Editorial: Smoking bans

The following is an editorial from FOX6 WBRC-TV General Manager Lou Kirchen, first aired on Tuesday, July 20, 2010:

Public health on the one hand and personal freedom on the other…that's what's being debated in some communities in our area.  

As Americans, we treasure our freedom…our ability to move about freely…to bear arms…to speak freely…to worship as we choose.

So, it causes many folks concern when government tries to regulate their behavior…whether or not it may be for the greater good.  

This week, in Alabaster…the discussion is about banning smoking in city restaurants and public spaces.    Certainly, when people smoke in a public place, non-smokers…everyone  is exposed and vulnerable to that smoke.

My parents smoked, and my husband smoked for many years.  I am a non-smoker…always have been.   I  appreciate a smoke-free environment and  work to limit my family's exposure to secondhand smoke.  However, I have always defended the right of each person to make his or her own decision about tobacco use.

If you would like to respond to this editorial, email editorials@gowbrc.com, write

Editorials
P.O. Box 6
Birmingham, Alabama 35201

or call 205 583 4328

Your comments may be used on WBRC or on MyFOXAL.com