(The top posts are the most recent.)
Smoking should be banned in all public places. Indoors and out.
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right!
Deedeelite714 says:
Smoking in a public place is rude, inconsiderate, as well as a hazard to the others around you. I think people have the right to do what they want to their own body's but they have no right to push the harmful fumes caused by smoking in to my lungs or other non smokers lungs. I have asthma and I am also alergic to smoke, so being around it causes me to stop breathing. I personally think it would be outlawed to smoke anywhere because of how deadly it is to take up the habit.
Posted January 01, 2010
Noah the Ark Guy says:
Like others, I think that it does not make sense to ban smoking outdoor. Making smoking illegal would just be a repeat of the temperence movement. The secret to beat smoking is to help each other, blogs,large scale webinars, goverment aid, these are the things that will help make smoking a thing of the past. Next time you feel like a smoke, think a bout what your doing to yourself, think about nicotene patches, think about quiting.
Posted January 01, 2010
RainneRae says:
I am most certainly for banning smoking in all public places. I am so glad that smokers in the workplace are required to go outside and there is a special little area where they (smokers) can go and exercise their rights. I believe that smokers have the right to do harm to their own bodies but they don't have the right to cause harm to others with second hand smoke. Don't infringe upon my right to be happy, healthy and well. So I guess my answer is "yes" and "no." Yes you have the right to smoke and 'No' Moneybrain you don't have the right to smoke around non-smokers. .
Posted December 29, 2009
Streetsweeper says:
I don't care if the dumb asses smoke just as long as they don't exhale!
Posted December 25, 2009
polarman says:
it should be banned because even tho they have rights 2 smoke, u have to be mindful of others. if im waiting on the bus, as i usually do, i dont want 2 have to move because i cant take smoke of cigarettes. its actually embarasing 2 move, because most people r either standing in place or sitting down.
Posted December 14, 2009
jb says:
I believe it should be banned! Im not saying all together but just in public. It is rude to sit there and breathe smoke on others; what if they have a medical condition and your puffing away? Keep it at home, in your car, or even outside where you are and away from others!
Posted December 13, 2009
Dan De Trance says:
smoking is just one of those things - like other stuff that divides or many say resonate - its hard to believe that some - that is the many or the few - would agree to polarise society through such discussion that some think is like intervention and others - that is moderates just cant come to tems with
Posted December 12, 2009
katherine Runciman says:
i think smoking should be banned because its killing people.. did you guys know that 7 peple that every minute because of cigarettes smoking? smoking should be illegal because its affecting everybody and most of people are not aware of it..
Posted December 09, 2009
joe says:
yaaaaaaaaaaa
Posted December 07, 2009
Desiree says:
smoking in public restaurants kills peope every day it need to end
Posted December 04, 2009
ella bella says:
yes i agree 1000000000000% stop smoking NOW plz im only 12 and i wanna liva a long and happy life
Posted December 04, 2009
be tron says:
i completly agree. if smoker want their family to have a good health, let give up smoking!
Posted December 03, 2009
Titanium says:
i hope it can be banned>..!
Posted December 03, 2009
princess says:
Yes, I tink smoking should be banned in All public places because it cause higher risk of diseases like lung and other cancers, heart failure, stroke, and second hand smoke is just as bad as smoking the actual thing
Posted December 01, 2009
haaaaay says:
i agree 100%
Posted November 29, 2009
nina* says:
i think smoking should be ILLEGAL! yes illegal
the problem is that most smokers dont want to undersatnd that its dangerous!. they arent just harming themselves, but everyone around them! it not worth it! what good are the packs of cigarrets going to do for you when your in the hospital with a disease from smoking!.. what worse than being dead.. how can smokerrs continue to smoke when they know that they are killing BABIES and little kids from second hand smoking! dont you think thats being a little selfish of them! they are harming everyone including themselves just to feel relaxed for that second! yes i know that makig smoking illegal wontmake the world a perfect place, but you can atleast say we're trying! if you want to keep on saying that making this illegal or that illegal wont make a difference in the world then ur wrong because that shows that were taking a step closer to a healthier world!
Posted November 29, 2009
glen says:
i think they should ban smoking in public places cause little children are on the streets breathing your smoke
Posted November 24, 2009
samy says:
smoking is bad
Posted November 23, 2009
cyberpunkdreams says:
Fortunately more and more countries are banning smoking in public, which is obviously a very good thing. Here in England, smoking is banned in enclosed places of work (which includes, pubs, restaurants, etc), but not yet in the street...
Posted November 22, 2009
mela says:
YES! if we did, we would have a cleaner city and a better environment. I HATE it when people smell like smoke, it pisses me off.
Posted November 17, 2009
coco says:
I think smoking should be banned only indoors. what people what to do without harming others is there own decision. for example, if my friend smokes outside his house.. who is that harming?
Posted November 17, 2009
noah olson says:
we should not alow any smoking in any public places
Posted November 17, 2009
OhMySally says:
I live in a major city and I love that smoking is banned. Love it!
Posted November 17, 2009
stacy_mcdaniel says:
Yes, It should be banned everywhere. I cannot stand to smell it. Proud to say, I've never been a smoker.
Posted November 16, 2009
Charles_R_Williamson_Jr@yahoo.com says:
The Surgeon General's Report of 2006 continues previous research by the Health and Human Services that 2nd hand smoking can not be filtered or "fanned" away. It should be banned. Your RIGHT to smoke ends at my nose.
Charles_R_Williamson_Jr@yahoo.com
Posted November 16, 2009
Jean says:
AGREED! Smokers are so ignorant of how they can affect other people. Especially those who smoke while walking in a crowded area. They can decide to gradually kill themselves as they take that drag but they shouldn't be allowed to contaminate other people's air.
Posted November 15, 2009
Ms.EYEBURGER says:
YESS IT SHOULLD
I AINTT FAIRR FORR MEE-.-
I LOVEYOUUU, GOD BLESS:)
Posted November 15, 2009
paperfacets says:
I am rather proud of my husband who worked for six years to get smoking banned in phone company buildings of Pacific Bell in Ca. That was in the late eighties, early nineties.and he was President of a CWA union local.
Posted November 15, 2009
Cynthia says:
I tihnk that they should ban smoking is ALL public places because it can effect those who dont smoke. People are most likely to DIE from second hand smokking that someone that is a full time smoker. for people who smoke, would you really want to be the cause for someone losing their life?
Posted November 12, 2009
rian says:
hell yea
Posted November 10, 2009
lottielulu x says:
yes i agree it's a disgusting habit aswell.MAKING OUR LIVES SHORTER BY BREATHING IN THEIR SECOND HAND SMOKE!!!!!!!! should definitely be banned all over the country.So should the car oils awell. lottielulu x
Posted November 09, 2009
lottielulu x says:
it should be banned EVERYWHERE making us brethe in their own poisinous tar and that lot. PEOPLE ARE GIVING US SHORTER LIVES FROM PASSIVE SMOKING!!!! lottielulu x
Posted November 09, 2009
Desiree says:
smoking causes many health ailments. i'm tired of walking down the street and have a person who is smoking blow all the cigarettes toxic fume into the air.
Posted November 09, 2009
Shelly says:
Yes indeed! We non-smokers have been passive victims of the stench and harm to our health too long!
Posted November 03, 2009
idk says:
it should not be banned!!!
Posted November 02, 2009
Jess says:
yes it shouldnt be banned in some cities it should be banned all the way arounf
Posted October 29, 2009
ketchup says:
i think d gov should provide the smokers with a space that they can smoke n the can be the secondhand smokers coz of they smoking
Posted October 25, 2009
scimedical says:
Sure - its a filthy habit - so whats the answer:
This is the correct motivation:
Taxation
Making it more difficult for smokers in public places.
Increase the stigma.
All these things worked for me. Any amount of chewing gum didn't.
Posted October 22, 2009
OMG NAO! says:
The way I see it, smoking should be highly banned in every place. Who would even want to smoke? It is just stupid..
Posted October 19, 2009
sack says:
because it is harmful to all around the smoker not just the smoker themself
Posted October 16, 2009
lil_penny says:
definatly agree.
Posted October 15, 2009
tuuguu says:
i agree with it
Posted October 15, 2009
Jaslene says:
I dont think its fair that just because other people make stupid decisions to smoke other people suffer too and sometimes even worst. Smoking is bad!
Posted October 05, 2009
Emily says:
I think it is disgraceful because it can harm everyone around you and even worse kill them
Posted October 03, 2009
ali says:
yes it should be banned because second hand smoking can lead to problems
Posted October 02, 2009
Mary says:
Yes it should be banned it is just disgusting
Posted September 30, 2009
Mark says:
I think they should just stop making them... period... then there wouldn't be any secondhand smoke. what a dumb bunch we are humans, inhaling burning leaves...
Posted September 21, 2009
hello_hello says:
hello
Posted August 31, 2009
MLG PRO yhslaw says:
smoking is bad
Posted August 27, 2009
lollypop says:
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted August 23, 2009
terry says:
i hate the fact that if I dare sit/stay outside for more than a minute, I am always expose to other peoples' smoke, against my will, and I have to move. If I made up a concoction of dangerous chemicals and sprayed them over passsers by, I'd be arrested. Why can smokers effectively do the same thing to anyone near them and that's totally acceptable? It's a disgusting habit, if smokers want to kill themselves, fine, but don't force it ot those that care about their health!!!
Posted August 20, 2009
eliza says:
many people are in danger to the choice that smokers have chosen
Posted August 17, 2009
jcgarner says:
Analogies: Your right to swing your arm, ends at my nose. And I don't swim in your toilet, please don't pee in my pool. :-)
Posted August 04, 2009
revenreborn says:
smoking is a terrible and nasty habbit. if people are too stupid to realise that they are literaly throwing there life away and are too lazy to do anything about it then the law should do it for them whether they like it or not.period.
Posted July 26, 2009
ablisha says:
it should be banned in allpublic places because i hate that stinky smell. and it is harmful for everybody.
Posted July 25, 2009
Home-Interior-Designer says:
Yes, smoking should be banned completely. It will benefit not only the smoker but also their families and wider society.
Posted July 19, 2009
Suzie-Shine says:
Most definitely. The thought of breathing in smelly smoke that has been in someone elses lungs is horrid.
Posted June 23, 2009
danielle haase says:
right on...ban public smoking my lungs are not happy!!
Posted June 16, 2009
person and other people thAt go fast says:
definately. It bothers many people and it affects other people health too.
You are sooo right
Posted June 07, 2009
whyimfat says:
Smoking should be obsolete by now. Here we are in 2009 and people STILL smoke cigarettes? Not cool, doesn't look OR smell sexy. Just wrong. If you smoke. Quit so you can have a better life and live longer with the ones you love. It's time.
Posted June 06, 2009
immortal says:
that's really good I thing you are right
Posted June 05, 2009
sdheeren says:
Drinking, fat people, skinny people, people with different hair color, gay people, straight people ect... Don't affect my health in a negative way "no problems here".
If you want to smoke fine. But dont compromise other peoples health in the process. It's called PUBLIC for a reason
Posted June 02, 2009
XXX-MLM-XXX says:
Agreed, but I would take it a step further, ban tobacco smoking everywhere. lol I use to smoke tobacco, so I know how difficult it is to kick habit, but think about it, lobbyists have been paying off gov. leaders since the beginning of time, and tobacco lobbyists were some of the most powerful.
Nictotine should have been banned decades ago, it adds nothing to the enjoyment of smoking, it was added by tobacco companies for one reason only, to hook smokers, so why is it we still see nicotine in tobacco products?
With advent of new electronic smoking technology, there is now no reason to allow tobacco to be used anywhere. I have been using e-cigarette for over a year and am completely off nicotine, no addiction, but I still can enjoy a few puffs whenever and wherever I want, so I know it satisfies my craving, and with no second hand smoke, no smell, no harmful carcinogens, never mind eliminating cancer, heart disease and emphysema health issues, I cannot think of a more perfect reason to ban tobacco all together.
Sure, people have rights to smoke, I was a smoker, so I know the issues first hand, but just as important, non smokers should not be subject to health concerns of second hand smoke. Even though I smoke electronic e-cigarettes, I hate the smell of burning tobacco more than ever, and I found that to be a surprise I didn't expect. My e-cigarettes taste great, smoke, or should I say, water vapor smokes just like a tobacco cigarette, but none of the negatives of stink, nicotine, health concerns, offending non smokers and all the rest of hassles of smoking.
As to cost, another concern in a deep recession like this, e-cigarettes are not subject to the rip off tobacco taxes, plus cost less overall for similar pack of cigarettes, now I just purchase flavor cartridges as needed, and since I smoke less, I am saving over a thousand a year, so add that up over your extended healthier lifetime and you have a nice retirement next egg if you invest your money saved from switching. It just makes sense to ban tobacco with a clear health safe alternative like the e-cigarette.
Wealth Without Health Is Worthless,
X-Smoker.com
Posted May 31, 2009
dustytoes says:
Outdoors at bars is the only public place it should be allowed. Those of us who don't smoke should be free (in this free country) to go somewhere and not have to breathe second hand smoke.
Posted May 13, 2009
mommal says:
I wish they would stop even making them. I hate to walk outside of my grocery store and have to hold my breath until I get far enough away from the empployees smoking.
Posted April 27, 2009
Emmaaa says:
Smoking SHOULD be banned because anyone who is around smokers has to suffer the consequences.
Posted April 27, 2009
Xx.Izzy.xX says:
smoking is horrible it can really effect somones life if they get cancer or a other smoking related disease.
