ketsdablog

It is ironic that so many restaurants and other businesses will display on their doors the sign that says, "No shoes, no shirt, no service," but oppose as Draconian any legislation that bans people from smoking in their establishments!

There is not one shred of evidence that barefoot patrons present a health hazard to other patrons or the employees who work there. If anything, bare feet probably track less dirt and disease into a building than shoes do. And while I can understand the desire not to have to look at bare chests, I don't know why we should so universally legislate against them. Why not ban tattoos and body piercings that show? In my opinion, they are certainly uglier than bare chests or bare feet. How about long hair? Just think of the health hazards there!

Actually, there is no legislation requiring restaurants (or other businesses) to have "no shoes, no shirt, no service" policies. It is perfectly legal to go barefoot into a restaurant. Of course, the business owner has the right to set any requirements he wants for his business. He can require shoes, shirts, neckties, jackets, anything he wants. But there is no public health issue and no legislation that requires him to do so.

There is hard scientific evidence that smoking kills people, even people who don't smoke. Non-smokers who are exposed to other people's cigarette smoke are affected by it. They get cancer and all the other diseases that smokers bring on themselves, only not as quickly or as bad (small comfort to the non-smoking lung cancer victim!).

So why don't all the restaurant owners in America, out of concern for their patrons and employees (and for their carpets and tables!), voluntarily post "No Smoking" signs on their doors instead of "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service?" And why do they scream, "Government interference!" or, "Unfair!" when communities consider non-smoking legislation? They already have accepted the principle that they can and should provide safe and sanitary environments in which their patrons can eat and drink, and that it is reasonable and right for communities to hold them accountable for doing so through legislation, health inspections, building codes, fire and safety codes, etc. Why will a business owner say, "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service, but if you want to poison me and my employees and my other patrons by releasing carcinogens and toxins into the air inside my establishment I will defend your right to do so?"

Doesn't make sense, does it?

Would you like to be a part of an effort to make the City of Kettering smoke-free?

As you may know, Centerville went that way last year, but only partially. The law passed there was watered down so much that many restaurants and other businesses were exempt.

Wouldn't it be a good thing for the church to lead the way in protecting the health of the citizens of this community by advocating for smoke-free legislation? The hospital is in the fight already. Want to join?

We are trying to find a way to more effectively communicate. For those of you with email addresses, we can send you an email notice that says that there is a new posting on the church blog: KETSDABLOG. If you want to be included, give us your email address and we will add you to the list.

We will NOT be showing "The Appearing" due to several conflicts in scheduling, but the Beavercreek Adventist Church is showing it.

This Sabbath at 7:00pm in the sanctuary we will do a special vespers service in which we will celebrate and dedicate teachers. We have invited teachers and support staff from Spring Valley Academy and Kettering College of Medical Arts along with all other teachers wherever they serve. Please come and support and affirm our teachers and those who support them.