FAQ
The anti-smoking movement is moving in, what do I do?
This is a job for the Ban the Ban Wisconsin Rapid Response Force. This topic is covered here in greater detail. Don't hesitate, take action NOW!
What the heck is Operation Mollycoddle?
Operation Mollycoddle is a strategic campaign lunched by BtBWI to counter the efforts of Smoke Free Wisconsin and anybody else who seems to think that we're nothing more than a bunch of babies who can't take care of ourselves. The campaign is centered around the concept of "shocking" the public awake by pointing out just how insulting this whole thing is.
Why stand up for smokers' rights?
Because it's the right thing to do. Punishing, marginalizing or harassing somebody for the choice they have made is wrong and we won't stand for it. As free individuals, we are allowed the right to make choices with our lives - even if other people don't agree with them. However, the reality of the situation is that it has become accepted and commonplace to treat smokers like lesser people thanks to the smear campaigns and media blitz techniques used by anti-tobacco groups. It's time to put an end to it, and we'll lead the way.
What can I do?
Well, you're heading in the right direction. The Get Active! page is your headquarters for ideas as to what you can do to fight back against smoking bans. However, the two most important things you can do are to sign the petition and to join up, because both of these actions help to show the strength of our numbers.
What do you know about the smoke-free orgs?
Lots! We are firm believers in knowing the enemy, and as such we spend a great deal of time studying and analyzing the tactics and motivations of the smoke-free organizations. We have taken a look at their manipulation of the public as well as their dirty dealings with local government. We have worked long hours to put together the pieces through research and open records requests and have a pretty firm grasp on what we're up against and what it will take to beat them.
But I'm not a smoker!
So? This isn't strictly a smoker's issue. This is something that impacts all of us in one way or another. Small business owners are hurt by this, which affects our communities. You could lose your favorite watering hole or that corner tavern that has those awesome burgers. You could lose the community charity bingo games. No matter how you look at it, somebody stands to lose something, and that is not something that we want to see happen.
What if I don't live in Wisconsin?
It makes no difference. We are primarily working for Wisconsin, but our resources are available to anybody out there and while we can't deal with your specific state or local legislators, we can certainly help you prepare to deal with them yourselves.
Are there other resources out there?
You bet! Check out our resources page or just browse through the site. We have links to other rights groups, studies, reports and more documents than you would know what to do with!
Do you encourage smoking?
Nope. But we don't discourage smoking either. We have all been afforded the right to choose and we advocate to keep that right.
Are you just a mouthpiece for "big tobacco?"
No, we are a wholly independent organization that encourages the right to choose. We speak for everybody who wants to live free; not just smokers or the tobacco industry. This is an issue that spans far beyond the tired rhetoric of "big tobacco." This is something that impacts each and every one of us. And no, we do not receive any funding from "big tobacco." Not one red cent.