ban. That doesn't include out state. All because of smoking? I doubt it, but it IS an interesting number for those that feel it's had no effect. (I have a list of the places just in the Twin Cities that closed.)
Greg - Thank you for your updates and great work on the web site. I saw this on the MN Dept of Health Web site under the frequently asked questions section:What can I do if I lose my job in the hospitality industry as a result of FTB? "The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership Board will provide services under the dislocated worker program to certain employees who become unemployed between October 1, 2007 and October 1, 2009, because of the provisions of the act."
Now, if the State set up a program to help dislocated workers due to the ban, why couldn't an owner of a bar that goes under sue the state, seeing they already knew this was going to have an effect on small business employees? Regardless of what anyone says about the ban affecting businesses, the State already made provisions for those that will lose their livelihood. They knew what was going to happen, but put the law in anyway. These are the same people who said that a ban will be better for these businesses because all the non-smokers will start showing up. Ya right.
This is also a post I put up on a web site called http://fishingminnesota.com
______- You asked about OSHA, as I have 3 different times. I had also posted a link to this earlier that showed the results, but the bottom line is this:The only way smoking bans have been able to be passed is based on the dangers of second hand smoke. One study will say 53,000 have been killed, another will say 3,000. Bottom line is NO ONE KNOWS!!!!!! The City of St. Louis Park was considering a ban and commissioned an independent study. The results threw them for a loop."The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specifies that .5 mg of nicotine per cubic meter is an acceptable level. Testing conducted in 2004 of 18 restaurants in St. Louis Park, Minnesota disclosed that none of the restaurants had second hand smoke levels close to the allowable minimum specified by OSHA. In fact, most were far, far below the minimum."Another study:"The measurements taken by the St. Louis Park Environmental Health Department in 19 restaurants that had smoking sections had a full range of between <1 (too low to detect) to a maximum 32.5 (and that one establishment was the only one above 7.5 micrograms, the other 18 were all below that). The absolute worst establishment, the one that was nearly 5 times worse than all the others, was still 85% below the safe exposure limits."The whole smoking ban issue hinges on one thing. That second hand smoke is dangerous to the employees and/or patrons. Not unpleasant, but dangerous. As in life threatening.
The City decided, rather than a ban, they would enforce air quality controls and have each establishment that allowed smoking post them. Now that's something that makes sense.But this movement isn't about what's really right. And like our whole political landscape, there is no such thing as compromise. Believe me, in my 20 plus years of trying to fight environmentalists from taking away 25 horse motors in the exterior of the BWCA, your eyes get opened very quickly about how things work. This is no different.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has 5.3 billion dollars in holdings. The board of directors is made up of CEOs & former CEOs of some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in America. Here is just a partial list of grants this organization has handed out to lobbyist groups over the past 10 - 15 years to push this type of legislation all across the country. All of this is completely verifiableRecipient: American Medical Assoc. $88,000,000.00 Recipient: American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association $99,000,000.00
Smoking cessation products are a multi billion dollar industry."Since the 1998 election cycle, employees of the pharmaceutical and health product industry, their family members and industry political action committees have given $133 million in campaign contributions to candidates running for federal and state offices......
"Now ask yourself, which non profit organizations are screaming the loudest about the dangers of second hand smoke? And Why? And why is the local tavern the one to take it on the chin? Over 150 bars and restaurants in the Twin Cities area have closed since than ban. That doesn't include out state. All because of smoking? I doubt it, but it IS an interesting number for those that feel it's had no effect. (I have a list of the places just in the Twin Cities that closed.)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
MinnesotaDemocratsExposed.com Mike Cerisi may reenter senate race.
Red Rant: Greg Lang
MDE reports that Mike Ceresi of the Minnesota Tobacco Trial might consider reentering the race for US Senate. The MN Democratic nominating convention is this weekend. Here is a link to the MDE post followed by the comment #5 I posted.
http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/2008/06/03/ap-ciresi-leaves-door-open-to-senate-race/#comments
"Greg Lang Says: June 4th, 2008 at 7:18 am
If Mike Ceresi decides to run perhaps he can explain why his law firm took almost half a billion dollars in Tobacco Lawsuit settlement money upfront when the annual amount to the state of Minnesota has undergone a double digit decrease.
