This 24-page issue book titled Burning Both Ends: A Community Discussion on Regulating Smoking was produced by the Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy (ICDD) at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.  Support was also provided by the Council on Public Policy Education.

The following is an excerpt from the introduction to the issue book and a summary of the three approaches presented in the book:

In 2006, the city of Manhattan, Kansas, proposed a smoking ban.  While no version of a smoking ban passed in this community, members of the Manhattan community and Kansas State University were actively involved in the discussion.

The Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy (ICDD) listened to the community.  Inspired by the active voices engaged in this debate, ICDD created this book outlining the major viewpoints of smoking regulations in communities across Kansas and the United States.

Introduction: Smoking is a divisive issue in American society.  Many citizens and policy-makers want to regulate smoking, but others feel that any regulations threaten privacy and property rights.

Approach 1: It's About Public Health
Smoking is a public health issue. The government must intervene to ensure the health of both smokers and nonsmokers.

Approach 2: It's About the Pocketbook
It is most important to address the economic impact of smoking. Supporters favor business-led solutions with minimal government involvement.

Approach 3: It's About Personal Decision
Smoking is a personal decision. The government should not be involved in regulating private lives or businesses.

You can download the issue book by clicking on the Download link above.

For more information about this issue book contact:

Dr. David E. Proctor, Director
Erika Mason-Imbody, Project Coordinator
Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy
202 Ahearn Fieldhouse
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas 66506-0307
785-532-7252, fax: 785-532-6808
icdd@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/icdd