Smoking in public places

[rocky2]

But the crux is the anti-smokers don't/won't want to stop there. They won't be happy until every soul on the planet conforms to their thought of "perfect". The smokers (and I'm still one) are like the mass majority who when accused of "racial" issues bow their heads and go quietly along. It’s just another notch in that we’re going to protect you from yourself noose. If they did eradicate smokers, in their perfect world…then what is next for them… fast food, meat products, guns ?! They’re already knocking on those doors because the tobacco industry, McDonalds and others have set the standard for spineless compromise.
Wingnut...it's you're fault...I swore I wasn't going to get political.

 

[bgott]

There is a lot of people that have to have someone to look down on so that they feel good about themselves. It's not politically correct to pick on groups of people because of their color or religion these days so smokers are the latest second class citizens.

 

[bgott]

Along with noisy kids and the parents that can't/ won't restrain them how do you like the people that come in the restaurant and, when asked "smoking or non smoking?", say " Wherever". The dumba$$ wait help then sits them in smoking where they wait until someone lights up and then huffily and loudly demand to be moved away from the smoke. I really enjoy insults along with my 50 to 75 dollar meal. Another thing I really love is going to an expensive restaurant and getting seated behing 6 or 8 ghetto people that have never learned how to act in polite company. There is nothing like having to shout those sweet nothings while getting hit in the head with a balled up potato peel meant for someone else just before paying out the big bucks! I guess I'm getting paid back for the times I've pulled stuff like this...when I was 16.

 

[looch]

I'm a smoker, too. I don't smoke where it isn't permitted. Of course I would like to be able to choose when and where, but I can see how an argument against this freedom could be made.

I'm sure many of you have heard/seen the protests in various urban areas for the right for women to go topless. It isn't a (direct /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif) health hazard for bystanders, yet most of us would agree that it's probably not a good idea. Drinking in public is another one (I'm not talking about being drunk, here). I can down a Coke on a busy city sidewalk, but not even a single can of beer. What about spitting? I mean it is pretty gross to witness someone doing it, but should it really be illegal like it is in most places?

To me it's all about what society will tolerate. I frown at the thought of not being able to choose to do something that is still perfectly legal, but I also think that smoking will be held in a different light - not only by those who downright oppose it, but also by those who partake in the habit.

One thing that bothered me... Two years ago my wife and I took a trip to Hawaii (the big island). We left Montreal and landed in Detroit. From there we flew to Seattle where we transferred again. From there to Honolulu and then finally on to Kona. No smoking on the plane (I can deal) and no smoking in the airport. No designated smoking areas that we could find in the airport - not even in the bars. Compound the physical withdrawal signs with terrible airline service, screaming babies, flight delays and then add a little booze, shake well and I wonder why there are instances of air rage. Anyone have any stats on air rage incidents caused by smokers vs. non?

 

[cowboydoc]

I think what you guys are failing to realize here is that smoking not only affects the person smoking but also affects the guy that inhales the smoke as well. Bratty kids, fatty foods, sex on tv, even someone taking drugs or drinking doesn't affect another person in the slightest healthwise but it most certainly does affect the guy that inhales the smoke from a smoker. I am not one for govt. control at all but just as our govt. should step in to make sure that companies obey clean air regs so does the average citizen have a right to enter a public est. and not have to worry about being exposed to a carcinogen. I know alot of business owners who do want the smoking ban because they can't discriminate against smokers. They need to give them a place to smoke. Even if you are private you still have to obey certain laws.

 

[Scott_in_WVA]

I agree second hand smoke is bad for an individual,my point was that if I owned a business,and if I wished to allow smoking in my establishment it should be my choice,I should be able to post a sign outside warning non smokers that this is a smoker friendly establishment and if you do not like second hand smoke ,you better stay out and go somewhere and do business that has a smoke free enviroment.

 

[Alan L.]

I quit smoking 21 years ago and I don't like being around it, especially in restaurants. So if I find a restaurant too smoky for me, I don't go back. The American way. None of the government's business.

 

[dmccarty]

pbenven,

I think I read somewhere that the reason that spitting in
public is against the law is to prevent the spread of TB. The
laws date back many years when TB was really bad before
antibiotics. Course with the resistent TB spreading we
might need the laws again.....

Maybe one of the Doc's remembers whether this is true or
not....

Later,
Dan

 

[Wingnut]

Personally, people who say "whichever" really annoy me .... if they want non-smoking, they should say so .... management loses enough customers, they will create more non-smoking tables.
No disagreement with obnoxious people ... they all bother me.

I quit smoking 24/25 years ago ... after smoking for 12 years at 2-3 packs a day. I became "somewhat" allergic to smoke afterwards ... but I still believe you should have as many rights as I do. For example, you should be able to blow smoke in my face if you wish ... and I should have the right to give you a right ... right in the mouth.

Seriously ... this is one disagreement that'll never be settled and will be extremely contentious for many more years ... there's overzealous people on both sides who need to settle down .... but ... I have to side more with Richard than with those that still smoke. Y'all can affect our health adversely.

I just handle it the easy way ... will not sit in a smoking section (and will send head office a letter as to why I stopped frequenting the establishment), do not go into bars (you guys gotta be able to smoke some place), will not accept a smoking room, car, etc (and always send the letter regarding why). I just let capitalism take it's course ... and health, too ... my mother finally stopped smoking after her heart attack ...

pete

 

[Mike_Dumond]

Pete/ Richard,

Your argument about second hand smoke is fair. But, when the militants start demanding that smokers stay 500 feet away, I think that pushes the bounds of reality a bit. As an example, a ban on smoking in a public park. Or a ban on the golf course. I'll agree with the 'blowing smoke in the face' aspect. But, you gotta admit, at 500 feet, you aren't going to get any amounts that you can measure. At that range, the car 2000 feet away is gonna do you more harm. And there's alot more cars than smokers.