CWNews

Ohio Organizers Oppose Ban

1).  On June 11, 2008, Ohio Senator Robert Schuler-R introduced SB 346.  http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=127_SB_346.  This bill will exempt, as Ohio's smoking ban was supposed to, private clubs and family owned businesses (family owned businesses are defined as those family businesses not publicly trading stock).  Senator Schuler, and the many co-sponsors, have heard the cries of Ohio's family businesses and private clubs and we owe he and the co-sponsors our debt of gratitude.
 
What we need your help with is those who live in Ohio, we are asking that you WRITE each State Representative and State Senators (especially your own) and ask that they support SB 346, and PLEASE copy Governor Strickland @ 77. S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.  It is imperative that you WRITE.  Letters that fill file folders speak volumes over emails.  Those of you who live out of state, please email Senator Schuler at SD07@mailr.sen.state.oh.us and let him know that even though you do not live in Ohio, how you feel about smoking bans and if you own a business that has been impacted, please tell him so.  You've all left excellent comments on the petition.  If you have businesses, please let Senator Schuler or your Ohio senator know how the ban has impacted your businesses, your families, etc.
 
We only have until the Senate returns to session to get make our pleas heard.  The Anti-Tobacco faction will be doing the same and we need the PEOPLES' pleas heard.
 
I've listed the links to the House and Senate so you can look up your respective legislators. 
 
2.)  FORCES is an educational, non-profit organization, who supports human rights and - in particular, but not limited to - the defense of those who expect from life the freedom to smoke, eat, drink and, in general, to enjoy personal lifestyle choices without restrictions and state interference. At the same time, FORCES is an organization in support of scientific integrity and the use of appropriate scientific methodology in  the science which is claimed to be at the foundation of public policy. The issue of poor scientific/statistical methodologies, presented as unquestionable and sound science, and the further misrepresentation of the results of those faulty methodologies to the public to justify the current draconian public health policies are fundamental issues taken up by our organization.  FORCES has filed a complaint against Surgeon General Carmona's outrageous report upon which many smoking bans are solely based.  FORCES needs people to agree to sign the complaint.  The more signatories, the more the Office of Research Integrity, Health and Human Services, will realize there are people who DEMAND that an investigation be launched.  Here is how to become a signatory: please call 304-765-5394 between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM EST, or write to maryetta.ables@forces.org. A signatory must be prepared to supply full name, address and phone number to be included in the documentation that we will present to the US Office of Research Integrity for them to verify the authenticity of the information.  In the case of private individuals, on our website we will publish only the information that you permit, and you will be expressly asked for that permission by your telephone interlocutor.  The information concerning organizations will be published.
 
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is getting rich off the grants they paid out to the American Cancer Society to lobby for them to have smoking bans nationwide so their Johnson & Johnson company can make money off the nicotine replacement therapies and programs they have.  If this were only about wanting to protect us, why did J & J buy Pfizer OTC Division in 2006 for $16.6 billion just to get Nicorette?   It doesn't take a study to answer that question!  By the way, they promised a per-share gain by 2009.  JnJ posted a 40% jump in profit 1st Q. 2008. 
 
With help from the American Cancer Society, through grant funding @ almost 1 million dollars to market nicotine replacement therapy and a $70,000+ grant to lobby Medicaid to pay for nicotine replacement therapy, the goal is in the bag. 
 
Not 6 days after Issue 5 was passed by the voters in Ohio who voted, the Ohio Department of Health got a "grant" from the Robert Wood Foundation for $150,000.
 
 
Jill Fillinger
Opponents of Ohio Bans
P.O. Box 402
Grove City, OH 43123
 
 
As we all work to return our country to its People, we need to pull together.  Please help Ohio.
 
Thank you so much for your help.