| smoking bans
Posted: 4/22/2008 1:47:54 AM | | What I see is the level of intolerance exceeding my tolerance level. Smokers are intolerant toward non-smokers, non-muslims intolerant of muslims (and vice versa) etc. ad nauseum. No one seems to tolerate anyone any more. Are some people so "right" that no one else can be? Why can't people simply agree to disagree and go about their business instead of insisting on sticking their nose in everyone else's business? It sickens me. This whole population sickens me. I often wonder if people will ever smarten up and realize that only together can we survive. Otherwise, we lose. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/22/2008 4:30:13 PM | With smoking it has nothing to do with tolerance. It has to do with health and the desire to have a pleasant experience when out dining.
I know I personally don't care if people smoke, and have never told anyone I know that they should quit.
However, I don't allow people to smoke in my house and I don't go to restaurants where smoking is allowed -- not even at the bar. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/22/2008 8:12:26 PM | They banned smoking here in Toledo a few years ago before going statewide. It killed off a bunch of longtime bars and restaurants.
I say, if a product is legal, it should be up to the proprietor to establish the rules regarding it's usage. On the other hand, I no longer smell like smoke after a night out. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/23/2008 5:33:26 AM | >>>However, I don't allow people to smoke in my house and I don't go to restaurants where smoking is allowed -- not even at the bar.
And theres nothing wrong with that- hell, we're encouraging that line of thinking- the kind of thinking the people who oppose these kinds of bans is the belief that they can dictate what you can and cannot do in your private business- just like you believe you have a right to decide if someone can or cannot smoke in your house, so should all property owners have that liberty- and if you don't like the smoke, you do not have to take your business there, and they will lose money because of it.
>>> the desire to have a pleasant experience when out dining.
And if you feel the restaurant or bar is ignoring your needs as a consumer, why would you believe it is your right to change their policies? If I go to a highway-side restaurant, and they insist on keeping all their windows open despite the fumes coming from the highway, do I have the right to demand they accept my preferences on their property or have their property taken away? | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/23/2008 9:26:44 AM | I live in MA - the state where everyone is a victim and everyone is entitled to something...or thinks they are. They pushed the smokers outside years ago under the guise of 'workers' rights' and safety.
Which was annoying in the first place, but now...the jackboots are shiny again and the health nazis now want to ban smoking outdoors!! In my city, they passed ordnances where you can't smoke 25 feet near the entrance of any establishment. they're trying to kill the outdoor patio smoking and just creating an annoyance of themselves every time they come up with a new law. | |
|
_JAFO_
|
Joined: 11/9/2007
Msg: 106 | |
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/23/2008 10:13:20 AM | Firstly, let me say I smoked for 25 years and am now a non smoker. And everyone knows there's nothing worse than a reformed anything. I might be the exception.
Years ago my S/O and I met with his long lost cousin from out of town for dinner. While enjoying our meal, the conversation naturally turned to what we were all doing currently in our lives for employment.
His cousin, explained that the reason he was in town was because he works for an organization that goes from town to town across the country bringing awareness to the health hazards of smoking and initiating the needed paperwork to get the smoking ban initiated on the local ballots.
The next election--sure enough--the smoking ban was on the ballot in my town. The community voted for the smoking ban.
Shortly after the smoking ban went into effect I was aboard an airplane flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The smoking ban still fresh on everyones' mind I struck up a conversation with the gal next to me as we were ascending through the clouds of the 5th (?) largest city in the country. Naturally we started discussing the smoking ban in the valley.
Angry at the audacity of the law -- knowing that it was brought on the ballot from an outside organization to our community -- I pointed out the window of the aircraft and said... "Look out that window. Look at the polution we're ascending through. Do you REALLY BELIEVE second hand smoke is our major concern in this community?"
And in defense for the bartenders and waitresses/waiters who work in restaurants/bars that cater to smokers that need to be rescued from such an unhealthy environment, why is it they're victims? If they have a problem with it, go get another job. This is America. No one is chaining them down to do that job.
I saw the writing on the wall when after talking to my S/O's activist cousin. First, for the safety of everyone public places outlaw smoking. Once the groundwork for that is established legally, start closing in on other liberties -- like smoking outside and in your private domain.
And as far as having a "pleasant experience" when dining out, I'd rather sit on the lap of a smoker any day as opposed to having to put up with that unruly child that yells, crys, runs, and generally ruins my dining experience time and time again.
When's the last time someone mentioned RADON? | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/23/2008 11:43:25 AM | There were a lot of Jewish people in Germany in the 1930's who figured that if they just obeyed the law and didn't cause trouble then they'd be OK.
