I support the arts.

As a community, I believe we're better for it when we publicly support all forms of creative expression.

But when it comes to choosing which families will go without health care; when it comes to deciding which food programs must be eliminated; when it comes down to decimating basic education and when scores of social service programs must be slashed, then art becomes a luxury we can't afford.

There's simply no way to justify continued funding for art projects at state prisons and garbage dumps while the governor and the legislature work their calculators trying to find ways of balancing a budget that's billions of dollars in the hole.

By any account, the amount of tax dollars spent on public art is relatively modest.

Then again, toss a million here and a million there and pretty soon you're talking about real money.

It would be unconscionable for any politician to suggest we set aside tax money for even one more mural or one more sculpture until the state budget is back to where the fundamental needs of people are being met.

How far should employers butt into your private life?

The question arises as we learn that Franciscan Health System is going to ban smokers from the payroll beginning next month.

The non-profit organization that runs hospitals in Tacoma, Federal Way and Gig Harbor says that starting March 1st job applicants will be tested for nicotine.

Current employees will get a pass, at least for now.

Franciscan says that as an organization that's all about creating healthier communities, it's going to walk the talk.

In keeping with that noteworthy theme, I humbly offer some other suggestions for exacting health dictates that Franciscan should consider.

Rotund radiologists, plump pediatricians and obese obstetricians should be put on a forced diet.

Bagels, donuts, salt and butter should immediately be removed from all hospital cafeterias.

And while Franciscan is testing for nicotine, it should also screen for high cholesterol and any residual chardonnay, merlot, bourbon or whipped cream vodka that may have been sipped by someone applying for a job.

And since all proof of good health is in the pudding, that too should be dumped.

It’s easy and fun to pick on smokers, but if employers want to butt in to our private lives, let 'em butt all the way in.