Posted April 27, 2009
Morgan says:
agreed!!!!!!
Posted April 20, 2009
lucy says:
Wanting to ban smoking in public places isn't about taking away a smoker's rights. You will still have the right to smoke in your own space. The right to slowly and deliberately harm others was never yours to begin with.
Helloo stop puting smoke in my lungs
Posted April 20, 2009
lil bunny fufu says:
smoking is terible 4 the person smoking and the people around that person
Posted April 19, 2009
Wendy18 says:
Yes, you're right Christene! And while we're on the subject, cigarettes should come under the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), as it has been determined to be a drug and not just a habit. Smoking has been proven to be harmful to our health and cigarettes should be removed from the market. I have had 3 family members die due to lung cancer from smoking, and I have a sister that has VOPD/emphysema from smoking. It's a toxic drug and if the gov't cared about its people, it should be banned in our country.
Posted April 10, 2009
Treasures-By-Brenda says:
Simply, put -- smoking should be banned in all public places.
Posted April 07, 2009
Sean says:
ban it all
Posted April 02, 2009
Jenna says:
absolutely. I work in a bar and I cannot stand the way I smell or my breathing problem because customers blow smoke in my face. Also, smoking is just dirty. The ashes on the floor and the smell alone, health issues aside, are just atrocious.
Posted March 22, 2009
mehr says:
Of course it should!
Not to mention the effect it has on our envirorment
Posted March 17, 2009
Elizibeth says:
In my Perfect world it would be. However thankfully it is a least banned in all public establishments and government owned property. Why should I suffer with your smoking. However Nicotine is almost as adictive as heroin so Lets be a bit understanding... If some could quit they would.
Posted March 17, 2009
rutterjamie says:
I agree smoking in public places and around children is disgusting and just plain wrong. as for me as an individual i love my smoke in morn and every hour after that. not really i wish i never started and wish to quit but i wont so to each his own
Posted March 16, 2009
jonas4life says:
if smokers want to smoke and slowly kill yourself with that disgusting smoke, go right ahead, dont say we didnt warn you! just dont smoke around us nonsmokers who have been trying all our lives to stay away from that terrible habit to keep our bodies as healthy as we can.
Posted March 15, 2009
Emily says:
People who smoke are selfish and don't think about anyone but themselves. They waste hundreds of pounds every year on what i call 'death sticks', i mean whats the point in doing something that is almost certain to kill you before your time?! And it's not just the smokers who are harmed, as the people they smoke around are inhaling all those nasty, disgusting toxins and poisons. Especially if this is within a family where there is young children who are inhaling their selfish parents second hand smoke. So i believe that if smoking was banned in all public places that it would rapidly reduce the amount of cigarettes these smokers use each day. Although, this is not accounting for the young children who are suffering within private homes from their parents smoking, so therefore we need to take further action. But for now i believe that it should be banned in all public places, and then afterwards other new laws can be put into action to protect our further generations from these poisonous toxins.
Posted February 28, 2009
Christene says:
Smoking/non-smoking sections are a joke unless they are in completely different rooms with their own ventilation systems. I'm glad I live in a state that doesn't allow them. Wish it was the same everywhere.
Posted February 27, 2009
unanimos says:
smoking can kill you even if you dont smoke, i dont want to die
Posted February 27, 2009
DarknessFalls says:
You have every right to kill yourself as quickly or slowly as you like in your own house, but in public I have the right to choose that I'd prefer you not kill me any faster then I have it coming.
Posted February 22, 2009
LaurieBeth says:
Democracy doesn't mean you can do whatever you want at the expense of others--people who whine that it's a free country need to remember the phrase "your rights end where someone else's begin." The concept that smokers are limited in their choices in dining is completely ridiculous. Really? You can't go the TWO HOURS it takes to have a nice dinner without a cigarette? Not buying it. And to the person who compared it to drunk driving--that's moronic, too. We're talking legality here, not what it is physically possible to do. Yes, it is physically possible to drink and drive, but it is not legal, and it shouldn't be legal to smoke in a public establishment. Same argument to people comparing it to cocaine, heroin, etc.--NOT LEGAL. Also, people used to use the "property owners have rights" argument for segregation, too. "It's his lunch counter; he can kick out whomever he pleases." Frankly, I wouldn't care about polls, either--when segregation and Jim Crow laws were overturned, it was against the public favor. The nice thing about living in a representative democracy is that we don't have to wait around for everyone to come to their senses before we make progress. Time goes by and fortunately, the lawmakers come to their senses before the people do: "Time makes more converts than reason." ~Thomas Paine
Posted February 21, 2009
Michael-john says:
I think they should ban smoking world wide I mean ban it in public places in cars buses taxis etc smokings just evil.
Posted January 30, 2009
Candy says:
I think smoking sholud be ban is public places where children are
Posted January 29, 2009
Lisa says:
ABSOLUTELY AGREE 100%!!!!!!!!! I FEEL THE EXACT SAME WAY! A nasty smoker's crappy choice to smoke that load of bull crap and want that stuff to go into your lungs! SICKENING!!!! Anyway, that is not non-smokers choice to smoke. But News Flash! Smokers are giving it to us by secondhand smoke! I dread when I wake up on some days when I go outside, in a good mood, before I smell that garbage circulating through the air! I want a non-smoke life! If you wanna smoke, smoke in your own stinkin' house before you ruin the lives of the rest of us! THIS TOTALLY NEEDS TO STOP AT ONCE!!!!!!!!!!! And I am a 6th grader and I am not afraid to speak my mind!!!!!
Posted January 28, 2009
klieneine says:
I can't think of any other way that it is legal to walk around killing people. It is absolutely ridiculous that any non-smoker should have to put up with cigarette smoke anywhere in public. If you want to kill yourself do it at home, when no one is around. Besides smokers are so inconsiderate, everywhere you go you look on the ground, and they have thrown another piece of trash. If people where to walk around throwing food containers or other trash on the ground they would be ticketed for littering, but you don't see anyone handing out tickets for throwing cigarette trash on the ground.
Posted January 11, 2009
EditionH says:
yeah..get away you deadly stinkers ! My car exhaust is cleaner than your breath!
Posted January 11, 2009
RoryCornelius says:
Yes! I feel the same way about cooked shellfish!
A shellfish eater's (poor) choice should not affect the health of others. Cooking practically any sort of food releases almost all of the same toxic particulates as a burning cigarette does, only at a much higher rate of CFM. It is known to cause cancer, coronary heart disease, and respiratory problems. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke!
Non shellfish eaters should not be subjected to this disgusting habit! Shellfish is known to be unhealthy to people who eat it. The smoke produced from cooking it is toxic. And, it smells bad. It gets in my hair and my clothes. If someone has been eating shellfish, I can smell it on them and the smell makes me sick to my stomach!
Wanting to ban the cooking of seafood in public places isn't about taking away a anyone's rights. You will still have the right to cook and eat shellfish in your own space. The right to slowly and deliberately harm others was never yours to begin with! Ban all seafood restaurants now! In fact, since SHS is so dangerous, ban the cooking of food in all public places NOW!
Posted January 10, 2009
CoolM says:
I agree. I'm tired of secondhand smoke, and most smokers are so careless about nonsmokers.
Posted January 09, 2009
BobSmithnFoSHOw says:
Just because others are not helping our environment dosn't meen you shouldn't. What if everyone said, "It is ok to poloot and litter because if i just stop it won't help much.
Posted January 08, 2009
master says:
YES
Posted December 18, 2008
Sarah says:
im doing a research on banning smoking in public places. Do you guys know anything that i could get some info on!?
Posted December 11, 2008
Aika says:
I totally agree! There should be a spot for smokers in the restaurant, malls, etc.
Posted December 10, 2008
TopStyleTravel says:
Yes because you cannot control where smoke goes and we all need cleaner air to breath. Many persons have health problems and need consideration.
Posted December 10, 2008
Crystal says:
I completely agree. Smelling cigarette smoke is a migraine trigger for me. I am so glad its now banned in restaurants where i live. Anyone who knows me knows not to smoke near my children. Although we can't protect ourselves from all the harmful things out there, staying away from smoke is a proactive thing i can do for my children. My mom quit smoking because of her job. She works in a cancer surgery center & seeing the horrible things smoking was doing to people made her quit. We should not be intentionally exposed to a concentrated dose of poison. Keep the cigarettes at home.
Posted December 04, 2008
A says:
i agree since it only pollutes our surroundings.
Posted December 01, 2008
Lexi says:
Yes it certainly should. A smoker's right to inhale is ok with me, but smokers are not entitled to exhale toxins into the air I am breathing. That is simply forcing me to smoke too, regardless of what I need to choose for my own health.
That is the issue here, and citing other pollutions does not in any way excuse smoking in public. Recall our mothers saying, "Two wrongs does not make a right!" Claiming it does is simply rationalizing inappropriate behavior.
Posted November 28, 2008
Wildman says:
Smoking should just be banned. Period. It might be your right to kill yourself, but please do it in a clean quick way rather than in a way that means my tax payer dollars end up paying for it through the medical system (I live in Australia BTW which has a publically funded medical system that is not bad). The los of tax revenue in the short term will easily be recovered in the long term with healthier happier taxpayers. It stinks, is inconsiderate and there is absolutely no benefit to anyone from cigarettes. Smokers should be discriminated against in every possible way because you are obviously too stupid to look after yourself so the system is going to have to do it for you.
Posted November 25, 2008
Norma_Budden says:
I definitely agree. When I come into close contact with tobacco smoke, I suffer asthmatic reactions. It's the only only thing that takes my breath away, literally, and not in a good sense. It's definitely not a comfortable feeling to experience.
I've never been diagnosed with Asthma, nor do I carry an inhaler. However, even if I didn't suffer any type of reaction, it's still a disgusting habit to have others subject me to and it's not right. I've made a choice not to smoke so why should I have to be around others who've made a different decision?
Posted November 24, 2008
Christene says:
AvenueGirl...you will find the electronic cigarette further down on this lens.
Posted November 23, 2008
NayNay says:
When someone smokes, tiny invisible particles mix with the surrounding air. These particles are breathed in by anyone near the smoker and get right down into their lungs. We know now that this can be harmful to health, especially in children.
It is very annoying to be surrounded by the smoke smell. It has been noted that passive smoking is much more dangerous than active smoking, because in the former case, you inhale the smoke emitted out by a smoker. Designated areas, allotted for the smoker to go and smoke, in a public place would be advantageous for both the smoker as well as the non smoker. While a smoker can freely smoke at the smoking zone, the non smoker will be able to relax, without worrying about the stench, smoke or harmful side effects.
people why should we risk our lives, we have to put a stop to this AND SOON
thanxx
Posted November 21, 2008
mooo says:
yessss!!!!!!!!!!
Posted November 20, 2008
sam says:
yes!!!!!!! besides people smoking kills you it should be banned wake up people!!!!!! if you smoke there is more of a chance of you being a hobo and recycling bottles in order to smoke!!!!! im not even dumb and i am 14years old!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted November 18, 2008
Crystal B says:
i agree!
Posted November 17, 2008
Yer Lee says:
it's bad for you.
Posted November 10, 2008
dlcummings says:
YES! When I was leaving the hospital with my newborn there was a person smoking out side! I hated it!
Posted November 09, 2008
chris smith says:
The rule "smoking is banned in all public places" should be created because it is inconsiderate, secondhand smoke causes cancer, and restricted use of tobacco products would reduce the number of addicted people.
If you are smoking near someone, it is inconsiderate to subject them to secondhand smoke. Smoking
is a personal choice, but when you light up in public, you are infringing on others around you and their choice
not to smoke. If you are near someone that is smoking, you are practically smoking yourself and actually it is
more dangerous for you because you are breathing unfiltered smoke. If a child's parents smoke, the child
goes to school with their clothes and hair smelling like smoke. When I see or smell someone smoking, it gives
me mixed emotions. On one hand I feel sorry that they have the addiction, but on the other hand it irritates me
that they choose to smoke. So, if you are going to smoke and ruin someone's lungs, it should only be your own.
If someone near you smokes, you are getting secondhand smoke which has been proven to cause cancer.
When we go into a restaurant, the smoke from the smoking section carries over no matter where we sit even though
we ask for a table the furthest from the smoking section. It has also been proven that when pregnant women smoke,
it makes their babies more prone to cancer and addiction. If you took an x-ray of a young child's lungs whose parents smoke
around them, you would see nicotine in their lungs even though they have never smoked. Second hand smoke contains over 6,000 compounds, more than 60 of these are known to cause cancer.
Restricted use of tobacco products would help reduce the number of addicted people. For example, the number of
deaths due to lung cancer might be reduced. Most people start smoking when they are teenagers to be cool. By the time they
are finished being cool, they are already addicted. Presently, smoking laws are becoming stricter, which has also helped to
reduce the amount of teenage smokers. But nowadays, cigarrettes are getting to be so expensive it is getting harder for teenagers
to afford to smoke. Tobacco will never go away simply because it's all about money and there is big money in growing and
selling tobacco, especially selling to young people.
Posted November 04, 2008
Sophia says:
It is wrong that non smoker chose not to smoke because of health issues but they are still affected by it with second hand smoke. In fact, it was proven that second hand smoke has a greater harm to their health verus someone that is smoking! Non smoker should have the right to clean air. Especially children under 5 are affected greatly by second hand smoke. For the child to inhale the smoke it has a long term affect on the child phyiscally and cognitive development!
Posted November 01, 2008
Joyce says:
I agree, I hate it when I pass by a smoker and my kids have to take that second hand smoke. But a few months ago, I was that smoker... So I switched to fifty-one electronic cigarette (www.smoke51.com). It only gives me the nicotine that I need, without the harm of smoke and tobacco.
