Disparage the Nanny Statists: A (Stacked) Forum on the Smoking Ban

The Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project is hosting a forum on the proposed smoking ban. It's at Doc's in Shadyside this Monday at 7 pm.

The article mentioned in the above link promises some degree of objectivity:

Unless a large majority of members have a strong feeling about it, PUMP does not plan to take a stand one way or another on smoking bans.

"We're not here to tell them which way to think," Ms. Yeager said. "We're here to educate them so they can make up their own minds."

That's nice. Only check out the people listed on the panel at the PUMP website:

Dr. Bruce Dixon - ACHD Director

Mike Finnerty - Allegheny County Council Member

Bob Macey - Allegheny County Council Member

Cindy Thomas - Executive Director of Tobacco Free Allegheny

Michael Parker - representative from Groups Against Smog and Pollution

Bill Godshall - representative from Smoke Free PA

Interesting choices. Especially if objectivity is the goal. Dixon has already advocated the "absolute abolition" of smoking in workplaces. Finnerty appears to be on the same page. And so does Macey.

I eagerly await my invitation to round out the panel. Or at least provide a SINGLE dissenting voice.

Comments

[sean mcdaniel]

actually, this is all a bit of a goof for me. i really don't understand how a guy with infant twins and a working wife finds so much time to be concerned with so much...and then can accuse me of not getting out too much. anyway, i really do appreciate what i consider your high degree of tolerance. that is admirable.