We certainly don't object to Marshall City commissioners holding a public hearing on the matter of smoking in public, but in the end this decision must be more about what its right than what is popular.

And, yes, it might force them to take some heat.

To know what is right, one need only to look at what is happening across this country in regards to smoking. Almost every business banned smoking in the workplace years ago. Just about the only place it can still be done indoors is at restaurants and bars.

This is not based on whim of government leaders, it is based on medical science, not disputed by anyone anymore, that says second-hand smoke is harmful. It is, of course, also unpleasant.

Smokers are victims of an addiction, thus there is not much doubt that many of them will become quite fervent in trying to prevent the ban. We bear smokers no ill will, but, in their addiction, they do not always think clearly.

So while they can and should be permitted to speak before the city commisson, it would be much more informative to, say, have a doctor or two appear before the commission to give an informed opinion about the problems of second-hand smoke.

A doctor could give first-hand, unbiased accounts of how smoking affects those who do not smoke, especially in enclosed places such as restuarants. It might also be informative to hear what sort of effect it has on those who must work in restaurants, too.

We simply don't buy the arguments of business owners who say they will lose customers. Just where will those people go to eat? Not Longview or Shreveport, two places which already have smoking bans in place.

In the end, this is likely to be a moot point within just a few years. We suspect the Texas Legislature will eventually step up to the plate and do this across the state.

Until then, there is no particular pride that can be taken in being one of the few cities that still allows unlimited smoking. We'd do everyone a service by moving ahead to stop it.