Posted October 29, 2008
peterpaan says:
Yes. I have smoked for a about 4 years, stopped smoking about 3 jears ago. Everyone should decide by himself if he wants to smoke, but every nonsmoker should be save from smoke in puplic places.
Posted October 18, 2008
ashleymia says:
Yes, your right. Smoking spoils the health of that particular person and the people in his circumstances.
Posted October 01, 2008
susannaduffy says:
Of course it should be banned in all public places. Why should any of us be force-fed drugs against our will?
Posted September 28, 2008
Joe Doughnut says:
Thank you for Not Smoking. Cigarette smoke is the residue of your pleasure. It contaminates the air, pollutes my hair and clothes, not to mention my lungs. This takes place without my consent. I have a pleasure, also. I like a beer now and then. The residue of my pleasure is urine. Would you be annoyed if I stood on a chair and pissed on your head and your clothes without your consent? ~Sign from Ken's Magic Shop
Posted September 25, 2008
A_RovingReporter says:
Of course it should be banned. The smoke that smokers exhaled gives rise to passive smoking by people around them including their loved ones. And passive smoking is known to cause cancer. The smoke will also aggravate or cause health problems such as asthma. To me, smoking in public places is akin to terrorism, causing deaths, albeit in a slow manner, to innocent ones.
Posted September 20, 2008
Teff says:
I believe that if you want to pick up that disgusting habit, you should take it outside. And when they have written on the door "No smoking within 15 feet of the door" - I think you should do it. Did it ever occur to people that smoke that people physically get sick from even just second hand smoke? Because I do. I've been exposed my entire life to smoking, but for the past four years I've been almost entirely free of second hand smoking so when I do get exposed, I get very sick. Headaches, stomach ache, nausea. Plus I'm a mother and I don't think it's fair for smokers to be able to expose small children to that sort of thing. Sure, we're not anymore special than those who do smoke, but we're also not killing everyone around us.
Posted September 09, 2008
ELuna says:
I would love it if smoking in PUBLIC areas was banned. I hate breathing in smoke and seeing cigarette butts every where.
But if people want to slowly kill themselves and their family they live with, have at it. You can't stop stupidity.
Posted September 08, 2008
suffocated says:
Absolutely right! i am allergic to smoke-especially cigeratte smoke-i don't think i should have to suffer to allow others to suffer. Because they are suffering weather they know it or not. and i don't want to be some cancer patient because of someone elses second hand smoke. it is not fair to me to be nauseated, dizzy, have trouble breatheing, have my vision go black, and fall over everytime im around too much smoke-cuz thats what happens. smoking has way more health defects than most people realize.
Posted September 04, 2008
pookey says:
yea
Posted September 03, 2008
dreammoney says:
Fine - smoke your cigarettes all you want - but don't condemn innocent bystanders to a life tied to oxygen or chemotherapy and radiation because of lung cancer. If you want to shorten your life span and die a miserable death, so be it. But that person sitting beside you in a restaurant, bar, theater, or any other public place should not be subjected to your selfishness. Freedom to do as you please should never take away the freedom of others and if you believe your freedom is more important than others then your are a very selfish individual. I am just as adamant about people who drink and drive. They have no right to put others in jeopardy because they have no regard for their personal health.
Posted August 30, 2008
dreammoney says:
Fine - if you want to shorten your life span then go ahead and smoke your self to death - BUT don't do it where someone else has to suffer the same horrible death because you don't care about anyone but yourself. If you want to end up tied to an oxygen tank, unable to go and do anything without assistance or even worse die an unimaginable death from lung cancer - geesh have fun but don't take others with you. I feel the same about people that drink and drive, drink til you drop but don't get behind the wheel of a car - the only brain damage you can cause then is to your own alcohol soaked brain which by the way causes your nervous system to short circuit. Freedom to do as you please is not intended to be at the cost of someone elses freedom to live healthy.
Posted August 30, 2008
Rhi says:
Smoking should be banned in most public places because I know people with asma
Posted August 29, 2008
les says:
I quit smoking about 5 years ago. I cannot believe how much it bugs me now! Unfortunately the neighbors who I live next to, in my apartment, both smoke. Which makes me believe there should be a law that smokers should have their own complexes. I would be so much happier to be able to have my windows open to let in the fresh air. Its a good thing about not letting them smoke inside their apartments and in the car with young children. Hope some day soon there will be a law for that too.
Posted August 28, 2008
says:
The right to breathe smoke-free air needs protection to offset smokers' maniacal insistence that their rights are more important. In a perfect world, ban wouldn't be needed. Smokers would respect the rights of non-smokers. The world is far from perfect, however. I'm thankful for any smoking ban.
Posted August 27, 2008
ThomasC says:
I am against smoking period! I should not have to "put up" with a smokers smoke. I think they stink, and get in an instant bad mood from the smell. I married a smoker and have to live with them every day. Makes it hard sometimes.
Posted August 25, 2008
why hello there ?? says:
yes smoking should defiantly be banned i have asthma and for a smoker to blow toxic air in-front of me is discussing an its not only that it also causes cancer and they dont see this but it doesn't only harm them it harms other as-swell so yes of-course they should ban smoking
Posted August 22, 2008
annetteghallowell says:
I am allergic to smoke and while I can tolerate it out of doors, I have problems inside where it stay in furniture, on walls and in curtains. I resent walking through 15 smokers outside of buildings in order to get inside. I would prefer that smokers have an area they can smoke in that does not affect the non smokers.
Posted August 04, 2008
PositiveChristian says:
Whilst I do have some sympathy for people who smoke, as a non-smoker I would be quite happy to see it banned in all public places.
Posted August 02, 2008
Mac says:
Ban it. It's not that I'm against the right to smoke, it's that I'm in favor of consistency. If one person is allowed to blow toxic chemicals in my face, then I should be allowed to spray other toxic chemicals in theirs, without consequence. If I can't do that, then you can't smoke. Fair is fair.
Posted August 02, 2008
Springbok says:
I gave up smoking last year on the 29/07/07 and a year on I could still smoke a cigarette. It has helped me a lot not being able to smoke in public places. So as a person who previously smoked I want smoking banned everywhere. I don't want to smell anyone else's old smoke - it's disgusting and unhealthy
Posted July 31, 2008
jdr says:
Absolutely YES! I agree 100%. How would smokers like it if I went around with a spray can of some toxic poison and sprayed it in their faces? They are doing the equivalent by smoking in public!
Posted July 31, 2008
SaveMarriage says:
Yes, I live in Washington where it's banned in all restaurants, bars, stores, any public place. Smokers need to be at least 25 feet away from all doorways. It's nice because my friends and I used to seek out smoke-free environments only, so now our options are endless.
Posted July 24, 2008
ShireenJ says:
In Ontario, Canada, it's de facto, and now they're going to ban smoking in cars when there are children in the car. I think other provinces have done that already. I have to say it's a relief (olfactorally and physically) to be able to enjoy an ice cream sundae or a coffee or a sumptuous meal without having a side order of smoke. And I find it difficult to tolerate second-hand smoke when travelling in smoking-allowed-everywhere countries.
Posted July 19, 2008
DLindberg says:
absolutely... 100% correct!!!! This has been a life long wish of mine. We are getting there. At least most smokers feel odd about smoking. They forget the countless years that non smokers had absolutely NO SAY in the matter and had to live with it! Now it's their turn. Pennsylvania will soon have a statewide ban on most places, even restaurant/bars if they get more than 20% of their revenue from food... NO SMOKING. Most poeple are finally realizing that they will not lose money by banning smoking. People will still come to eat.
Posted July 15, 2008
MsMorrison says:
sorry to all smokers! but i agree with this lens that smoking must be banned. we should all be aware that smoking in public is not a good thing.
Posted July 15, 2008
CindyJaneStone says:
Smoking's bad for you, and the environment, and everyone around you. Just ban it already.
Posted July 14, 2008
CindyJaneStone says:
I Agree, it should have been banned in all public places already, inside and out. I am a smoker myself, but have my specific places I will smoke and others not at all. For me public places are off limits, even if it's outside.
There are all people around, and kids. The moment you can smell the smoke, it affects you. So yeah, ban it!
Posted July 14, 2008
Nyx says:
Anyone who thinks they should be allowed to enter a public establishment with a container (cigarette) and release hazardous substances (ammonia, nicotine) for the sole reason that it makes them feel better, needs a wake-up call. I'm pretty sure if I walked into a restaurant carrying a spray bottle and randomly sprayed battery acid in the air for no reason other than it makes me feel better, I'd probably be escorted out by security, banned from the store, and slapped with a fine or jail time. I see no reason why walking in with a cigarette continuously releasing toxic chemicals into the air should be treated any different.
Posted July 11, 2008
belasboutique03 says:
I live in New York and smoking is banned just about everywhere!! I love it. I hate it when I am traveling and go in some place to eat and they ask me "smoking or non?" Well does it really matter? Not like you can contain the smoke, if someone is smoking in the room then it is all over!!
In NY you cant smoke in the malls, any place that serves food, even BARS and CLUBS you cant smoke in! It is soooo nice not to have to come out of some place and smell like smoke or to eat without someone smoking in the booth next to me!!
Posted July 05, 2008
Gen27 says:
It should be banned big time! The smoke from cigars affect the health of those around them. Smokers should keep their smokes to themselves cuz if they die, they die alone.
Second hand smoke is more hazardous compared to the ones smoking the cigars. all smokers stop! and besides, fresh air smells better!
Posted July 01, 2008
STOPSMOKING says:
Smoking should be banned as they are affecting other people`s precious life.. i am sure people want to live a healthy life.i am doing a debate on this and i am the proposition team...hope to look for resourceful infomation...
Posted June 28, 2008
shaquanda says:
this would be an amazing bill to pass because the way our economy is now, we should really think of all the effects smoking has on people.
Posted June 24, 2008
Samwise says:
If you want to smoke, smoke inside your car,
with the windows up!!! Booya!
Posted June 21, 2008
thrivingmom says:
It should totally be banned. Smokers, while they have the right to smoke in the privacy of their own home, do NOT have the right to damage my health or the health of my children. I have never even tried a cigarette in my entire life and do not appreciate being forced to breathe in their second hand smoke.
Posted June 19, 2008
beachbum_gabby says:
yes. I think there's an exclusive smoking place/bars for them. :)
Posted June 18, 2008
joe says:
yes
Posted June 12, 2008
kriddle says:
well i dont because i dont smoke it is drity i think we should stop smoken in public places littel kids are doing stop it plz
Posted June 09, 2008
kettlebellnathan says:
You are totally correct! I hate walking down the street inhaling the smoke from people in front of me! Why should I be subjected to their self inflicted pollution!
Posted June 05, 2008
Nikane says:
I think it should be banned in all public places but we should not
treat smokers like junkies! They are human beings, although hooked on nicotine, and should be given the right to smoke if they want to, in places other than public and no near non smokers and especially children.
Posted June 05, 2008
gilesvineu says:
So right. If it didn't affect other people it would be OK. But as it most certainly does affect other people...
Posted June 03, 2008
john walker says:
The sooner the better!!
Posted May 31, 2008
says:
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! One, a complete ban would motivate smokers to quit. Most importantly, smoking contributes to so many more health issues than lung cancer. My husband's mother lived years with emphysema and r.l.d. for years. (This was after she beat ovarian cancer!) Also, there is sooooo much wasted money going on to research the effects of smoking. If every one quit, the money could be going to better things than researching a topic that we know is horrible. I'll step off my squidoo soap box now.
Posted May 30, 2008
Beckstarz says:
DA!!! smoking is just plain bad and affecting others' health too....somking should seriously be banned
Posted May 30, 2008
cara says:
smoking is just wrong and kids dont need to be exposed to this horrible habit.
Posted May 28, 2008
Heather says:
I think that smoking is bad only because of the risk you have when you smoke of not only killing yourself at a slow pace but killing the people around you, whether it be loved ones or just the average joe on the street corner. I have seen what smoking does to others, not the killing but the money spent to buy them and the fights that come from spending that much money on them.
Posted May 28, 2008
RyanRE says:
Smoking is just plain nasty. It basically is banned everywhere in Washington State.
Posted May 27, 2008
AbbasAbedi says:
Absolutely. Smoking has too much collateral damage on our loved ones. Facing the evidence, smokers have to respects others right to live a healthy life.
Stop Smoking Hypnosis
Posted May 27, 2008
dlcummings says:
I agree compleatly! My husband smokes, but not around me, or in the house or in the car, even when I'm not in there. So I give him props for that. But he is going to try to quit smoking when I have my third baby due in July! Smokers Should only smoke in special places, like NOT in front of the intrance door to all stores!
Posted May 25, 2008
mynameismin says:
People are forgetting that this is not a TOTAL BAN on smoking. Smokers still have the right to smoke (and to slowly kill themselves while they're at it). HOWEVER, they should freely exercise this right in areas where they do not cause serious harm to others.
Posted May 25, 2008
BARBIE GIRL says:
because hundred thousand people died because of smoking that why
Posted May 24, 2008
Zach says:
Second hand smoke can cause cancer even though the person that may get the cancer was not smoking. Smoking is BAD for you. Smoking KILLS many people every year. Smoking can ruin things and make them smell bad. Smokers can cause a fire with thier cigarette. STOP SMOKING FOR EVERYONES HEALTH INCLUDING YOURS!!!!
Posted May 22, 2008
MomKelda says:
Yes, smoking should be banned in public places. There are known health concerns, and it also affects the taste of the food.