But, it didn't work out that way.
The tyrant needs scapegoats and people to blame. He needs a good excuse for a good cause. He's saving lives, protecting the country, ensuring the security of the motherland or fatherland or the homeland. He's righting wrongs and battling unseen enemies on the frontier.
When you see the tyrant beating down your neighbors door, just wait.
You can follow the law, and stay out of trouble.
But sooner or later, the tyrant will get around to you. | |
|
NERO1
|
Joined: 3/8/2008
Msg: 108 | |
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/23/2008 12:25:41 PM | ^^^^^  Ok then when they start rounding up smokers, and all the smokers in my area (including my own sister) start disappearing, I'll no longer support the bans. | |
|
K-lo
|
Joined: 7/31/2006
Msg: 109 | |
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/23/2008 12:27:59 PM | | ^^^^^I like a guy with good family values. | |
|
NERO1
|
Joined: 3/8/2008
Msg: 110 | |
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/23/2008 12:30:16 PM |  I will even go so far as to be the Oskar Schindler of the endangered smokers if it comes to that... | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/23/2008 1:05:22 PM | I don't smoke. I was a heavy smoker (up to 3 packs a day in 1994) for 35 years, and I decided to quit in 2000.
Cold turkey. Smoked my last cigarette Jan 1, 2000, haven't touched them since. Not tempted at all.
I made the decision not to smoke, and I don't want to inhale others' smoke. I resent the cloud of tobacco smoke that lingers around the doors of non-smoking facilities, and I support any and all public smoking bans.
Having said that, I do agree that some restaurants should be allowed to petition for an exemption to allow smoking, so long as the restaurant prominently advertises the fact that customers will be exposed to tobacco smoke on the premises. Proprieters could charge a "cover fee" to help pay for the "smoking permits" required, which could be as costly as a liquor permit. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 12:02:36 PM | I think that there should be smoking bans everywhere and the New York City mayor would like to see those indoor smoking bans go everywhere.
Many of us whine about second hand smoke and I want good chances myself of living to be 100 years old. | |
|
NERO1
|
Joined: 3/8/2008
Msg: 113 | |
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 12:09:21 PM | | ^^^ I think NYC already has this in place, as does NJ, doesn't it, demo18? | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 1:32:43 PM | Well I say if the local people vote for it, its good to go. If the federal government mandates it, **** them, its not their job. I have really strange twist on this one as I smoked for 2 years from 17-19 and then seeing what a total burn out and incapacitating habit it is I chucked it. Now the problem is, I find a sexy woman smoking fricken irrisistable! So sexy, or so so ugly. Its always bad for men, we need to beable to perform for at least 1.5 hours at maximum cardio output if you seewhat I mean.  | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 2:06:30 PM | Yes, NY signed a statewide smoking ban into law in 2003. California did it in the late 90s.
I have homes in NYC, the Bay area in California and the DC metro area -- all of which ban smoking. DC has a had smoking ban in place since 2006, I think, and many counties in Maryland also prohibit it. Virginia localities are not allowed to ban smoking by the state constitution, but that notwithstanding, close to half the restaurants in Alexandria and Arlington, VA do not allow smoking. That list grows every day.
Fact is that it matters little whether or not localities or states ban smoking, because increasingly the people who frequent restaurants insist on a non-smoking environment. There are few restaurants that will be happy only serving smokers, because they are only a small percentage of the population -- and are dwindling in numbers every day.
Smokers are either dying from cancer or they're quitting smoking. Either way there's fewer of them, and that will continue untileventually it becomes almost impossible to find one.
And that will be a good day! | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 2:39:01 PM | There are so many smokers that wish they never started. I think that cigarettes should be illegal if marijuana is illegal.
I never smoked in my life. Those smoking bans should've been done years ago. Atlantic City law banned smoking in casinos all the way today.
The law goes into effect on October 15 2 and a half years after New Jersey had the indoor smoking ban.
There are many people whining about second hand smoke.
Since the laws can't ban smoking in all private homes there should instead be the effects of second hand smoke on warning labels. It's not fair to children or spouses (if though they made choices).
If second hand smoke is worse than first hand smoke than doctors should advise those who have to be exposed to become smokers as it would cut down health risks.
Have any of you heard of the Americans For Non-Smokers Rights? I have gotten mail from that site.
I expect smoking bans everywhere and would go to singles parties without getting my clothes stunk up. If I had a wife forcing me to inhale cigarette smoke I would smoke cigars.
PA should soon have a statewide smoking ban. People have moved out of Pennsylvania and into other states where they care about the health of non smokers. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 3:50:32 PM | Demo- a short, simple question for you;
Why do you believe grown adults cannot make decisions regarding their own health? | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 5:38:58 PM | Smoking could cost lungs and there are people who give up thier lives in donating thier organs.
