Become ‘Healthiest City’

Dear editor:

The bikers, thank goodness, are gone. Good riddance. I don’t see what they bring to the city, other than noise, bad habits and litter.

I do realize Hot Springs is a tourist-driven economy. So I have a suggestion I believe could change our entire destiny.

Four years ago, I quit smoking, drinking and eating meat. It changed my life, both physically and mentally. Everyone should do it.

So I would suggest that Hot Springs become, and label itself as, “The Healthiest City in America.” How could we do that? First, take the brave and bold steps to ban smoking, alcohol and meat. That may sound shocking, but in the long run we could end up as not only a unique city, but the healthiest and happiest in America.

Think about it. Vegans, nonsmokers and abstainers from alcohol are three of the fastest growing groups in the country. We would be offering them all three. Many would actually relocate and move here. Studies also show that these three groups are more intelligent, work in higher paying jobs and are so much less reliant on government programs like food stamps and unemployment or welfare. In other words, we are a better class of people.

How could this be achieved? It’s very simple. Our city board of directors and management pass ordinances banning the sale of meat, tobacco products and alcohol. It doesn’t take any more than that. A bit of courage and forward thinking on their part. Restaurants, grocery stores, tobacco shops and liquor stores would have to fall in line. Those who did

not would be subject to civil fines (which would increase revenues) and I would not be opposed to criminal charges. As a member of PETA, I don ’t have to tell you how cruelly some of the animals you consume every day are treated.

Now I realize some will be resistant and there will be hesitation at first. I would say that at least six months to a year would be fair for businesses to make adjustments with their products, menus, etc.; if not, they will have to go out of business, but in the long run, this is what is best for the community of Hot Springs.

Infrastructure is already in place: No city has the resources for healthy people like Hot Springs — bike and walking trails, lakes, etc. This is our future. Imagine the unique niche we would have. What other city could call themselves “The Healthiest City in America?” No one.

Write David Frasher, Steve Arrison and your board of directors, and urge them to move forward with this.