In Fort Myers, FL, the Lee County Sheriff's office is refusing to hire people who smoke. This is just one of the latest attacks on the legal behavior of smoking. Palm Beach County enacted a similar policy last year.

Both Florida counties have used the guise of lowering health care costs as an excuse to control employee's private lives, even though there is no evidence to support the claim.

The staff writers at Ravenwood's Universe feel that since they are so worried about health care costs, and the well being of employees, here are some other regulations they should impose:

No skydiving, water-skiing, motorcycling, hang gliding, or bungee jumping.
No reading or watching TV in the dark.
No going to loud rock concerts.
No running with scissors.
No burning candles after 9 PM.
Employee's homes must be properly equipped with bath mats.
No electrical outlets without a safety cover.
Employees must always use the handrail on the stairs.
Employees must wash hands, regardless of whether or not they are returning to work.
No frayed extension cords.
No answering the door without knowing who it is.
No talking to strangers.

Palm Beach County and Lee County should not hesitate to adopt these rules for the safety and well-being of their employees. To quote Tim Day, the director of the Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Training Academy, "The policy makes sense." This will certainly cut down on employee sick days and medical costs. We should do it.. 'for the employees.'