Monday, May 9th, 2005
So the smoking ban in Austin passed. It basically means you can’t smoke anywhere inside in Austin, period. Including bars. There is an exception, however. Bingo parlours.
How do you get such an odd “public health” policy passed?
My thought: old people go to bingo parlours. Old people vote. Some old people also smoke. Old people that smoke are not going to change their ways. (Old, stubborn, old & stubborn, crotchety, etc… did I mention old?) So, make an exception for them, and let them decide how the young ‘uns should live their nightlives.
I voted against the ban. Early. Personally, I don’t smoke. And I’m selfishly glad that I can now go out and come home without smelling like smoke. But a bingo exception? Seems a bit odd… does the Austin City Council value old peoples’ lives less? If the law is in the name of “public health”, it would appear so.