A number of blogs covered a recent analysis of the 2004 Presidential Vote in which Madison ranks as only the 34th most liberal city in America. HT: (here and here) I would point out that this ranking derives from one measurement. There may be other communities with a greater ‘width’ of liberalism, but very few with the liberal ‘depth’ found here in Capital City. Madison Progressives are actively building their collective vision.
At least 25% of Madison voters are not true believers that government should lead us towards a conformist and harmonious society. Small business owners in this minority are very upset with the Smoking Prohibition forced on their livelihoods. This ban is a classic tyranny of the majority oppression of dissenters. The Progressives in their wisdom decided peaceful free assembly can be forbidden if they determine that distant future health consequences may occur. Apparently a risk does not have to be imminent to justify preventive government action.
The City Council is aware of the discontent and they are making token and symbolic efforts to calm the angry victims. The thinking must be to stall long enough and hope the problem will go away.
Alders Initiate Advisory Referendum on Smoking Ban: A group of Madison alders who supported the smoking ban announced today that they will initiate an advisory referendum to let Madison voters decide whether or not smoking should be allowed in Madison's workplaces, including taverns.The liberal’s in control of City Government are adamant, however that this is a HEALTH ISSUE and PROHIBITION will be maintained because we are seeking a UTOPIAN GOAL!
Mayor Cieslewicz's Statement on Recent Smoking Ban Proposals: First, I want to emphasize that the new ordinance has been very successful in its main purpose: protecting public health and the rights of the 85% of us who do not smoke.Mayor Dave apparently likes to numerate his positions when a cherished desire is challenged. First, there is absolutely no empirical basis for any claim the smoking ban has been ‘very successful’ at anything other than destruction of small business. Show me the independently audited data for this absurd assertion. Second, free societies abhor a tyranny of the majority if they value their freedom. Elections do not make us free, respect for individual rights makes us free. Third, there is no way to achieve ‘healthiest city in America’ without surrendering personal health decisions to the government. A government that defines acceptable health is a government that can punish the 'unhealthy'.
"I could support a hardship exemption under four conditions. First, it should be a limited term exemption, not permanent. Second, it should be clear that the exemption is intended to allow businesses to adjust their business plans to adapt to the new reality of a smoke free Madison, not to use the time to work for repeal. Given the fact that a solid majority of alders oppose repeal, this is not a useful way to invest anyone's time. Third, it should have a high threshold to prove hardship. Fourth, hardship should be proven via a reliable outside party, probably an audited financial statement.
"Smoke free is the wave of the future all over the world. For Madison to retreat from the progress we have made would be a giant step backward in our efforts to become the healthiest city in America.
I’m sure Mayor Cieslewicz would argue that people should not make bad lifestyle decisions. I agree, but allowing people to make bad health decisions is a price I am willing to accept to preserve individual liberty.