Many of those traditional “lunchbox” democrats smoke. Perhaps Mike Ceresi could explain to them why the MN tobacco settlement and the the National agreement that followed resulting in the price of their cigarettes going up around one dollar a pack. Gosh darn! Who would have known that the big tobacco bosses would not take the losses?
MDE reports that Mike Ceresi of the Minnesota Tobacco Trial might consider reentering the race for US Senate. The MN Democratic nominating convention is this weekend. Here is a link to the MDE post followed by the comment #5 I posted.
http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/2008/06/03/ap-ciresi-leaves-door-open-to-senate-race/#comments
"Greg Lang Says: June 4th, 2008 at 7:18 am
If Mike Ceresi decides to run perhaps he can explain why his law firm took almost half a billion dollars in Tobacco Lawsuit settlement money upfront when the annual amount to the state of Minnesota has undergone a double digit decrease.
Many of those traditional “lunchbox” democrats smoke. Perhaps Mike Ceresi could explain to them why the MN tobacco settlement and the the National agreement that followed resulting in the price of their cigarettes going up around one dollar a pack. Gosh darn! Who would have known that the big tobacco bosses would not take the losses?
Sheila Kromer: Theater Night Update 6-4-08
Hello Everyone -
Time for another update. Mark Benjamin is getting ready to appeal the Marinaro ticket case and will put out a press release soon. The demise of bars is picking up speed and a bowling alley just went under. I hope the legislators are happy....they knew this would happen and just didn't care. New York has "hardship" waivers for these small bars but Minnesota legislators didn't think that was necessary so out of business they go and we can THANK our elected officials for that. Greg recently posted another article on www.freedomtoact.com about chartiable gambling profits falling. Look at the article below about what Colorado did for their casinos....I'll bet the bars & restaurants are not too happy that the casinos are getting bailed out from the smoking ban but not any of them. The only problem our casinos are having is the problem of expansion...a nice problem to have don't you think! Someone that plays bingo at one of the casinos, just told me that the casino they go to has expanded the smoking section 3 times since the ban went into effect. Again, nice job legislators!
Did you see the recent article in the Pioneer Press about obesity? Apparently, our obesity epidemic has leveled off based on a new study from the CDC. Quote "The stunning three-decade increase in childhood obesity that prompted the government to declare an epidemic of fat appears to have leveled off, ..." They say the Health campaigns may be working and that childhood obesity has not increased since 2004. Isn't it just amazing how one day we have an epidemic and the next day it's gone. Wow!
On another topic, in case you are not aware of what is going on in Congress right now...they are debating a cap & trade bill called the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act. I would encourage you to take a look at this and perhaps send an e-mail to voice your opinion.
Below is the e-mail I sent to McCain, Coleman and Klobuchar.
Reminder: Fund Raiser at Bugg's Place in South St. Paul on June 14, starts at 6:00. For more information visit WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BUGGSBAR.
Have a great day...the show must go on!
Sheila
E-mail to McCain, Coleman, Klobuchar:
June 3, 2008
Dear [recipient name was inserted here],The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act will result in higher prices, higher taxes for consumers and the exportation of jobs from America. It is a struggle now to survive with the high gas prices and taxes on everything from A - Z. What is wrong with you people? How about coming down from your ivory tower and living like the real people do...lets see how well you survive.
Sheila Kromer
Colorado casinos get tax relief after smoking ban
By The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 05/23/2008 11:32:41 AM MDT
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — Colorado regulators are giving tax relief to some casinos hurt by revenue declines ranging in the double digits after smoking was banned.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission approved the new formula Thursday. Casinos that have revenue between $4 million and $15 million a year will pay less next year.
The Colorado Gaming Commission says the maximum tax cut for a single casino will total about $80,000 a year.
Gaming division spokesman Don Burmania says the commission concentrated the tax relief on mid-sized casinos because they were hit the hardest this year.
Casino revenue has declined every month this year in wake of a smoking ban that took effect in January.
