THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 22, 1994 TAG: 9411220015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Just as we were about to see changes from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to protect workers from passive smoke, we have run into Sen. Tom Bliley, R-Va.
As the new chairman of the Energy and Commerce committees, he has promised to stop the hearings now going on about smoking in the workplace.
It is not surprising that the tobacco state of Virginia blocked the efforts of Robert Hall, Arlington representative to the General Assembly, who sponsored HB 951, a bill to restrict smoking in workplaces andrestrooms.
This bill was killed in committee by the powerful tobacco lobby.
The power of tobacco money is strong. The addiction to nicotine is powerful. It causes behavior that a rational mind wouldn't even consider.
I support adults in making their own decisions about smoking. But my support ends there. The safety and health of non-smokers should outweigh the needs of the addicted.
The behavior of Senator Bliley, Governor Allen and others who continue to ignore the safety and health of the innocent can only be attributed to addiction to tobacco money or nicotine.
I know how nicotine can influence behavior, because I was addicted for 32 years. I now celebrate a new life, one that is free from addiction. Today I realize how inconsiderate I was toward my family and all those around me who had to tolerate my smoke. I deeply regret the uncaring, irrational behavior that I displayed in the past.
I hope that our governing officials will one day kick their addition to tobacco money and/or nicotine.
RAYMOND HARTMAN
Virginia Beach, Nov. 16, 1994 by CNB