Around the opinion benches

Quiet news days, so a few bits from the column and letter zones...

• A Daily News letter-writer questions the example of New York for the success of a smoking ban (and its harmlessness to business).
  
  
• Another writer stands up in defense of Johnny "Doc" Dougherty as a good local citizen.
  
  
• Two related to the legislative pay-hike:
  1. John Grogan compares the statewide controversy to hurricane Katrina. More goofy than illuminating.
     
  2. An Inquirer commentary wonders why the outcry is being led by conservatives, when the Republicans have had a solid majority for some years and yet made nobody happy with their choices, making it a perfect opportunity for Democrats and progressive organizations. The author would like to see a push for more government transparency.
  
  
• Meanwhile, Daily News columnist Mark Alan Hughes wonders whether rising gas prices will mean the end of the suburbs as we know them...