Burg Life

Today our fair Commonwealth joined the legion of other states, nations, and municipalities in asserting our rights to clean air by banning smoking in (most) indoor places.  The Patriot News was out in force with a team of reporters instructed to light up in bars and restaurants around the midstate.  These first-person stories, along with more traditional reporting, did a respectable job of recording the day for prosperity.  Amid the stories a trend emerged in people’s reaction to the prohibition.

[Deb] Dunant, however, said she was angry. “The last time I checked, this wasn’t Russia. It bothers me that, as an adult, I can’t have the choice.”

Did she really just compare Pennsylvania smoking policy to Russia?

One of Dukes’ employees, Toni Mitterlehner, said she doesn’t need the state’s protection after 22 years of working in restaurants.  ”My opinion is they’re taking our rights away. We might as well go to Russia,” she said.

And this woman is doing it too!

Russia?  Really?  So one would assume from these assertions that Russia must have draconian smoking policies.  While there are many countries worldwide that prohibit the use of tobacco, Russia is not one of them.  The reality is that sixty percent of male Russians are smokers, and a pack of cigarettes costs roughly 25 cents.  Russia looks more like smoker’s paradise than any place left on Earth!

So central PA smokers: rather than complain about the loss of your rights, go join your comrads in Russia for one last cigarette!