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_9359399?source=rss
E-mail from a Reader:
Hi Sheila....I agree with the comment from the reader...you are doing a great job of informing us of what is happening around us. Too much information/ happening all at once. Our brains are on "overload'!!!! There are so many important things going on its hard to know what to fight for first. But for sure our rights are being taken away faster than we can respond to it. Thanks for all your work. Diane
More Italian Healthists Thrown in Jail
Gian Turci, Italian correspondent28th May 2008
Those who recite the line that “active and passive smoking kill” have been caught taking payolas from Big Pharma, once again, in Italy.
"Public health" was paid off to whitewash and promote a very dubious pharmaceutical. The chemical name of the drug is Nimesulide. The commercial name is Aulin. It is produced by Roche. Aulin is a multi-purpose anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Many of our readers may not know of it because it was never approved in the United States and Japan, and it was pulled off the market in 2002 by Spain and Finland, and in 2007 by Ireland.Why? Because those who use it often develop liver lesions or total liver failure. The damage occurs rapidly after the use of the product. This is unlike the "smoking-attributed" disease that can occur after 40 or 50 years of habitual smoking. Such "attributions" are opinions: there is no disease unique to smokers. Aulin on the other hand demonstrably and immediately affects the livers of persons young and old, the adverse side effects can appear suddenly, and can devastate healthy livers quickly, and irrecoverably.Everywhere else where the drug is still commercialized, it is available only through prescription, but in Italy it is available over the counter. Those who, in this country, highlight the obvious dangers of the drug are shouted down with the reverse of the lie that is used to counter those who point out the obvious benefits of smoking. The "authorities" always say the potential benefits of smoking must be ignored: focus only on the risks. With Big Pharma's Aulin they have said: ignore the risks, focus only on the possible benefits.When Ireland removed the drug from the market entirely in 2007, the Italian mass-media, which as in most nations toadies to its Big Pharma advertisers*, behaved predictably. Softball interviews with crooked "authorities" appeared. The public was reassured that Aulin “safe.” Many knew it was not and said so. Their opinions were ignored by the mainstream press (watch this video of the main Italian TV channel, RAI 1 – Italian). Once again, the weight of pharmaceutical advertising counts more than the truth, and lies spoken by cons in white coats are presented as gospel.The situation changed a few days ago. Why? The answer is in a two-minute movie recorded with sophisticated spying technology by the Italian police. In the movie, big stacks of Euros clearly change hands from the Big Pharma crooks to the “public health” crooks – specifically, those of AIFA, the Italian equivalent of the American FDA. The bundles changed hands with a specific request, clearly recorded: “Leave Aulin alone.”The investigation actually started in 2006 (please note that the antismoking mass-media crooks “reassured” the population in 2007!), and now a good number of people are behind bars, where they belong, including Big Pharma executives Matteo Mantovani, Sante Di Renzo, Mario Umbri, Piera Campanella, and Francesca Fiorenza. A sixth Big Pharma representative is believed to have fled the country.AIFA executive Pasqualino Rossi is also in jail. Another AIFA executive, Antonella Bove, has been placed under house arrest. Yet another Italian "public health" official, Nello Martini, denies being investigated. However, it is reported that, in line with a related investigation, police taped a conversation between Martini and top dogs of Glaxo, which took place in a "bugged" Verona hotel room.The trial is scheduled for July 31st in Rome. Readers may note that AIFA is a relatively new agency. AIFA was founded fifteen years ago to replace a similar institution called the CUF. The CUF had been dissolved following on another pharmaceutical corruption scandal concerning HIV and hepatitis B and C.The corruption goes on and on. Do not misconstrue that Italy is uniquely corrupted by pharmaceutical interests. Do not assume that "things are better" elsewhere. The blatant prostitution of the health establishment to Big Pharma is a global plague that really effects every nation today equally. It reached the vertex of international “public health” (i.e. the World Health Organization) long ago.Once again, all one has to do to convince himself of this pervasive corruption is to look at the incredible, blatant lies and frauds on active and passive smoking vomited by the health “authorities” all over the world. The plague of anti-tobacco, anti-alcohol, anti-food, and anti-life, together with the promotion of often dangerous pharmaceuticals to everyone who does or does not need