[Vision2020] An open letter to Moscow city council

[Shelley Roderick]

ATTENTION: YOU ARE ENTERING A SMOKE FILLED ENVIRONMENT AND WILL BE SUBJECT
TO SECOND HAND SMOKE! ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK! THIS ESTABLISHMENT COULD BE
HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH! 

Twenty generations have sacrificed loved ones to fight for the freedoms for
which we are able to enjoy today. It is very sad to me when a small handful
of people representing our city can take the blood that was shed and ignore
the sacrifices made to insure our right to, “life, liberty and happiness.”

I have flown an American flag on my building since I bought it because I
respect the blood, sweat and tears that allow me to do so. The city council
should also respect and honor the same.

The city should agree with the Federal Government that when a person turns
the age of 21, they have a mental capacity to make sound decisions and will
be held responsible for those decisions in a court of law. This includes
their health. The city should not impose their “personal guidance” to those
who have just obtained the privilege of choice. They do not need to baby sit
 However, they should be babysitting  where smoking is allowed. Where
children walk our sidewalks and play in city parks. 

In regards to “employee health,” No one is forced to work in a smoked filled
environment. They came looking for a job. If they find it is not for them,
they have the right of freedom to work elsewhere. The customer has a right
to walk in my doors, or not. They even have the right to leave once inside.
Liberty of choice and free will granted to us from the blood of our
forefathers.

The first thing I see when I walk into city hall is a United States flag.
The last thing I see when I leave city hall is a United States flag. Let’s
not loose what that flag stands for.

If the city agrees to this smoking ban I would like to suggest they also
consider an ordinance stopping the farmers from farming as it blows dust
that I breathe that causes my asthma to flare up. Talk about a health issue!
How about bringing it up to vote when approximately 60% of Moscow’s citizens
are back in town? Let the citizens of Moscow decide. Give them the
opportunity to voice an opinion on their own freedoms and liberties. Let the
majority decide. Not a handful.

1/3 of the bars in Moscow are non-smoking by choice. The city should not
interfere with the liberties of other bars and private clubs.

You ask why other bar owners are not speaking up? How about listening to the
ones that are. I believe in fighting for the rights and liberties of my 24
employees and thousands of customers that choose to walk through my doors.
They count on me.

Bill Parks, who introduced this ordinance states, “it is a work place,
health issue. The only place we allow really dangerous things is in second
hand smoke.” Well, how about coal mines? Gas refineries? Plastic
manufacturers? Paint fumes? As I understand, his company manufactures and
builds thing in Mexico. He pays his workers in pesos. Why isn't Moscow good
enough for him to employ and manufacture his wares here? Could it be
government enforced workman’s comp? Minimum wage? Social Security taxes? Not
to forget the OSHA laws which are not enforced in Mexico? Why Bill Parks do
you choose to have your companies in Mexico? I can tell you why I choose to
have mine in Moscow, Idaho.

The chains of slavery on business were cut in 1776. Let’s not put them back
on.

Let freedom ring.

Phil Roderick

cjs at turbonet.com
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