For those of you who vowed to just quit this country and move to France if Allen County even ever considered a smoking ban, too bad:
The prime minister announced Sunday that a ban on smoking in schools, offices and other public buildings will start in February, while restaurants, dance clubs and some bars have until 2008 to comply.
"I am convinced the French people are now ready," said Dominique de Villepin, joining Ireland, Spain, Britain and Italy which have adopted similar measures. "The issue is ripe in our country, given the experiences that we know of elsewhere."
Notice that one little detail: "The prime minister announced." Here, we debate the issue over and over, in every county and tiny little town. There, someone just issues an edict, and the whole country moves in the same direction. Maybe you like their way better, maybe ours.
