The ban on public smoking is coming to the halls of the Ohio State legislature. Should the Ohio Patient Network align ourselves with the tobacco smoker, the new prohibitionist, or just keep quiet?

An argument might be effectively made for keeping silent and your head down on this issue. But if we are to go forward on our issue we will have to make friends who will support us. The best way we can do that is by helping and supporting other organizations and their efforts.

We firmly believe in our right to consume a substance even though according to the federal government it is addictive, deadly, and has no medical use. There is large dispute whether or not that classification is true for cannabis, but not for tobacco.

We should stand with the smokers and help find them the best solution to this upcoming legislative issue. It is time to stop this new group of prohibitionists "who know what is best for you". What is the next target for the health police? Fast food consumers who will have to report their blood fats and sugar to a state agency?

Robert Ryan

www.robryan.org

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This editorial expresses the opinions of the author and does not reflect the Ohio Patient Network policy.