them, is a truly international scandal.This latest Italian episode is just a tip on an iceberg. The pharmaceutical cancer is everywhere, and it has permeated every fibre of society with its Healthist ideology. The next big epidemiological frauds on alcohol and food are already lined up, the World Health Organization has become newly energized, and the rotten “public health” authorities have started beating the drum louder than ever to engineer our culture, values, and behaviour – and to turn us all into Big Pharma consumers.Big Pharma is the enemy to destroy, for it is the driving force behind “public health’s” deranged policies. In the meantime, “public health” authorities are not to be believed – so smoke in public, eat and drink as you please: the “anti” laws are based on their frauds.http://forces.org/News_Portal/news_viewer.php?id=1168
Time for another update. Mark Benjamin is getting ready to appeal the Marinaro ticket case and will put out a press release soon. The demise of bars is picking up speed and a bowling alley just went under. I hope the legislators are happy....they knew this would happen and just didn't care. New York has "hardship" waivers for these small bars but Minnesota legislators didn't think that was necessary so out of business they go and we can THANK our elected officials for that. Greg recently posted another article on www.freedomtoact.com about chartiable gambling profits falling. Look at the article below about what Colorado did for their casinos....I'll bet the bars & restaurants are not too happy that the casinos are getting bailed out from the smoking ban but not any of them. The only problem our casinos are having is the problem of expansion...a nice problem to have don't you think! Someone that plays bingo at one of the casinos, just told me that the casino they go to has expanded the smoking section 3 times since the ban went into effect. Again, nice job legislators!
Did you see the recent article in the Pioneer Press about obesity? Apparently, our obesity epidemic has leveled off based on a new study from the CDC. Quote "The stunning three-decade increase in childhood obesity that prompted the government to declare an epidemic of fat appears to have leveled off, ..." They say the Health campaigns may be working and that childhood obesity has not increased since 2004. Isn't it just amazing how one day we have an epidemic and the next day it's gone. Wow!
On another topic, in case you are not aware of what is going on in Congress right now...they are debating a cap & trade bill called the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act. I would encourage you to take a look at this and perhaps send an e-mail to voice your opinion.
Below is the e-mail I sent to McCain, Coleman and Klobuchar.
Reminder: Fund Raiser at Bugg's Place in South St. Paul on June 14, starts at 6:00. For more information visit WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BUGGSBAR.
Have a great day...the show must go on!
Sheila
E-mail to McCain, Coleman, Klobuchar:
June 3, 2008
Dear [recipient name was inserted here],The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act will result in higher prices, higher taxes for consumers and the exportation of jobs from America. It is a struggle now to survive with the high gas prices and taxes on everything from A - Z. What is wrong with you people? How about coming down from your ivory tower and living like the real people do...lets see how well you survive.
Sheila Kromer
Colorado casinos get tax relief after smoking ban
By The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 05/23/2008 11:32:41 AM MDT
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — Colorado regulators are giving tax relief to some casinos hurt by revenue declines ranging in the double digits after smoking was banned.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission approved the new formula Thursday. Casinos that have revenue between $4 million and $15 million a year will pay less next year.
The Colorado Gaming Commission says the maximum tax cut for a single casino will total about $80,000 a year.
Gaming division spokesman Don Burmania says the commission concentrated the tax relief on mid-sized casinos because they were hit the hardest this year.
Casino revenue has declined every month this year in wake of a smoking ban that took effect in January.
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_9359399?source=rss
E-mail from a Reader:
Hi Sheila....I agree with the comment from the reader...you are doing a great job of informing us of what is happening around us. Too much information/ happening all at once. Our brains are on "overload'!!!! There are so many important things going on its hard to know what to fight for first. But for sure our rights are being taken away faster than we can respond to it. Thanks for all your work. Diane
More Italian Healthists Thrown in Jail
Gian Turci, Italian correspondent28th May 2008
Those who recite the line that “active and passive smoking kill” have been caught taking payolas from Big Pharma, once again, in Italy.