People who threaten to kill themselves get put into mental hospitals. Cigarettes are highly addictive drugs that kill people and many of us think that cigarettes should be illegal. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 5:42:15 PM | | Being REAL REPUBLICan I belive that if local towns counties or states take a vote from the citizens then it's legit. But not the federal government. We see how well their war on drugs is going.. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/24/2008 6:59:39 PM | That doesn't answer my question- weither or not we disagree with their choices or find them fatally flawed does not answer why grown adults cannot make decisions regarding their own health.
So, if you please Demo- what is the reason why a grown adult cannot make the decision to act in an unhealthy manner? | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/25/2008 4:33:51 AM | I still think that alcohol should remain legal as long as people don't get drunk while driving. Quitting smoking is harder than quitting drinking.
So many people today smoking cigarettes wish they hadn't started and that's a reason that cigarettes should be illegal.
With the smoking ban in New Jersey it's not 20 feet away from the door at all public places. At the bars it's just outside to smoke.
I figured that the NYC mayor would like smoking bans to go everything and he thinks that all smokers should quit. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/25/2008 5:20:20 AM | >>> Quitting smoking is harder than quitting drinking.
Howso?
I thought your basis for argument is if its harmful to your health, then it should be illegal- correct me if I'm wrong. And Liquor is harmful to your health- and there are millions of people around the world who have no ill effects from smoking but have ruined their lives from drinking. While this is unfortunate, I do believe it is the individual's choice to make- clearly you feel that it is for liquor, but not for smoking- why the distinction?
>>>So many people today smoking cigarettes wish they hadn't started and that's a reason that cigarettes should be illegal.
Are those people the only ones who should be granted the privilege to learn from their mistakes? What about the millions who enjoy smoking cigarettes? Are their beliefs irrelevant?
Once again, addressing the comments above- you feel that irresponsible and unmoderated smoking will lead to people to regret their actions- is this not possible for drinking? Or eating? Or exercise? Take anything to the extreme, and you will suffer because of it- smoking is not alone in this issue, as literally doing anything irresponsibly or without moderation can cause harm. So why is smoking unique in this issue?
And you're still dodging the question- Why cannot a grown adult not make decisions regarding their own health? | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/25/2008 10:05:30 AM |
I still think that alcohol should remain legal as long as people don't get drunk while driving.
Ahh, the double standards some love to play.
Demo, if you're convinced that smokers are unhealthy for non smokers and therefore fully support smoking bans, you should then be just as concerned about drinking. Drinking, or I should say 'second hand drinking' has ruined more lives, destroyed more families and killed more innocent people than second hand smoking ever will.
I don't like smoking either but I love my liberties FAR more than I dislike smoking.
I'd like to see your answer to Jiperly's question. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/25/2008 4:09:56 PM | Many smokers make selfish choices and I think people who enjoy smoking are out of thier minds.
Most of us don't want to get cancer. We'd rather die of old age. If people want to kill themselves because they don't want to live to see old age they should just not eat right. Not eating right doesn't hurt other people and healthcare costs would be down.
I like to have clean air. I would think that the cartoon hero Captain Planet would be anti smoking and would say don't reject indoor smoking bans. | |
|
| smoking bans
Posted: 4/25/2008 6:27:33 PM | >>>Many smokers make selfish choices and I think people who enjoy smoking are out of thier minds.
Thats quite possible- but it doesn't address anything I asked. I never asked you to judge people who smoke, I asked you why an adult cannot judge for themselves. Certainly you believe you are capable of judging for both yourself and others.....what gives you this distinction above your fellow man?
>>>I like to have clean air.
Ah, so you do not drive? And you refuse all forms of electricity?
I find it ironic you condemn people for polluting whist you yourself pollutes, but, nonetheless, I'm am still entirely interested in the answer to my question rather than argue who causes a greater harm.
>>>I would think that the cartoon hero Captain Planet would be anti smoking and would say don't reject indoor smoking bans.
I never understood Captain Planet......I mean, the pig-faced man manages to "steal" millions of drums of oil from Gaia, or locals, or whatever, and then they proceed to dump it into the ocean......huh? I mean, dude, shouldn't you, like, sell it? The characters they portrayed in that show seemed less like businessmen and more like drunken frat boys messing around.
Still, getting off on a tangent- I'm gunna try once more(I've been oddly patient here dude);
---Please Answer the Below---
Why can an adult not decide their own health?
---Please Answer the Above--- | |
|
Home
login 