Posted May 20, 2008
brookemedlin says:
Is this really even a debate? People who drink and drive are punished and there's only a CHANCE they'll hurt someone else while driving under the influence. Second-hand smoke is KNOWN to cause those exposed to it irreparable damage.
Posted May 19, 2008
scorpionmagnet says:
I agree because it is very unfair for non-smokers. There should be places where smokers are allowed to smoke. In this way, all of the smokers will be sniffing the bad smell among themselves only.I strongly promote clean air act.
Posted May 19, 2008
kmcvay says:
Smokers' rights end where mine begin. If they want to kill themselves through smoking, I don't have a problem with it unless they want to take me down with them.
Posted May 18, 2008
pyle_mountain says:
Smoking should be banned everywhere except your own private property. What's funny to me is when you see a smoker arguing for smoking rights and against gun rights! That's totally amusing!
Posted May 17, 2008
GrowWear says:
Having smoked before, I know both sides. Smoking is a personal choice that we all have the right to make or not make. But, if your choice is making another being breathe in unwanted smoke, it is rude, thoughtless, careless, or all three.
Posted May 15, 2008
Darwin says:
aside from any rules and regulations, smoking is pathetic. now, sharing its harm to innocent people? that's below scum level.
Posted May 15, 2008
SuchGreatTimes says:
Its riddiculous how SELFISH smokers can be. I only have smypathy for those who WANT to seriously give up!
Posted May 15, 2008
Junebug :) says:
HECK YES!!!!! My grandma smokes and it is disgusting... All you smell is nasty air,and then you start to choke because it is filling your lungs with nasty junk... I think it should definatly be banned!!!
Posted May 14, 2008
says:
They have banned smoking in all public places and places of employment in the UK. This includes railway stations and company cars/vans/trucks and bars and pubs. The only trouble now is that you can't MOVE outdoors for the blue fug. I agree smoking should be banned. Double/treble/quadruple the taxes and duties on cigarettes to pay for smokers healthcare and to clear up the mess they leave behind.
Posted May 14, 2008
cory says:
yes it should cause my mom and dad smokes and like the smkoe just goes ringht in my lungs and its sick
Posted May 12, 2008
Nicole says:
We shouldn't suffer becuz of the poor choices of a certain group. I want to live a full and healthy life, not let it be shortened by smoke of smokers.
Posted May 12, 2008
chantelg4 says:
Yes, smoking in public should be banned, so should everything else that kills including drinking in restaurants (my brother was killed because of a drunk driver)
Posted May 10, 2008
vlzwealth says:
I live in Puerto Rico. Here it is banned!! You can't smoke at public places and if you do you get a BIG fine. :)
Posted May 09, 2008
suvrat says:
smoking should be banned on this planet
Posted May 08, 2008
craigbic says:
Absolutely! Smokers complain that they are unfair targets of taxes, public ire etc... due to their unfortunate habit but that unfortunate habit is not only killing them, it could be killing me as well as I sit next to them breathing in their smoke.
Posted May 08, 2008
WrinkleCreamSpecialist says:
It is more or less happening right now, isn´t it? I guess it is a good thing.
Posted May 08, 2008
RawBill says:
Yes, you are right, smoking should be banned from all public places. So should fuel burning cars, trucks and buses etc as they polute the air that we breathe much more than cigarettes do!!!!
Posted May 08, 2008
JCN says:
You can't take away a right you never had to begin with. I don't have the right to come over to your table while you are eating and spit in your face do I? Certainly not. Why? because it is a form of assault. Just like your smoke that invades the privacy of my dinner table. Why do you think it is any different? If I came over to you and spit in your face, how does that harm you? It doesn't. It would just be plain rude and inconsiderate. So, I won't you to tell me why you can smoke around me in a restaurant and think that there is absolutely no problem but yet I can't come over to your table plant a wet one right between your eyes? Is it so hard to refrain from smoking while you eat?
Posted May 07, 2008
Tara says:
YES! Smoking should be banned in ALL public places, from second habd smoke or passive smoking i now have lung cancer.
:-(
Posted May 07, 2008
squidoowoo says:
It would be great if there was no smoking in any public place.
Posted May 06, 2008
squidoolensmaster says:
Smoking, an extremely difficult habit from which a nicotine addict/smoker can't break away, has affected the quality of life and health both smokers and non-smokers alike. It is a well-documented fact that smoking affects the health of every person in the vicinity of the toxic cigarette fumes.
Each day, many people (some of whom are underaged children) will try smoking forthe first time in their lives. Once a newbie smoker eventually becomes highly addictive to nicotine, he or she may chain smoke for years and may develop cancer and/or may be stricked by emphysema (the breakdown of lung tissue). After many years of heavy smoking, a smoker's internal organs may later be greatly deteriorated and become damaged beyond repair. Concerned about smoking in all public places, I am taken aback by the many stubborness of smokers who refuse to stop smoking at the request of a non-smoker. What a sad world in which we live. Isn't it obvious that smoking is bad for one's health?
Smoking must be banned in ALL public places. Once a nationwide smoking ban has been passed, the local, state and Federal authorities must duly enforce the the ban smoking in ALL public places. It is imperative that we greatly reduce the occurences of smoking in public places, as well as reducing non-smokers to passive (secondhand) smoke.
Passive smoking is one of the many reasons to ban smoking in restaurants. To ban smoking in all public places, comminity leaders should recruit, train
and motivate anti-smoking advocates to rally behind the smoking ban.
It makes sense to ban smoking in public areas. Yes, a public smoking ban should be placed on the ballots during the General eleections. Every voter should be given the chance to voice his or her opinion regarding smoking ban. If we don't challenge the multi-billion-dollar tobacco industry (Big Tobacco), more and more cigarettes will have been sold, resulting in toxicity of non-smokers, especially developing children.
In conclusion, it is imperative that there must be smoking ban in restaurants. Moreover, there must be smoking ban in all other public places. Nicotine is a highly-addicted substance that is detrimental to one's health.
Any rational non-smoker can criticise a smoker without disrespecting the repeat offender as a person. In fact, there should be a sign, in all public places, which reads: "Your smoking is injurious to my health. Please do not smoke."
Posted May 06, 2008
santana says:
yeah we should ban smoking in public places
Posted May 06, 2008
Angie says:
It is about time!
Posted May 05, 2008
says:
I think smoking should be banned in public places for one simple reason:
BUTTS.
Posted May 05, 2008
Jessica says:
ban smoking please.. im sick of getting it blown in my face by a bunch of people who don't care about anyone while they puff that cancer stick...
Posted May 03, 2008
lorenaa says:
smoking should be banned ...smoking is horrible
Posted May 03, 2008
Tyler says:
Yes its bad for the air
Posted May 02, 2008
Christene says:
Yes, there are places other than bars that smoke is a problem. Just about everywhere! Even places that are made for children and families like, say, Disney World. You walk around outside, and have to wait in lines and there are smokers. Standing behind one for half an hour certainly won't give me cancer or heart disease...but it literally makes me, and many others, feel sick.
Posted May 01, 2008
ROGERZOWN says:
RIGHT ON!! We have enough bad air without adding to it by people who want to distroy themselves!!
Posted April 29, 2008
ivanpw says:
Hear ye, hear ye! Smoking sucks and slowly kill the person next to you faster than you who smokes.
That's unfair! You should keep the smoke to yourself!
Howzat for human rights?
Posted April 29, 2008
anonymous says:
omg omg omg omg omg
smoking sould be banned.
its gross and its not to
hot to see someone with
one and it turns the color
of your teeth..thats a true
turn off.
Posted April 29, 2008
anonymous says:
Yes; of course if people were smoking in a restraunt I could get it in me & might get cancer!!!
Posted April 29, 2008
chris chanpion says:
smoking is bad and it should not be alound in public places & they should stop selling them to people that do smoke they should stop makeing them
Posted April 25, 2008
Sharon says:
What about us non-smokers. Do we not have rights also?
Posted April 24, 2008
Sarah says:
Christene you are right. It's not fair that we have to pay a price for their irresponsible behavior. Stephen_Smith are you for it or against it? Sounds like you're against it. What does all that have to do with smoke? This ban isn't on correcting smokers in any way but to keep them cigarettes out of sight for non-smokers and innocent children. Just the other day I saw a little girl probably about 6 years old and she was holding a straw in her mouth pretending it was a cig.
Posted April 24, 2008
Christene says:
I don't know where you live Chris_Fahey, but in my State (MA) smoking has been banned in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars since 2004. I'd love for more locations to adapt the same ban. AND to include areas outdoors where the public has no choice but to walk by such as entrances to buildings.
Posted April 24, 2008
Stephen_Smith says:
Attagirl. Next we can go after the obese people. They are unattractive and their health problems cost us taxpayers money too. Let's force them to go to bootcamp and get on a diet.
Who's next? How about that bald guy? He needs hair implants.
That girl's breasts aren't the proper size, we'll have to fix them too. Oh, and everyone will need to have their annual dental inspection and carry the certificate with them. And the trans-fats, those have to go too.
Who else, oh yeah, short people need to be injected with HGH to reach the proper height. Tall people should have a little cut out of their leg-bones.
Sheesh, people. Get a life. Google "Harrison Bergeron". Read that story. And read this info: http://tinyurl.com/4sdz7a
Posted April 24, 2008
Mother nature says:
I have the right to take a crap. But does that mean I should crap on where you walk? No. So you don't have the right to smoke where I breathe. And don't even say "just go somewhere else" because every where I go someone is smoking! What am I going to do stay home for the rest of my life? I literally inhale at least one puff of smoke everyday because of inconsiderate smokers. So yes, I think smoking should be banned in all public places but you could still smoke PRIVATELY. So there.
Posted April 23, 2008
shan! says:
Smoking isn't good for anyone at all. So why do it? It's hurting the smoker and the people around. If you want to die, just go shoot yourself. Not let others suffer.
Posted April 23, 2008
Tired of smoke says:
Saying that you have the right to smoke is almost like saying that you have the right to kill. I mean, that's basically what it does. IT KILLS!!
Posted April 23, 2008
nycole :) says:
i say that we ban smoking everywhere, this way everyone does not ahve to be exposed to the harsh chemicals o smoking. think even when you are just out side oyur house smoking you are putting even more people at risk then just yourselff.
people that are not allowed to smoke in public areas will be less likely to smoke atta ll. just because you want to kill yourself with smoking does not give you the right to indanger otherss
Posted April 23, 2008
trippteddy says:
I agree smoking is a habit that is very detremintal to your health. When you do it around other people you harm both them and yourself. I believe that if you want to smoke do it on your own time in your own space.
Posted April 23, 2008
teenager says:
why do you want you young kid around a place where some inconcicerate person wants to smoke now your hepless kid gets sick and they dont think its their fault! many smokers think that by not letting them smoke we are restricting their rights as americans but they are just restricting our right to be healthy and not die of second hand smoke so boo-hoo for those who smoke its not my fault that you dont care about your health! and dont give me any "i know it is bad for me but i just cant stop: it makes me look cool" crap because there are many new products to help you not to smoke and you just look like an idiot smoking any way!!!!!
Posted April 22, 2008
Biker says:
Yes, Ban this stench
Posted April 22, 2008
K dizzle says:
the pursuit of happiness states you have the right to find happiness in your own way as long as you dont step on the rights of others, and by smoking in public you are stepping on the rights of non-smokers.
Posted April 20, 2008
Joe007 says:
yes it needs to banned cause it a man made product and it kills. people that smoke don;t even care about if they live or die and jesus wants them to live a wonderful life but they can't see that.
cause there blind with sin in their eyes.
Posted April 20, 2008
Joe007 says:
It's Real Simple Just stop Growing tabbaco It Solves the Problem for everyone living on this Earth.
Posted April 20, 2008
Christene says:
Non-smokers do not get the choice to avoid clouds of smoke as they enter and exit the pharmacy, or grocery store, or mall, or office building or anywhere that they have to go.
Posted April 18, 2008
lola says:
i do agree
Posted April 17, 2008
CCCL says:
you are completely justified. i shirk at the fact that my lifespan is shortened by some selfish idiots. smoking is stupid and all it does is piss people off because it smells so aweful.
Posted April 17, 2008
tap says:
I agree
Posted April 17, 2008
acopson says:
I totally agree, even as a social smoker who only smokes at the weekend when i am out, it is my choice to smoke and others should not pay for my decision.
Posted April 16, 2008
Smokefree says:
Ban smoking in public places. We are sick of smelling it and suffering the harmful effects of the smoke. It stinks, too. They smoke everywhere, in front of every store and restaurant and on all the street corners and at bus stops and they hang their cigarettes out their car windows and it all blows into our car. We are sick to death of having to run away from smoke all the time. And they cause fires by throwing their cigarettes out their car windows and many hotel, motel, apartment and house fires are caused by cigarettes. Why should we have to breathe their smelly smoke. It has been banned in many public places but then they smoke just outside the place and it all blows in anyway or they take a big puff before entering the restaurant and then blow it out inside. Same with stores and buses, etc. They come right up in your face and make a big exaggerated thing out of smoking in your face--real mature. Leave us alone and let us breathe air and not your stinking smoke.
Posted April 15, 2008
nemo says:
your killing yourself everytime you inhale a smoke
Posted April 15, 2008
Bonnie_b says:
Yes they say smoking is bad for you but ask yourself do you get a flu shot? If you do you are getting injected with the same things that smoking has in it. Iam a nurse and know this is not what doctors want you to know.
