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PO Box 2343
Annapolis, MD 21404-2343
1-800-MLP-1776
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Beth Newman 301-588-3704
19 Dec 2000
FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS NOT VERY FRIENDLY TO INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
It must take a village to fully disregard individual liberty. Last week's move by the Montgomery County Council approving the Village of Friendship Heights' smoking ban legislation is a blatant attack on individual freedom and demonstrates how far the anti-smoking zealots will go to impose their own moral framework on others.
By supporting this measure, some well-intentioned folks have played into the hands of bureaucrats who seek to enhance their power by reducing the options available to individuals. It seems that if scientific research into the matter fails to indicate a degree of danger sufficient to justify bureaucratic meddling, then so much the worse for science.
Once again, government officials have decided that you must be protected from yourself.
The question is, if air quality is the real concern, will Friendship Heights commission a scientific study to measure the improvement in local air quality in public places as a result of enforcement of this ban? Will Friendship Heights cease the use of gas mowers to maintain public green spaces? Will Frienship Heights security officials and other government officials cease the use of gas-powered, exhaust-producing vehicles in the exercise of their duties? Will Friendship Heights ban motor vehicle traffic? Of course not, because public health is not the real reason behind the measure.
"Let's not fool ourselves into thinking this is a public health issue. It's politics, pure and simple and the Libertarian Party of Maryland flatly opposes the ban and others like it," said Steve Boone, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Maryland and a non-smoker who is allergic to cigarette smoke.
The Libertarian Party of Maryland is the third largest political party in Maryland. We are dedicated to the reduction of government interference in individual liberty. We call for an end to government laws and handouts that promote and reward irresponsibility and deny you your inalienable Rights to Life, Liberty and your Pursuit of Happiness!