Our Opinion: No-smoking exemption invites public scorn

Friday, January 18, 2013

If members of legislative bodies wonder why their approval ratings are so dismal, they need look no further than their own imperious attitudes.

Public disapproval rises whenever lawmakers exempt themselves from the rules that apply to others.

A recent example is a House committee’s rejection of a proposal to ban smoking in their Capitol offices. The rejection reflected a partisan vote from the 12-member panel; eight Republican nays prevailed over four Democratic yeas.

Subsequent House votes empowered the majority and minority caucuses to adopt smoking and alcohol policies for their members’ Capitol offices. Minority Democrats decided to maintain smoke-free offices; majority Republicans did not.

We are disappointed that partisan overtones have clouded this issue of public perception and public health.

Let’s begin with public perception.

The state and Jefferson City both have implemented smoke-free prohibitions and regulations. No smoking is permitted in Capitol hallways or in the House and Senate chambers.

The policies, however, do not extend to lawmakers’ offices, despite their location in a public building.

One reason for the exemption was provided by state Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, who referenced “long hours” worked by state representatives.

Even if we concede the argument, lawmakers are not the only people who work long hours. Why do the rules that apply to other public employees not apply to them?

The exemption also conflicts with the public health rationale instrumental in replacing non-smoking sections with smoke-free facilities.

That transition is based on harm caused by second-hand smoke and the inability of central ventilation systems to contain that smoke.

The Capitol is the people’s building. It is designed and intended to welcome visitors. People — including children by the busloads — come to tour its museum and absorb its history, architecture and art. Visitors come to influence public policy and watch their elected legislators conduct the people’s business.

If lawmakers insist on exempting themselves from the regulations and public health policies that apply to others, they bring public scorn and disapproval upon themselves.

More like this story

MO4LIFE 4 months ago

AMEN! Very good and a welcome change in NT opinions.

asb 4 months ago

Rush Limbaugh is a tobacco schill first class, with buttons and ribbons available for a small fee to show support for the industry. How could the GOP put up a bust for the scum and then throw the tobacco lobby out. On the other hand, I'd allow alcohol and pot in their offices so I guess my hypocrisy is obvious.

Paroquet 4 months ago

"Public disapproval rises whenever lawmakers exempt themselves from the rules that apply to others."--JC-NT

Gee-flippin-diddley-whiz. Ya think? It has been that way for far too long. Midnight "salary adjustments" ring a bell? Wait, wait...those adjustments were to increase the salaries of folk opposed to a Minimum Wage standard. Our state Senate and House gave itself a raise while opposing the same for average joes.

"If lawmakers insist on exempting themselves from the regulations and public health policies that apply to others, they bring public scorn and disapproval upon themselves."--JC-NT

Live by example, conduct yourself above reproach, practice what you preach.

I truly can't pinpoint a single state legislator who meets those criteria in my voting district at any level. Which (as can be imagined) sort of disgusts me.

Let them smoke, outside. Their office is my space.

youruncle 4 months ago

The phenomina of "the tail waggin the dog" seems to exist in legislative bodies from the of U.S. Congress right down to the local level doesn't it? If it's not the Congress holding the entire United States hostage while they cut their backroom deals to ensure we'll all be equally unhappy with watered down budgets, laws, or benefit packages for themselves, the state legislature passes laws or approve policy that affect everyone but them. Vote'em all out!

JCLifer 4 months ago

Did you see where Missouri Legislature was written up in Esquire magazine: esquire.com/blogs/politics/missouri-politicians-smoking-14990055

It says that Missouri has the 7th worse legislature of all the states.

Great- if they work hard they might get to #50, even though they are paid at #16.

JCLifer 4 months ago

Once again the republicans get distracted from the real issues and take a stand and make themselves look like fools. Why do republicans constantly shoot themselves in the foot by doing something like this that is totally wrongheaded and stoopid?

Jim 4 months ago

I saw this editorial on Combest a few minutes and let me make a few points. I spend much of the legislative session in the Capitol representating various clients. Other than a brief sojourn of stupidity in the 90's, I have always voted Republican.

But the legislature's unwillingness to do anything about smoking is outrageous. In this case the blame falls on John Diehl who was the sponsor of the resolution. Representative Diehl is known by many Capitol observers, including me, to be the kind of legislator that the general public hates. The kind of person that says the normal rules don't apply to me. The typical arrogant a attorney that the public hates. I like his views but everyone knows he is a partisan hack. No more no less. .

We can't smoke at my law firm. We can't even smoke on the grounds.

Don't make people like me who had a close family member die of lung cancer breathe this.

Lest anyone think this is partisan issue remember that the worst offender in the Capitol for years was Victor Callahan who was the Senate Minority Leader. He is a Democrat.

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