Posted April 15, 2008
Ashley says:
Smokers have a hard time quiting, but it would had have been better to never start. Smoking causes pollution, health problems, and many other things. It should be banned from public places for the safety of others.
Posted April 14, 2008
AMK says:
Totaly agree. Yes smokers do have rights, But so do non smokers. I say go kill yourself elsewhere. Leave me out of it. My parents smoked and I was the one who had to clean the stains in our house. Today I will not even let smokers smoke on my driveway. Happily its already ilegal in my country.
Posted April 14, 2008
Aniruddha says:
i definitely agree with you when you say that smoking should be banned from public places...i still do feel that more than that, it is the smoker himself who has to make sure that he is not smoking in an area where he is harming others..Public places are one aspect, but what about home? thats his private space, but dos he bother about that..!! his children, wife, parents...who is gonna save them..we can't ban him from smoking there, can we? It is for himself to do that. BTW, i am a nicotine addict for more than a decade now.
Posted April 13, 2008
woodpewee says:
Yes, Yes, Yes, ban smoking in ALL public places. I hate the smell it makes me sick.
Posted April 12, 2008
Frankster says:
Smoking is a nasty, filthy, revolting habit. And yes, kissing a smoker is like licking an ashtray. I smoked so I know the addiction. But I also know that 2nd hand smoke DOES cause cancer. I don't like the government in my life anymore than anyone else. However, many people will smoke anywhere regardless of whe's around them -- a pregnant woman, an asmatic or a baby -- they just frigging don't care about anything but themselves. That is why there has to be laws.
Do laws work? Heck yeah. That's why I can now go to a restaurant, movie or shopping and actually enjoy myself. I get sick to my stomach from 2nd hand smoke now and I have an alergy attack if I'm too inundated with cigarette smoke. That never, ever stopped anyone from smoking in front of me -- not even my father (who, BTW, died a horrible pain-filled death from lung cancer).
Sorry, but there has to be laws and preventing people of smoking in public should be one of them. If they want to smoke and get cancer, go ahead, but don't make me miserable and get sick from your filthy habit. Just, leave me out of the equation!
Posted April 12, 2008
Amanda_Blue says:
Of course it should be! I'm a New Yorker and it is now almost impossible to walk down many mid-town avenues because so many people are in front of their office buildings, smoking.
Posted April 11, 2008
Robert says:
Hell yes. I don't care if smokers smoke or not. It's their choice. But if my addiction was to inhale small doses of radioactive isotopes which get back into the air exhaling, I'd go to jail and nobody would think otherwise. But smokers do something very similar every day. Just because there's so many smokers and it is inconvenient for them not to poison the air around them doesn't mean they should be allowed to. And yes the health risks of radiation vs. smoke are comparable (all a question of the dose). Cancer is cancer. So smoke when nobody is around and get used to the fact that you impact the health of others.
Posted April 10, 2008
JCN says:
Smokers do have the right to smoke anytime they want as long as it does not interfere with anyone else's quality of life against their will. To all of the smokers out there. The majority of you have brought these bans upon yourself. You don't care that you offend others by smoking. You do it in congested restaurants, bars, hotels, apartments, shall I go on? You throw your cigarette butts out the car window. Did it not occur to you that this is littering? Oh I'm sorry, it did occur to you. You just don't care. Do you know that all the non-smokers are paying more for their health insurance coverage because you decide to ignore the health risks? You don't care. It's your God given right to smoke and you intend to keep doing it around whoever you want. All of us non-smokers are finally able to get some legislation passed and now you are offend that your right to smoke is being taken away. You do not have a constitutional right to harm your fellow citizen. Can you not put down your cigarette for one hour while you eat. Is it too much to ask? What about our right to fresh clean air? Well, I guess we can just eat some where else if we don't like the smoke. How many of us have been doing this for years already? In addition to the bans becoming more prevalent in cities from coast to coast, It is very likely that taxes will be increased on those little nasty cartons of cancer. To all of the considerate smokers, my apologies for the rant. I'm sorry that your fellow smokers could not be more cooperative.
Posted April 10, 2008
deanita says:
it should be bande ok my mom smoks and i might just get secend hand somke here me out people quit ples your hurting us kids!!!!!!.
Posted April 10, 2008
CherylK says:
Yep, ban smoking in all public places. I would not be against a "smoking room" in public buildings, though, but it would have to be an entirely separate room.
Posted April 10, 2008
QTpie says:
EEEEEWWWWWW!!!!! yeah i totally agree! Smoking is N-A-S-T-Y!!!!! EWW! Just imagining me grabbing a sick and lighting it and smoke coming out of it and putting it into my mouth and sucking it into my lungs and breathing it gives me the heebie jeebies!!! YUCK!!!
Posted April 09, 2008
Lisa says:
HECK, YEAH!!!!!!
Posted April 09, 2008
beth says:
that people shouldnt smoke in a public place bcuz it harms another ones heath and can do great harm t o your body
Posted April 09, 2008
tiauna leonard says:
it is mharmful to many non smoking people. They shouldn't have to take in the chemicals if they don't have to.
Posted April 09, 2008
Ladybrinx says:
I totally agree, it's not my fault they are addicted to cigarettes and I don't want to breath that polluted air. I hate going to places where there will be smokers. Besides you'd think by now they would know their breath smells like an ASStray, it's so hard to even talk to them. DISGUSTING! My parents were smokers and I hated it, I've NEVER smoked a day in my life.
Posted April 08, 2008
colester says:
smoking is killing millions of people
Posted April 08, 2008
techieblogger says:
it will be cleaner and better not only for the smokers but also for all the passive smokers. Live and Let Live. Be compassinate.
Posted April 08, 2008
Fixed-Odds-Guru says:
I remember being on a plane when smoking was allowed. I was in a none smoking seat and the guy in front was in a smoking seat. But the smoke didn't have the intelligence to stay away from my lungs.
Posted April 07, 2008
formersmoker says:
What part of the smoke coming out of the end of the burning cigarette and the exhaling process do people not get? This isn't like they are wanting to pick their noses and it just affects their noses. There is currently no way for anyone to smoke in public without poisoning the air that someone else needs to breath. When they can produce a cigarette that is toxin free, let them smoke in public, until then they have no more "right" to smoke in public than someone else has a "right" to release sarin gas in public.
The silly arguments that "there are a lot of smokers" or "it's inconvenient when partying" or simply "there are no smoking sections" are just that: silly.
Besides the ban is in PUBLIC places. They can do whatever they want in their own PRIVATE homes -- and they should go for it. The sooner smokers are out of the gene pool, the better.
Posted April 05, 2008
emma says:
My dad smokes and he never smokes in public places. Smoking suxs
Posted April 02, 2008
Christene says:
Hey guys...
Just a reminder to keep the language G rated, no matter which side of the debate you are on. I've had to delete a few comments today. Thanks.
Posted April 01, 2008
OpalsOnBlack says:
Well, I'm an ex-smoker. Clear lungs now for 10 years!
However, I still do fully appreciate the "ciggie addiction" feeling that others have - it is very much a matter of re-education, although I do agree with banning smoking in public places and especially around children.
The 'joke' for me is that I have actually developed an acute sensitivity to 'smoker's smoke" - very karmic,eh !
But I do feel that a lot of smoker's are quite happy about restricting their habit......cuts down some of their smoking!
Government must also take some responsiblity for smoking addicts, as it was their greed for tax revenue that allowed cigarette companies to push their barrow so hard,with all the advertising myths. I too once thought smoking was "cool", but having once walked in their "shoes" I do not abuse anybody who smokes - I tell them of my sensitivity and they inevitably abide by it - which tells me the "education" part is working.
Posted April 01, 2008
Doc_Holliday says:
Only yesterday, I noticed a little fella sitting in his stroller coughing his lungs out whilst his mother stood behind him smoking away whilst she chatted to another woman. She was totally oblivious of what harm she was doing to her baby.
Please feel free to check out my lens entitled Can Hypnosis Really Help You Quit Smoking
Posted March 31, 2008
hannah says:
It's just wrong. We don't need to seperate ourselves from smokers just so that we can get sick.
Posted March 30, 2008
kimbo66 says:
Hi---I have read a lot of comments on this site--both sides of the argument, and I have to say in support of smokers, yes, you should be able to smoke in public places, but not where others who don't smoke are. Some have said,"Then don't go to those places!"If that was the case, then it would be discriminating non-smokers, because before a smoke-free ban, you were allowed to smoke just about everywhere!
I think that a compromise for both parties would be more practical, like having completely closed off areas in all businesses for smokers to enjoy themselves. In argument for keeping second-hand smoke from harming others, it has been proven for many, many years now that second-hand smoke does in fact harm others around you. Thefilters on cigarettes helps the smoker not recieve the majority of the toxins into their system--however, it does not filter the toxins for those around them. Some of you say,"Well, why don't you step away from me?" Unfortunately, this does not protect people from around you. You could be in a bar or restaurant sitting several yards away and still be subject to the fumes from the cigarette. I personally know a person who developed throat cancer from working in a place where smoking was allowed.
The comments about banning smoking outside, however is utterly rediculous! This is no different than pollutionfrom factories and car exhaust! These people need a place to go, and if you completely ban from inside and outside, I believe you would take it too far!!
One final thing: A person sitting next to me drinking or eating excessively isn't affecting my health, plain and simple. I don't absorb your alcohol or your fat grams/calories! :)
Posted March 28, 2008
binsons says:
Smoking is bad for you to begin with. All people should quit smoking. You're lungs and body will thank you.
Posted March 28, 2008
Suzy says:
Smoking should be banned. Non smokers don't like it, and they don't like the smell of it. Second hand smoking is also really bad as well. About 3,000 lung cancer deaths are from people who don't even smoke! Maybe if we ban smoking from public places it will help smokers to quit.
Posted March 28, 2008
Sue says:
Smoking should be banned. It NEEDS to be banned. There is no reason why my famliy and I need to be subjected to the lung and body deteriorating carcinogens that are emmitted from a stupid little stick filled with 'hay'. This is a huge disrespect. I always cough around smokers. Not because I want to, but because it irritates my lungs. BAN SMOKING.
Posted March 26, 2008
EN3RGY says:
Living in Hawaii, I believe that smoking should be banned at the beaches and at the parks. It's kind of gross to sit on the beach with cigarette butts sticking out of the sand.
Posted March 26, 2008
XP says:
Everyone SHOULD have the right to choose. However, I should have the ability to enter and exit non-smoking establishments such as my workplace, a restaurant, a hospital, etc. without enduring a thick cloud of cancer-causing secondhand smoke. Yes?
Posted March 25, 2008
Dall says:
I am a smoker and I see the issues everyone may have with my choice. I respect others when doing so HOWEVER I see the strict restrictions put on tobacco and its products and well simply as a fair is fair thought for all, I believe that the banning of beer and liquor ads on TV and radio should be set in place as it has been done for tobacco.
My thoughts are that the politicians and the $$$$$ behind every ban inflicted to the public is a direct reflection of the $$$ interest and the personal choices of the politicians that create the "sometimes" crazy laws.
Now before everyone gets all upset here let me ask 1 simple question.... and invision this situation.
Which would you rather meet driving on the opposite side of the road on your way home from picking up your children, a man/woman driving the speed limit and smoking a cigarette or the same man/woman driving the speed limit after a few drinks?
NO BRAIN SURGERY THERE HUH? well as I said they should ban those advertisements as well...... JUST A THOUGHT.
Posted March 25, 2008
Alysha says:
Smokers should keep there cigarettes to themselves. Not everyone appreciates the smell of smoke on them, or even inhaling all those nasty toxins. Second-hand smoke is very lethal, and not all people want to die from it. Second-hand smoke can cause Pneumonia, middle ear infection, croup, heart disease, lung cancer, and sore throats...and im pretty sure that noone wants to get those. So therefore, i conclude, that smoking should be banned in all public places, there should be one building for smokers, and thats all.
Posted March 25, 2008
Grasshoppa says:
What's cars got to do with cigarettes? At least cars are useful, and they don't stink up my apartment when I open the windows on a warm summer day. Cars aren't smelling up the restaurant and killing my appetite. As far as I'm concerned, your right to smoke doesn't give you a right to make my life hell. You want to live in that? Fine. Smoke all you want... but not where I'm getting a face full of it.
Posted March 24, 2008
blogdingo says:
It's really simple. Smokers should not discomfort others but they also have a responsibility to themselves and society.
Over the long haul when they develop cancer, lung problems and all sorts of other health issues, who do you think has to carry the burden? Its not just their loved ones but those huge medical bills are being spread out to all of us who are paying our monthly health insurance bill. Think about it! I don't think smoking is your right if it affects my pocketbook!
Posted March 23, 2008
Piksychick says:
I live in Europe where smoking is the norm. They smoke around their children etc. which is heartbreaking. Restuarantes and bars are full of smokers. I am told it's the "culture". I think this kind of thinking is so archaic!
Posted March 23, 2008
ellaben says:
Yes, I agree,however many many years ago smoking became fashionable,and while I agree about what you are saying, smoking is extremely addictive. There are very many things not good for us ,drugs etc but I guess it is the person who is taking them that has the problem,we wont mention those people who sell drugs to young people OH no thats not spoken of much.I am amazed that at easter time in this country you cant buy booze on certain days but you sure can buy cigarettes , it seems to me that booze does harm to people in a different way and certainly not to the people that drink it only.So it seems to give mixed messages, on the one hand ,do not smoke you will harm others, although you can harm them at easter and xmas [allowed to buy smokes].and on the other hand you mustnt drink [or buy booze] on those days as you ---well think about it,road accidents domestic desputes but you can still buy smokes,which are the worst of the worst apparently.I dont smoke myself but I am well aware of thousands of toxins we use on a day to day basis which are just as poisenous as smoking. I dont see many warnings about those.
