Reasons to oppose smoking ban

Until recently I have been neutral on the local smoking issue. Several considerations have gelled my position. For one, there will be additional costs for enforcement. Will Smoke-Free Cape provide money for an additional position in the Cape Girardeau Police Department? Or will its major backer, the American Cancer Society?

I seriously believe that private facilities, including clubs, fraternities, churches, etc., should be exempted. Insofar as "public" facilities, such as bars, diners, dance halls, etc., are concerned, a voluntary approach or designated smoke-free areas may suffice. If anyone stringently objects to public spaces that tolerate smokers, that person should avoid them. (If a family or social group schedules an event for such a place, tell the sponsor why the objector is not attending.) I do support banning smoking in theaters and arenas but not in outside stadiums.

My position was firmed by the recent report in the Southeast Missourian revealing the campaigns' financing. Smoke-Free Cape reports assistance of nearly $83,000 and only $365 coming from local sources (the rest came from American Cancer Society's national action committee). However, Stand Up Cape had but $3,070, all from local sources.

It appears to me that local citizens already have indicated a preference for the Stand Up Cape position by more than 8:1 over that of Smoke-Free Cape.

JOHN E. STROUT, Cape Girardeau