Protection of Public Health Bill (Law'd)

[Franzl]

I'd be willing to compromise (if the Senate agrees) to make this bill only apply to public/government-owned buildings and places (parks, public transportation, etc.), but I really don't think we should be telling private establishments what to do in this situation. I feel the free market does a pretty adequate job of dealing with the issue, and if people want to smoke or expose themselves to second-hand smoke, they know the risks.

My thoughts precisely, Mr President.

[Franzl]

I oppose such a compromise, as I think that would effectively gut the bill.

We absolutely have a right to tell private establishments to make efforts to protect the health of our citizens. I don't think ya'll quite understand how terrible secondhand smoke truly is. This isn't a business or individual rights issue, this is a health issue, and an important one to me.

Then allow private establishments the right to ban it themselves. Nobody is forced to actually go to a restaurant that allows smoking if they have such a problem with it.

[Franzl]

What is superior, the right to conduct your business, or the right to good health, in yourself and your environment?

     I'm not sure if that's directed at me, but you should have the right to choose whatever you want for yourself. As long as a business warns prospective employees & patrons that it allows people to smoke on its property, I simply can't justify forbidding them from allowing that.

Yes, I agree.

[Franzl]

What is superior, the right to conduct your business, or the right to good health, in yourself and your environment?

     I'm not sure if that's directed at me, but you should have the right to choose whatever you want for yourself. As long as a business warns prospective employees & patrons that it allows people to smoke on its property, I simply can't justify forbidding them from allowing that.

Last session, the Senate passed health care legislation where the government would provide healthcare to many Atlasians.  Because of that law, I think we should have the right to impose laws to make our citizens healthier.

Where does it end though? It's a logical argument, I agree, but are you also going to start legislatin what people are allowed to eat and drink.....or how much they have to excercize every week?

[Franzl]

Yeah that's a legitimate argument

My point was only in response to the Senator from the Mideast's contention that we have the responsibility to legislate healthy behavior because of subsidized healthcare.

[Franzl]

you make a compelling argument, Hamiton.

My question is this: If you don't your tax dollars going to treat smokers' lung cancer, what other unhealthy activities would you be willing to discourage or prohibit? Should McDonalds be shut down because of the potential health risks? Or should people also not be able to consume alcohol in public places.

I'm not asking this to get on anyone's nerves. I'm also not implying that smoking is the same thing as eating a hamburger.

I only want to know how far you'd be willing to go.

[Franzl]

Alright, I've been convinced by the other side here.

[Franzl]

Aye

[Franzl]

Nay

[Franzl]

Aye