One of the best parts about being a teacher is helping people look through lenses different from their own. Creating scenarios that encourage respectful discourse and thought can be so impactful in developing rich dialogue and appreciation for diversity.

This area was largely developed from the economic benefit that tobacco provided. We must not fail to recognize the impact tobacco has had on our region. The plant itself is benign. The way we utilize the plant is not. With that being said, we are much more aware of the health implications of tobacco use today than we had been during the economic boom of this agricultural crop. Tobacco farmers are fewer as well as those who are addicted to nicotine. Aside from the research about the responses in the pleasure center of the brain and withdrawl symptoms from nicotine, given a festive environment, right cocktail, and company, smokers (even those in the closet) will gather and bond over the behavior that makes them more alike than different in that moment.

The matter at hand is whether or not it is government overreach to make and enforce a law that bans smoking in public places. If we view the decision as a matter of protecting the public health as opposed to a matter of freedom of choice, the answer is clear. It is important, however, to make the distinction of the role of government on this topic. The most vulnerable groups in our society are children. If you must be 18 to purchase tobacco products, how could one justify that it is okay for this demographic to be exposed to its byproducts. There is no choice for them. At a minimum, a non-smoking ordinance should correspond with existing legislation for children under 18.

In reviewing the state and municipality data regarding smoke free ordinances, there is a direct congruence to those who are ranked among the most progressive and healthy populations. http://no-smoke.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/100ordlist.pdf If we look at determinants of public health and strive to be an area that meets those criteria, a smoke free ordinance is a logical step. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Determinants-of-Health

The decision is emotional on many levels for many people because it seems personal but, if we want to move the needle in a progressive direction for our community as a whole, creating and enforcing a smoke-free policy for indoor areas including bars, restaurants, and businesses is the next best step in doing so.

Stephanie M. Gastauer