Posted March 23, 2008
Music-Resource says:
Smoking should definitely be banned in all public places. Second hand smoke is lethal.
Posted March 22, 2008
squidpig says:
Could't agree more - no point forcing other people to suffer - if you wanna smoke go outside.
Posted March 22, 2008
TheCandleLady says:
I agree 100%! In public places, smoking should be banned. The gov't isn't taking away a right by doing this...you can still do all the damage you want to yourself in your own home and car.
Posted March 21, 2008
JHFSEO says:
Meh, split the difference. Use smokeless or smoke-free cigarettes in public places, smoke like a chimney outdoors.
You can enjoy your addiction, habit, whatever without having to inconvenience everyone else.
Posted March 21, 2008
WellnessChoice says:
Amen! Come to Minnesota and you will enjoy smoke free environments. It is wonderful. We are very thankful that we have the freedom of clean air when we go out in public.
Now we are able to take our small children to any eating establishment without worrying about smoke. And I if I want to go be with my husband and friends to a bar while I am pregnant I can enjoy my water in a smoke-free place!
Posted March 21, 2008
StewartC says:
Singapore most of the place been banned.
only a specific area for smoker.
Posted March 20, 2008
aspubrel says:
I have never smoked but I have chronic bronchitis and I am sure that is due to the fact that I worked as a flight attendant in the 60s and 70s when there were no restrictions on smoking. Flights in Asia were particularly onerous.
Posted March 19, 2008
EPHREM LIJALEM says:
even though I am a smoker myself, Ido agree with you that smoking should be banned and should also be illiga, i have done so much to quit so many times but I have not made it yet, SO YOU GO GIRL. I AM WITH YOU
Posted March 19, 2008
Ronda1 says:
Yes, Ban it, Ban it, Ban it already! I want to breathe fresh air!
Posted March 19, 2008
Georgie Curtis says:
absolutely! smoking should be banned altogether...everyone knows by now what it can do to you.
Posted March 18, 2008
HerbalRemedy says:
Smoking is a disgusting habit that i simply do not understand. What could possibly be enjoyable about sucking in smoke. It doesn't taste good, smell good and it will kill you along with the innocent people around you!
Smoking should be banned period. Cigarettes should be illegal!
Posted March 18, 2008
lens4Him says:
I was a heavy smoker for 30 years until I was rushed into intensive care after I had a stroke and I haven't smoked since. Now I cannot abide the smell of cigarettes and wonder how on earth my family used to put up with the stench of stale tobacco.
It is so nice to be able to go out for a meal without the place being full of smoke, I don't think the average smoker realises just how much better it is without the smoke
Posted March 18, 2008
hallmomof5 says:
Smoking is like spreading trash. The smoke damages buildings which have to be repainted and have new carpeting because of the lingering smoke and damage it causes...and then I have to pay for it (in taxes for the public buildings and in higher prices for restaurants, etc.)
For those who believe that smokers should have the right to smoke wherever they want...shouldn't I have the right to breathe smoke-free air wherever I want? Why should I have to pay by dying early from cancer because YOU want to smoke?
You have a right to your opinion, but you can't be that smart because you're choosing to pollute your own body and shorten the only life you've been given.
Designated smoking areas??? I've had to leave a restaurant in the middle of a meal because someone on the other side of the room was finished eating and lit up. I paid the same price for the food, but didn't get to finish. How are you going to stop the smoke from travelling over to my table? A plastic bubble? Smokers could be more courteous, but how are you going to regulate that? "A smoker may not light a cigarette until he/she has a signed permission statement from every individual within 30 yards..." As with everything else in life, a portion of the people are irresponsible, so everyone has to pay. Even our children have to pay on this one.
Posted March 18, 2008
renoman says:
You'll get no argument from me! I totally agree as it is totally detrimental to your health...It also is acidic which is not good also. You need to promote alkalization to be on the healthy side. Take a peek at my lens if you get a chance. Thanks
Posted March 18, 2008
citrusemma says:
I totally agree! Passive smoking also ruins other people's health!
Posted March 17, 2008
phily says:
i toaly agree smoking should de bannedin all publicplaces as non smoker have a right to breath clean air
Posted March 17, 2008
surfsusan says:
It is a wrong signal to send to children and young people that smoking is accepted in our society (where ever in the world you are). We all know smoking does harm both to the smoker and the secondhand smoker. I don't see how anybody would claim the right to harm their human-fellows.
Posted March 17, 2008
adventuresinautism says:
I agree completely, as a person who suffers from allergies, the second I inhale second had smoke I completely can't breathe.
Posted March 14, 2008
niclola says:
Yes i think it should be banned !!!! so there
Posted March 14, 2008
CoPe says:
It should not just be banned in public places but rather BANNED just like heroin, cocaine and who the hell knows what else out there!
Smoking is worse than ANY drug EVER simply because it is the ONLY drug that affects people near the stupid idiot who is doing it!
And just for the record Addeasy says: "Look back -it wasn't a problem 10 or 15 years ago ? everybody was happy and smokers were allowed almost everywhere." HOW IS THAT an argument??? If anything it only shows that more people were STUPID back then!
Posted March 13, 2008
onlinehandyman says:
I agree, especially when people smoke around children and babies. That annoys me. Some states ban smoking in a car with anyone under 18 years of age. Keep up the good work. Visit my lens at Healthfitnessvitamins
Scott
Posted March 11, 2008
YouCanCallMeDan says:
I'm gonna have to agree with a public-wide ban. It doesn't really help out those with breathing disorders to have to be breathing second hand smoke...
Posted March 11, 2008
davewashere says:
Smoking harms even those who choose not to smoke, therefore it can be considered an act of aggression. The smoking ban in NY bars has been great, and many of the bars I go to are actually getting more business as people who used to avoid bars (such as people with asthma) are finally able to experience a clean air environment.
Posted March 10, 2008
Doctoreamore says:
Did you know that it has been proven that smoking before going to sleep affects your sleep patters (no deep sleep) and worsens sleep apnia?
Posted March 10, 2008
BABYKITTY says:
The smell of smoke STINKS! No one has the right to pollute the air others breath especially the disabled and children.
It's bad enough when you have to smell smoke on peoples clothes while standing in line at the store. There have been times when just standing next to someone I'll later smell smoke on my coat.
Keep your nasty habit, addiction or whatever you want to call it at home!
Posted March 10, 2008
babykitty says:
There can be no reason on God's green earth that gives someone the right to polute the air I breath. I can smell the foul stuff in the air even when the smoker has left. The smell is on peoples clothes as they stand in line around me at the store. If people had BO that bad they would be to embrassed to leave the house. As far as eating with that smell in the air--NO WAY. If there's not a table in the NON-SMOKING section, we leave and go somewhere else. And think about this, how many times have you gone into a resturant asking for non-smoking and been told to wait but there were tables available in smoking. Doesn't that tell you that there are more NON'S out there?
I just think it's sad when you see people who haven't even come out of a building yet with the "coffin nail" already in their mouth, ready to light up as soon as they hit the sidewalk. It's like they couldn't wait the last few feet to get out of the door before smoking.
If people want to smoke it's their right--but their rights stops when their smoke enters MY lungs!
Posted March 10, 2008
PatinKC says:
I'm sorry for people that can't stop smoking but I hate being exposed to second hand smoke when I have to go to places where I have to pass through a maze of smokers to get into the building such as airports, hospitals, grocery stores, etc.
Posted March 08, 2008
Anne says:
I agree with that. You should not have to worry about going into a place of business or taking your children into that same place and have smoke swirling all about you, leaving you your kids and your clothes reeking of smoke
Posted March 08, 2008
Phillipa says:
yea it should unless u in a bar but places like bus stations airports and in lobbys it should be ban
Posted March 05, 2008
BrittReid says:
And drinking should be banned right along with it! Between drunk driving deaths and dismemberments, cirrhosis of the liver, pregnancies and violence as a result of drunkeness, smoking pales in comparison!
Posted March 04, 2008
davesaunders says:
Heck yeah--I don't need the stench and several areas have actually shown improvements in revenue after the smoking ban took hold in their area.
Posted March 03, 2008
Cacharel says:
smoking should be banned forever and any place they shouldn't even sell smoking products they should banned smoking advertising off tv, posters and etc. innocent (non-smoking) people shouldn't how to suffer from second hand smoke
Posted March 03, 2008
groovyoldlady says:
I am riding in the Trek Across Maine (http://www.squidoo.com/trekacrossmaine) to raise money for the American Lung Association. I have asthma and I have watched friends die from lung cancer because they couldn't/wouldn't quit smoking. Friends don't let friends die coughing, ya know? I'm all for shutting down the tobacco industry. In the meantime, I absolutely support a ban on smoking in public places. If you want to poison yourself, that's your business, but please don't poison me and my children!
I live in Maine and smoking in public has been banned here for years.
It. is. Wonderful.
Posted March 03, 2008
daoine says:
I agree with you. It's impossible to control where smoke goes, and as soon as you're in a public place it becomes your right to smoke versus my right to breathe. It's a moot point since a smoker can hold off smoking for a few minutes, whereas I can't hold my breath that long!
It doesn't help to move smokers to the outside of buildings or allow them to smoke on the streets - other breathing humans still have to get passed them.
Posted March 02, 2008
gkygrl says:
As a person with adult onset asthma, I think you are right on the money. I've had more really bad asthma exacerbations from cigarette and cigar smoke. I feel like no one has the right to put me through that -- or anyone through a breathing compromise. If you MUST smoke, go find your own space that is not public.
Posted March 02, 2008
Michael O says:
most smokers are inconsiderate, selfish people who only care about fueling their addiction. They are not only smelly polluters of the air but MOST carelessly throw their butts anywhere convenient for THEM. The next time you stop at a traffic light, take a look at the ground outside your car.
Use your ash trays ash holes!!!! And PLEASE allow me to breath!
Posted February 29, 2008
Seth says:
There's a huge difference between private leisure time and public leisure time. A regulation banning smoking in all public places has nothing to do with your leisure time. If you are the kind that relaxes by the pool of a three star hotel laying out on a lawn chair, belly up, sipping back some gin and pumping a cigarette, that's not just your problem, that's everyone's problem.
First, we smell the smoke. We inhale the smoke. And a worse version of the smoke than you are actually inhaling. That is disgusting and makes "public things" become private issues. What gives you the right to pollute my private lungs? Second, we have to look at you laying in the lawn chair belly up. Disturbing.
Now if you want to smoke in your own house and suffocate yourself to a blackened lung death, then so be it. We'd be rid of one more pollutionist in this world. Lung cancer kills several hundred people every day. Next? Let's promote a healthy America shall we?
Posted February 28, 2008
says:
Yes, it will have to be banned since you can't ask a smoker to please put out his smoke. That's how it all started. On an airplane for example: You would ask the smoker, "Please put your cigarette out. I'm allergic to smoke." Reply: F You! So, the anti-smoking laws started.
Posted February 27, 2008
Fraser says:
I don't see why we should have to breath in cigarette smoke from someone else, when it is a harmful thing to do anyway.
Posted February 27, 2008
Tiddledeewinks says:
YES! Smoking should be banned. It's an addictive habit that those who choose, find out when they are suffering from the health affects years later, most wish they hadn't. I've seen many of my friends relatives die young from this disgusting habit. It's expensive, smelly, a threat to health, and takes control of the persons life. I've won auctions on E-bay, where the awful smell of cigarettes ruins the items! Go into a home where a smoker has lived, and the walls, ceilings and windows are ucky yellow. Nicotine is a drug that doesn't want you to quit, so don't start. Most smokers I have seen are inconsiderate. How many times have we seen them through there butts out car windows? Look at the butts next time you're out for a walk. And don't start me on alchohal. I'll never forget the guy in line at the store in front of me with his little kids. He had milk and beer, but didn't have the money for both. Guess which one he put back? The milk! So, kids suffer in more ways than one from the adults bad habbits. But, I do want to point out one thing on the comment from Ellkat: her grandma died with breast cancer, but never smoked.
Posted February 27, 2008
Abby says:
Every person has the right to breathe clean air, that outweighs the smokers right to indulge themselves in a disgusting habit that kills not just them, but people around them. I am in support of a smoking ban in all public places!
Posted February 27, 2008
holly says:
smoking kills you and me and if you want to do it you should do it in the privacy of your own home
Posted February 26, 2008
Kevin says:
woooahhhh :O Ban Smoking yay:p
im ni a midlle of research about smoking right now ill be back lamo.....
Posted February 26, 2008
markowe says:
It's time to say goodbye to this anachronous habit. Don't worry, we'll get rid of cars and all those other sources of poison too, all in good time. The "need" to get from A-B in the quickest and dirtiest time possible is indeed not much higher on the scale of "rights" than smoking is, but I think completely eliminating public smoking would be a start.
Posted February 26, 2008
Lexi says:
Freedom of choice, yes! For health reasons I choose not to smoke and don't want anyone to force their smoke on me. If someone wants to exercise their right to smoke, just don't exhale in the air I'm breathing, perfectly simple.
Posted February 25, 2008
melanie says:
I think it should be banned in public places inside. the outside part should be okay because would lose business if they didn't allow smokers. even though smokers are the minority its an addiction and if people have to wait outside at a retaurant for example they'd like to smoke before while they wait
Posted February 24, 2008
anonomous says:
YESSS!! its sick and disguesting! :X
Posted February 24, 2008
will993 says:
yeah i think it should.
