Quoted Text

Allow people to decide their own destinies

We have no need for the state Legislature to ban smoking in bars and other public buildings. It is already in the consumer’s control. We can tell the owners of the businesses our feelings. If they ignore our concerns, we can avoid going back to their establishment.
   It is a waste of our Legislature’s time to debate and pass laws on such personal choice issues. The best solution to this problem is to educate people — especially the young. People usually don’t make dumb choices if they are given accurate examples and history of the probable result of their actions.
   The war in Iraq and Afghanistan are areas where government expertise is sorely needed. They should research and observe the lessons from other wars. The Revolutionary War is a good place to start. The world power England could not conquer the much weaker original 13 states because the distance to send supplies and troops was too great.
   The Korean and Vietnam wars were not the easy wins for us that they were supposed to be. The Soviet war against Afghanistan proved once again that it is next to impossible to conquer or implement a permanent change in a country. The people must want the changes and be ready to fight for themselves.
   History has proven that a person or country, convinced against their will, is of the same opinion and will exercise it more strongly if demanded to change. Education, not force, is the only way to bring about permanent change when dealing with smokers or foreign countries.
   BARBARA PETERS
   Argyle  

Quoted Text

People usually don’t make dumb choices if they are given accurate examples and history of the probable result of their actions.