A few years ago, smoking in bars ands restaurants in Maine became illegal. The only places that are not affected by that law are privately owned clubs, such as the American Legion and the Elks Club.

Now, the state has decided these organizations must send a ballot to all of their members to vote on whether or not to remain a smoking establishment. That sounds like a great idea. That way the majority of voters rule, right?

Wrong. The attorney general has stated that if a member does not return his or her ballot, it is counted as a vote in favor of a nonsmoking establishment.

Is this the way democracy is supposed to work? Is this the type of freedom and democracy veterans have fought and died for? Or did I fall asleep and wake up in a communist country?

It doesn’t matter if you are in favor of a nonsmoking establishment or a smoking establishment. The way they are doing it isn’t right. When a vote is held only the ballots that are returned are counted, then the majority rules.

If we followed the attorney general’s procedure for elections, imagine the way things would be different. Al Gore may have become president and the seat belt law may never have passed.

The state cannot legally tell a privately owned club whether it can or cannot allow smoking, this is a way they have found to do it “legally.”

What’s next? Maybe the next election, your non-vote will count as a yes for a 50 percent tax hike. Why not? Sounds like a good “legal” way for the state to get a little extra money.

Lloyd M. Jacobs

Commander

Donald V. Henry

American Legion

Post 80

Millinocket