I mean its an addiction like other drugs.
Plus it causes a lot of medical problems.
If pot is illegal that cigarettes should be.
I mean pot is basically the same thing but it influences you.
Posted February 23, 2008
Digital_Fix says:
I think it's OK to ban public places, after all, even as a smoker I can definitely agree that there are many places I don't want to be enveloped in second-hand smoke.
Posted February 23, 2008
JnDWoodcrafts says:
I agree. Smoking should be banned in all public places.We just accomplished that in Ohio. I wouldn't mind if they banned it on the entire planet. Smoking affects all of us in the higher health insurance rates that we have to pay due to the numerous illnesses caused by cigarette smoking. That is precisely why most all states passed seat belt laws, simply because the auto insurance rates were going through the roof because of the people that were to stupid to wear theirs. Let's face it. The reason we have laws is to protect people from their own stupidity. Sounds cold but it is true.
Posted February 22, 2008
MaJoel says:
Yes I agree, but not only smoke but also drugs of any kind even alcohol and other drinks that makes people lost their minds.
Posted February 22, 2008
Christene says:
Merles: You said "Because last I heard or saw there was no one that had an immediate death due to some one having a cigarette." Scroll down the page and you will see that there has been. Here is a link to an article about it too. newsroom.msu.edu
Posted February 21, 2008
bmess says:
those who are allergic to smoke do not need to be around the smoke thatpeople are putting into the environment...go home to your own personal air and pollute it
Posted February 21, 2008
amber says:
im doing a report on this, and i do think it should be banned. noone should have the write to smoke were everyone can smell it. im allergic, and its not polite. im only 12, but doing research. and its very sad how some of you think it shouldnt be banned. you like smoke comming from the smokeing side of the resturant onto your nonsmokeing side?and when you eat you taste smoke?[[resturant wise]] this is pathetic. i agree 100%
Posted February 21, 2008
nosmokingczar says:
Its happening and it's gaining momentum, smokers are now increasingly becoming the scourage of society, and rightly so. What really needs to happen is that Big Tobacco needs to go away!
Posted February 21, 2008
Chiefsman87 says:
Smoking is bad for everyone in the immediate vicinity and should be banned in all public places. People who smoke are some of the most inconsiderate people on the face of this earth. They don't ask others if smoking bothers them, and, for the most part, I don't think many of them really care.
I also love how smokers frequently find it appropriate to throw their cigarettes out the window as they drive down the street/highway. Not only does that cause wildfires, it is very annoying when burning cigarettes hit my windshield.
Posted February 20, 2008
Crazy Daisy says:
I think one point that's being overlooked here is that other habits such as drinking, eating poorly and the like are more solitary, self-destructive habits than anything else. When someone drinks, they're not turning to you and shoving it down your throat. There are no toxic vapors escaping a drink that are carcinogenic. When you're in a restaurant having dinner, most people don't want to have smoke blown in their face or in their general vicinity, for that matter. Breathing shouldn't be toxic. A lot of things shouldn't be toxic, but the topic here is smoking. Although one person is smoking, many are affected - that's a simple fact. If one person is drinking, no one's health is directly affected -- and before you can say it, yes, people can get drunk and do stupid things and harm others, but that's not what's on the table here. The only way you can make someone else smell of alcohol while you're drinking is if you spill your drink on them. Just the act of drinking or eating junk food doesn't affect another person's health - smoking can and does.
I choose not to give my business to places that permit smoking, and that's too bad for them, but it's better for me. While I like the idea of being able to go into a smoke-free bar to have a drink with my friends, I don't like the idea of it being mandated that the bar be smoke-free. People have a right to choose their bad habits - I just don't want your bad choice affecting me.
Posted February 20, 2008
relax says:
Yes, I think smoking should be banned from all public places because second hand smoke is not healthy. Secondly, I do not like the idea of coming home after a public function to the smell of smoke in my clothes
Posted February 20, 2008
Food_Junkie says:
My college had gazebos to keep smokers out of the rain and away from doors and windows. Seems to be a fair compromise for most situations. Health issues aside, most non-smokers do not care for the odor. Just as we have noise-ordinances we should have odor ordinances. I'm not for banning smoking, just corralling it so that I can easily avoid it.
Posted February 18, 2008
Alibubble says:
Yes it should be. But that story about the asmatic bar worker isn't smokers fault. She really shouldn't be working at a bar if she has Asthma. I have asthma, and I know that I would never work in a place until I know whether smoking is allowed or not.
Posted February 18, 2008
kaplan says:
Most smokers I've met have zero-manners. They smoke around non smokers without caring if they like it or not. I have my office colleagues who smoke while we're sitting in the office transports and traveling...and its pathetic taking in that second hand smoke in such an enclosed space, almost unavoidable!
I'd be in favour of banning smoking..especially coz it neither benefits the smoker nor the people around him. Yes, it is a big industry that makes lots of people rich..but so does smuggling.
Posted February 18, 2008
CWOOD says:
indoors yes outdoors no.
Posted February 18, 2008
AMK says:
I grew up with my mother smoking 60 cigaretes a day and my father his pipe. I don,t smoke,But I am a victim of there bad habit and get asistance with breathing,actualy more like wheezing problems. Smoking is already banned in GB,Norway and Ireland and I love it. I find smoking to be a disgusting. I would ban it from the planet if I could!!!
Posted February 18, 2008
Reymus says:
Smoking should be banned anywhere it can affect those of us smart enough to not smoke.
I don't smoke. My parents smoked. I have severe respiratory problems because of it. If I am too close to a smoker, I have trouble breathing, my lungs close up, I break out in hives.
But hey, if I complain about the smoker being too close to me, I'm infringing on the rights of that smoker to bask in the stupidity of his addiction.
Sure, a business can have a smoking section in their restaurant. I can choose not to visit that restaurant, because I'd rather be able to breathe. A smoking section at a restaurant is sort of like having a peeing section in a swimming pool.
Posted February 18, 2008
Joel says:
everybody knows how futile it is to try to talk a user out of his addict. The result will only be poor arguments and sad attitude. living in a country that has accepted the public ban since a while it's painful how clear it is - people quit more easily with the ban than whithout. simple as that. And as someone pointed out - everyone knows how bad smoking is you your body.
Posted February 18, 2008
prissy says:
Yes, smoking should be banned in public places, if you want to slowly kill yourself do it in your private domain.
Posted February 17, 2008
SmokedOff says:
I like what TBoswell said about choice. I have no problems with businesses that allows smoking, I choose not to go to them. My choice.
In a public space however, where is my choice as a non smoker? In a parade for example, smokers can CHOOSE to smoke in the crowd. But the non-smokers around them have NO CHOICE in breathing in the smell.
In a high density apartment building, a smoker can CHOOSE to smoke in their own home or on their balcony. But the people above them have NO CHOICE in smelling their smoke.
In these scenarios, it is either up to the common courtesy of the smoker to abstain, or for the law to step in and protect those whose RIGHT TO CHOOSE has been impinged upon.
Again, I would draw the parallel with loud music or noise. If I am awaken at night by loud noise, I can call the police. If I am awakened by really bad cigar smoke, what do I do then?
I can no more hold my breathe as I can plug up my ears.
Do smokers have MORE right to smoke than non-smokers do to not suffer the smells?
Posted February 16, 2008
all-disney says:
wow...first of all let me begin by saying you picked a good fight....ya sure gonna rattle some cages....I like it.
So, banning smoking in public places huh! I couldn't agree with ya more...I know alot of people are saying WHAT? I know that smokers have rights just as well as non-smokers have rights...but I believe that smokers should not pollute the same air I breathe indoor and out, they can do whatever they want to their health and lungs but DO NOT have the right to do the same to mine.
Banning smoking in places has sure come a long way, that's good...some day I believe you'll have to leave earth...lol.
Anywho, for all you smokers...for you info. I was one too! I smoked and polluted my lungs and everyone around me for 19 years...my god, what the hell was I thinking! I've been smoke free for 5 years now...cold turkey baby! I made a decision in my life that if I was serious about my health I had to quit...I just hope that it's not too late.
If you want to quit smoking and are serious about quitting all you need to do is make up your mind and do it..."today I commit to live healthy!"
Later!!!
Posted February 16, 2008
DorothyNed says:
It baffles me that in spite of all the information that smoking causes cancer and other respiratory diseases, people still smoke. It is easy to quit with the aid of hypnosis. The IRS will even pay for hypnosis sessions to quit. See www.drdorothy.net
Posted February 16, 2008
SmokedOff says:
Here's the short and long of it: You can do whatever you like, as long as you don't impede on other people's ability to do what they like.
If I am in a public place, I don't want to smell other people's smoke. Just like I don't expect them to smell my farts.
Smoking in apartment blocks should be banned too UNLESS the smoker can contain the smoke to his/her own space.
This is exactly like loud music. If I live in close proximity to others, it would be unreasonable for other people to put up with my loud music. Same thing with smoking and strong cooking smells. If you building is designed such that your smells go into other people's homes, then you have a responsibility to not produce those smells.
Smoke all you like, smoke whatever you like! As long as you keep the smells all to yourselves.
Posted February 16, 2008
trcamp7795 says:
I learned an intresting point in elementry school that applies to this: America is free, but when you take away someones freedom , that is when it is bad. Here is whats happening, by smoking you are taking away people's freedom to not smell smoke. there are many arguements to what I just said, but in this case it is right.
Posted February 15, 2008
EelKat says:
When I was 8 years old, my grandma was in the hospital for cancer, and I couldn't visit her because there were no non-smoking waiting rooms in the hospital. I didn't get to see her before she died because of all the smokers in the hospital waiting rooms and I can't be anywhere near smoke, cause it irritates my lungs and closes my airways and stops my breatheing. I was so glad when Maine banned smoking in public back in 1982; before than I couldn't even go shopping because of my ashma. I can not even be in the same room with a person who has smoke on their breath, cause the flare-ups are so bad. I was so glad when smoking was banned, because for the first time in my life I could finally go out in public without the fear of getting hospitalized.
Posted February 15, 2008
EveryDayGuy says:
No one should have the right to say what is good or not for one person or another. It is up to that person to decide what works for them or doesn't. But when someone else's actions affect my life, my friend's lives, or my families lives, it is now my problem... (whether those actions are driving recklessly, smoking in an enclosed space, or drinking excessively, etc.)
My initial stereotype of someone that smokes, is that they are "weak". In my viewpoint, anyone that has something in their life that has a HOLD over them is weak. (Whether that is food, drinking, smoking, or porn.)
Posted February 15, 2008
layla says:
I think it should be banned but its not up to us realy
Posted February 15, 2008
Christene says:
Sean: Sorry, let me clarify. You having red meat, sugar, caffeine or sodium does not affect my health.
Posted February 15, 2008
Christene says:
snowflake: You having red meat, sugar, caffeine or sodium does not affect me. The issue is that smoking affects more than just those making the decision to light up.
Posted February 15, 2008
ojkershaw says:
I completely agree, but please don't be so hard on smokers. For many it is not a choice, as you say, but an affliction.
The fact is that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man - many smokers cannot quit.
This doesn't make them weak people, but people whose nervous systems have been profoundly altered by a powerful neurotoxin.
Nicotine's biological effects have been astonishingly neglected in research over the decades, and it is only now that scientists are discovering its power. I wish I had known about this before I started smoking!
I have to say that the smoking ban in the UK seems to have been pretty well accepted.
Have a look at my lens on electronic cigarettes - they are an excellent compromise. Even my most anti-smoking friends don't mind me puffing on mine round their houses.
Posted February 15, 2008
Christene says:
crazyagilitydog: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. National Toxicology Program, the U.S. Surgeon General, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have all classified secondhand smoke as a known human carcinogen. Evidence has shown that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Posted February 14, 2008
ThinkDifferentinc says:
One more time - the only reason people are blowing smoke in your face is because it is or was on your mind prior or currently.
Focus your attention to the clean air around you and there will be no smoke. Think positive and you will find equal results.
If you keep finding smoke - your focus is off.
Trust your self. How clean is your air Right Now.
This is the moment you should be focused on. Forward not your backward memory. Get yoda with it folks. you are what you wish for, your environment is your own as you choose. Think Different, right? Many couples are meeting by chance on a smoke break right now - that is positive is it not? aside your smoking gun thoughts of a two for puff cloud special... them meeting is positive. Right? Find the good and ignore the bad like a dirty cough.
Posted February 14, 2008
Ralph says:
Yes,
If I wanted to smoke, I WOULD! But I don't. So because I have made the choice to not smoke why does smokers think they have the right to blow smoke in my face... as the saying goes "Do you mind if I smoke?,"No,do you mind if I fart? ! They both stink so use your manners!
Posted February 14, 2008
Cameron says:
I love watching them all huddle together out of the rain in the front on the building, they all talk small talk and get their hit ...it's very sad.....smelly yellow fingered weirdos....smokers are the new social pariahs ...smoke is terrorism, if it infects my airways ......wow this feels good ...well done Squidoo team!!!
Posted February 14, 2008
ThinkDifferentinc says:
Worry now about smoke and it will blow in the other direction.
I agree, smoking should be banned in your indoor and outdoor places. Think Clean Air -Action will follow.
Think Smoke, you got it... your attention will follow.
Get Yoda with it Christene.
Worry not about what you wish to change.
Change the worry. Ah ha...!
Posted February 14, 2008
Bags says:
A smokers decision to puff on his/her death sticks does, in fact have a direct, and often times immediate impact on others. I can't tell you the amount of times that I've been walking down the street on my way to work, or with a date and someone randomly decides to light up. I'm an asthmatic. Even the smell of smoke makes my airways block up. You can't tell me that ANYONE has the right to do that to someone.