"Public health" was paid off to whitewash and promote a very dubious pharmaceutical. The chemical name of the drug is Nimesulide. The commercial name is Aulin. It is produced by Roche. Aulin is a multi-purpose anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Many of our readers may not know of it because it was never approved in the United States and Japan, and it was pulled off the market in 2002 by Spain and Finland, and in 2007 by Ireland.Why? Because those who use it often develop liver lesions or total liver failure. The damage occurs rapidly after the use of the product. This is unlike the "smoking-attributed" disease that can occur after 40 or 50 years of habitual smoking. Such "attributions" are opinions: there is no disease unique to smokers. Aulin on the other hand demonstrably and immediately affects the livers of persons young and old, the adverse side effects can appear suddenly, and can devastate healthy livers quickly, and irrecoverably.Everywhere else where the drug is still commercialized, it is available only through prescription, but in Italy it is available over the counter. Those who, in this country, highlight the obvious dangers of the drug are shouted down with the reverse of the lie that is used to counter those who point out the obvious benefits of smoking. The "authorities" always say the potential benefits of smoking must be ignored: focus only on the risks. With Big Pharma's Aulin they have said: ignore the risks, focus only on the possible benefits.When Ireland removed the drug from the market entirely in 2007, the Italian mass-media, which as in most nations toadies to its Big Pharma advertisers*, behaved predictably. Softball interviews with crooked "authorities" appeared. The public was reassured that Aulin “safe.” Many knew it was not and said so. Their opinions were ignored by the mainstream press (watch this video of the main Italian TV channel, RAI 1 – Italian). Once again, the weight of pharmaceutical advertising counts more than the truth, and lies spoken by cons in white coats are presented as gospel.The situation changed a few days ago. Why? The answer is in a two-minute movie recorded with sophisticated spying technology by the Italian police. In the movie, big stacks of Euros clearly change hands from the Big Pharma crooks to the “public health” crooks – specifically, those of AIFA, the Italian equivalent of the American FDA. The bundles changed hands with a specific request, clearly recorded: “Leave Aulin alone.”The investigation actually started in 2006 (please note that the antismoking mass-media crooks “reassured” the population in 2007!), and now a good number of people are behind bars, where they belong, including Big Pharma executives Matteo Mantovani, Sante Di Renzo, Mario Umbri, Piera Campanella, and Francesca Fiorenza. A sixth Big Pharma representative is believed to have fled the country.AIFA executive Pasqualino Rossi is also in jail. Another AIFA executive, Antonella Bove, has been placed under house arrest. Yet another Italian "public health" official, Nello Martini, denies being investigated. However, it is reported that, in line with a related investigation, police taped a conversation between Martini and top dogs of Glaxo, which took place in a "bugged" Verona hotel room.The trial is scheduled for July 31st in Rome. Readers may note that AIFA is a relatively new agency. AIFA was founded fifteen years ago to replace a similar institution called the CUF. The CUF had been dissolved following on another pharmaceutical corruption scandal concerning HIV and hepatitis B and C.The corruption goes on and on. Do not misconstrue that Italy is uniquely corrupted by pharmaceutical interests. Do not assume that "things are better" elsewhere. The blatant prostitution of the health establishment to Big Pharma is a global plague that really effects every nation today equally. It reached the vertex of international “public health” (i.e. the World Health Organization) long ago.Once again, all one has to do to convince himself of this pervasive corruption is to look at the incredible, blatant lies and frauds on active and passive smoking vomited by the health “authorities” all over the world. The plague of anti-tobacco, anti-alcohol, anti-food, and anti-life, together with the promotion of often dangerous pharmaceuticals to everyone who does or does not need them, is a truly international scandal.This latest Italian episode is just a tip on an iceberg. The pharmaceutical cancer is everywhere, and it has permeated every fibre of society with its Healthist ideology. The next big epidemiological frauds on alcohol and food are already lined up, the World Health Organization has become newly energized, and the rotten “public health” authorities have started beating the drum louder than ever to engineer our culture, values, and behaviour – and to turn us all into Big Pharma consumers.Big Pharma is the enemy to destroy, for it is the driving force behind “public health’s” deranged policies. In the meantime, “public health” authorities are not to be believed – so smoke in public, eat and drink as you please: the “anti” laws are based on their frauds.http://forces.org/News_Portal/news_viewer.php?id=1168
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