Kind of hard to believe, but there has been actual pushback against Mayor Nutter's latest edict, this time banning smoking (except barbecues, I guess) in all city parks.
» READ MORE: Like this:
» READ MORE: And this:
I was at the press conference and really had just one question. The reason given for the ban was to prevent litter (cigarette butts), second-hand smoke and to help people quit.
That being the case, I asked the mayor, when you will ban cigarettes on the street, where there is a greater concentration of butts and smokers? He said there have been no conversations about that.
Yet?
Look, if public health (and sanitation) is your issue -- go for it.
If not, it is smoke and mirrors and doing things for effect. That this is a joke is proven by the absence of a fine and any enforcement mechanism.
It's just to annoy smokers and further ostracize them. They are a soft target, easy to demonize.
Pity.