If I have one right on this earth, give me the right to breathe.
Posted February 14, 2008
DimitriPreacher says:
it's very easy, my non-smoking will not hurt smokers, but their smoking will kill me eventually, so the choice is clear...let me live!
Posted February 13, 2008
CJ says:
Smoking should be outlawed. Why should non smokers be forced to passive smoke (without a filter)!!!
It's now banned in most indoor public areas in New Zealand (including restaurants, casino's, and bars). All of these establishments moaned that they'd lose customers, but in fact the opposite happened.
What makes matters worse, is the filthy mongrels throw cigarette butts out the windows of cars etc... That makes me wild!!!
Posted February 13, 2008
wormwoodascending says:
just as politically incorrect speech is militantly opposed, so should politically incorrect action. Public Smoking is one such politically incorrect action and should be banned.
Posted February 13, 2008
wormwoodascending says:
The only way I will agree to public smoking is if a device can be invented that will contain the exhaled smoke within a 2-foot diameter around the head of the smoker. That way the smoker can inhale all the second-hand, third-hand, etc. smoke the whole day while non-smokers are spared.
Posted February 13, 2008
rhg says:
There's an open air park in the middle of a mall near my home. My wife and I go there often to relax and get some fresh air. But alas, there will always be those insensitive people who will sit next to you and smoke their way into your lungs! (It's illegal to smoke inside the mall so smokers go outside to smoke.) So, every time we go to the park, I'm kinda paranoid always looking around as to who's the next nincompoop who will sit near our bench and light up a smoke.
Posted February 13, 2008
Christene says:
Like I've mentioned further down this list...I will delete any post with vulgar language. You may resubmit your thoughts though. I do want everyone to be heard.
Posted February 13, 2008
anton55 says:
I run a movie theatre and it drives me crazy when people smoke outside, and I have to pick up their dirty cigarette butts all over the ground. It's disgusting and luckily it's against the law in Arizona to smoke outside of a business within a certain distance. I gladly call out the police on smokers because they not only inhibit my breathing, but they litter also. Some of my employees sneak away from work to smoke. If I see them smoking outside the door I call the police on them too. Why should they get an extra break when non-smokers don't. Whenever I drive behind a smoker I can smell it in my vehicle. It's disgusting and it controls peoples lives.
Posted February 13, 2008
Papier says:
Absolutely - each time I walk down the city sidewalk I am forced to inhale cigarette smoke all along the way, and clouds of smoke while waiting for lights to change at intersections. Smoking should be banned everywhere except inside a house or apartment. I'm all choked up about this unsolicited damage to my health caused by smokers. Where's my right to clean air!!!
Posted February 13, 2008
Christene says:
Sigh. You are missing my point. I'll try one last time.
You said "Denying people their god-given right to smoke." How can you say it's a "god-given right" when God, for those who believe, said "thou shall not kill." I would not use God to defend either side of this argument. But you chose to do so, and I responded.
Posted February 13, 2008
Christene says:
Mad Ape: No, sir. You used God in your post to defend your choice. I do not think God has anything to do with this decision, or that of abortion which has nothing to do with this debate.
Posted February 13, 2008
MMMomma says:
talk to my mother who is in CCU again because of second hand smoke. Some people are so inconsiderate. She quit smoking but still having to deal with people who think second had smokes does not hurt!! Talk to her while she is wearing her oxygen mask o.k.
Posted February 13, 2008
Captain Zana says:
I agree
Posted February 13, 2008
NorDac says:
There was a statement that "government and people telling me how I and everyone else should live their lives"
No, this is the governments way of telling people how they don't have the right to affect other peoples lives. If you want to smoke, that is your decision. Likewise if you want to drink that is your decision. The problem is when your choice adversely affect the rights of others around you.
Posted February 13, 2008
Christene says:
Mad Ape: If you want to bring God into the debate. What about "thou shall not kill"? It has been proven that smoking kills. So, ya...God doesn't want you to smoke either. ;)
Posted February 13, 2008
JarredStanley says:
I especially dislike people who smoke in public places, while other non-smokers are present. It absolutely ignorant. Smokers lungs and sense of smell are so messed up that they have no idea that the smell, and harmful chemicals within the smoke, is lingering in the air sometimes 15-20 feet from them. They actually believe that blowing the chemically laced smoke in the other direction is ok.. regardless of wind direction. Ignorant! Oh, a little off topic but still relevant is what these "smokers" do with the finished cigarette after they "use". In public, driving or walking, they feel it totally appropriate to drop it on the ground and step on it. Somehow they believe this is not littering. Hmm So, to sum up this addictive habit.. They are killing themselves, contributing to innocent people getting lung cancer and making the earth disgusting for everyone. Good job!
Posted February 13, 2008
christinecedar says:
Yep, the vile weed that kills, places not only the smoker in the ground/air sooner than need be, but endangers all that surround him/her. Puk, Yuk ...
Give it up, and rather live it up!
Posted February 13, 2008
tmackarney says:
I agree that smoking should be banned in public places. But, I have a problem with what is considered a public place. A public place is the post office, the local rink or the hallway in the mall. I feel that a business is not necessarily a public place. A bar or a restaurant should be allowed to cater to any demographic they want to. If that happens to be smokers that should be their choice. Non smokers have the choice not to patronize those businesses.
As an example, in the small town that I live in the local pub does not have to start serving Kosher food when a Jewish family moves to town. Now if the owner chose to start at that point, that should be his decision. And it should be the same with smoking. If the pub wishes to cater to smokers it should be up to owner. The point being that a (private) business should have the right to cater to the demographic of their choice. (This example is just to illustrate a point, no prejudice is intended.) For that matter if a Jewish family has a Kosher restaurant would it not be ridiculous to force them to cater to any other group? I say it would be.
However I also think that smoking should be banned in some private places. Where I live you are not allowed to smoke in your car if you have children under 16 in your vehicle. This is a good law.
The moral of the story is that the people that need to be protected are the ones that can't choose for themselves.
If cigarettes are so deadly they should be made illegal and not sold at all. So the real problem is that governments are playing both sides. On one side they make lame laws like you have to be 16 to buy smokes (I see under 16's smoking regularly), or you can't smoke in pubs (80 to 90 % of patrons are smokers and have to go outside). This makes it look like they are doing something. Then on the other side they still allow the sale of millions of cigarettes and rake in the tax dollars.
Posted February 13, 2008
Kathy says:
I was in a long line recently, and someone about 30 feet in front of us was smoking. You wouldn't believe how many people were coughing from breathing that smoke, and there were even some who got out of line temporarily to get away from it. Smokers don't often realize the impact they have on others, since people don't want to risk the reaction they'll get if they ask them to stop. My daughter has asthma, and smoke really bothers her. I should be brave enough to let people know the impact they have on her, but I don't since it's not illegal.
Posted February 13, 2008
Larry says:
Yeah, I wonder if they'd mind if we permeate the air they breathe by urinating next to them while they and their children eat. I think they'd get it if we all took a leak on their shoes. And we still wouldn't be exposing them to the cancer causing carcinogens, just the unpleasant odor that accompanies their nasty habit.
Posted February 13, 2008
kitty says:
It's not legal here in Canada...people have to stand so many feet away from the door if they want to smoke. They still need to do something about smoke entering apartments from neighbours that smoke. They should find some way to seal the units.
Posted February 13, 2008
BrianT says:
Here in the UK the Nanny State Police have already outlawed smoking inside any buildings, restaurants, bus and rail stations, and of course pubs and nightclubs - even private clubs. The consequences are still hard to measure or assess (it only happened last June) but the difference it has made to the internal environment is easy to sense.
For anyone to take a stance that smoking is in any way a bad choice is utterly beyond belief. Look at the big population studies, and the evidence is as clear as day in a smoke-free environment. It accelerates the progression of coronary and cardiovascular diseases, causes all kinds of respiratory problems that can also be terminal/lethal, and also makes people who do it smell like ashtrays.
Smoking is for losers. Wherever they are. It's possibly the stupidest thing that anyone can do voluntarily that doesn't involve breaking the law.
Posted February 13, 2008
site-builder says:
Smoking should be banned indoor but not outdoors. I used to be
a smoker and I work in a casino where smoking is allowed on the
casino floor only. If smoking were banned both indoors and out
then the casino would lose a ton of business. It's a double edge
sword without an easy solution.
Posted February 13, 2008
Moondial says:
I am a smoker, but I have been doing my research, stuff the smoking, legalize cannabis, it's less deadly that nicotine.
Posted February 13, 2008
genglo says:
We attend more concerts and dine in more restaurants now that Ohio has a smoking ban. The thick cigarette smoke used to make it very uncomfortable to attend concerts in bars and small theaters as well as making restaurants less enjoyable. Now, everyone can enjoy a dinner or a show and the smokers are free to go outside and smoke, if they must.
Posted February 13, 2008
Goody says:
Definitely!
i think its really sad that non smokers have to be subjected to other peoples addiction...you wanna smoke, fill your house with it and inhale it all day if you like..but why do i have to?
and besides, its so gross!
Posted February 13, 2008
Tommy says:
no smoking any where I am for it. I just had a ct scan and it showed two spots on my lungs. This is from second hand smoke because I have never smoked. I worked in a smoke enviorment work place for 22 years and this is what I got.
Posted February 13, 2008
rtyndall says:
In this day and age, if you don't know that smoking kills, your dumber than a fence post. And second hand smoke is worse. Smokers are typical of any addict. They have no consideration for other people as long as they can support there habit.
In my opinion nicotine should be in the same category as heroin.
It is more addictive.
Posted February 13, 2008
Erin says:
As a mother of children of course I'm for banning smoking, but, more importantly as a mother of young children whose 46 year old father died of lung cancer because of smoking, I can't think any other way but to stop it now. Ultimately look at what we tell our children with our actions, we tell them not to smoke and then they see it everywhere. Smokers and former smokers know it's addicting, why would we in anyway want our children to do the same thing we so hard wish we didn't(yes I know some don't want to quit, neither did my husband, wonder would he would say now), they are the future.
Posted February 13, 2008
Pamela says:
I agree with Christine....I think smoking should be banned from ALL public places....I hate having to cover my mouth while walking into a store or having to go to the other entrance only to find more people smoking at htat end.....I think cigarettes should be banned from this world- cigars too- driving down the road if you drive next to someone and your windows are closed the smell goes through your vent- disgusting- why should I be subjected to that- yuck!!
Posted February 13, 2008
Liz says:
The world is such a better place with cleaner air to breath. It's nice to walk into a restaurant and not have to worry about sitting in the smoking or non-smoking section. Let's be honest, the smell carries over. The worst is going to a hotel where they haven't banned smoking in the rooms. It stinks, and makes my allergies act up. Smoking should be banned in all public areas, indoors and out. Maybe if we ban smoking outdoors in public places we won't find the cigarette stubs on the ground that people are too lazy to walk over to a trash can and throw away.
Posted February 13, 2008
Deb says:
yes it should be banned and I used to be a smoker, Had a stroke last may 2007 never touched one again!
Posted February 13, 2008
gwineth says:
I do agree with banning smoking from indoor places. I do prefer outdoor sites that have special sites for smokers, as I do not like to have people around me smoking cigarettes
Posted February 13, 2008
mslinda99654 says:
Stop Smoking, Start Living! There Is not one thing positive about smoking. It is a debilitating action to the mind , body and spirit. And it is offensive to innocent children that have top cross an entryway to a store that has people smoking outside! It needs to stop, right now!
Posted February 13, 2008
mslinda99654 says:
NO SMOKING OUTSIDE BUISNESSES Entryways!! I did not smoke while I was pregant I don't smoke, period , neither do my toddlers(lol), But the absolute strangers polluting the air outside the entryways to any store needs to stop. It should be banned, period. There is nothing positive about smoking people, Cmon!
Posted February 13, 2008
jeffwend says:
I love live music. But I absolutely hate it when I go out to an indoor concert or bar and come home reaking of smoke! It makes me feel ill and smell terrible.
Posted February 12, 2008
Akiii says:
Smoking should be a solo and not around other people. Many times at public places like the train station i will have some smokers site with me and it disturbs me. I find myself forced to walk away (even though i was there first). Also as already stated what a smoker breaths out is actually worse then what they are breathing in themsleves.
Posted February 12, 2008
SemperFidelis says:
Yup, definitely should be banned. Yukky stuff second hand smoke is!
Posted February 12, 2008
Tailhooker says:
One of the best decisions the U.S. Navy ever made was to prohibit smoking on its ships. There are no documented adverse health affects resulting from six months at sea without a cigarette.
Today all men and women are now healthier than ever before.
Posted February 12, 2008
Nutrition4U says:
I definitely agree that smoking should be banned in all public places. What needs to be understood if you don't know all ready, even non-smokers are not safe. The reason being that second hand smoke gets into your lungs and develop free radicals sent to destroy your cells. Antioxidants are needed to clean up the damage that may prevent diseases like cancer from starting.
Posted February 12, 2008
Christopher_Scott says:
Smoking is terrible! I can't believe it's still legal in Indian Casinos!
Posted February 12, 2008
Benny says:
All tobacco products should be illegal. Period. The loss of the considerable tax revenue would be more than offset by the savings to the health system. There is not a single scientifically proven benefit to be found in smoking to offset the hundreds of smoking related health issues.
Posted February 12, 2008
garethjax says:
In italy smoking is forbidden in every public place, unless there's a proper ventilation system (which is extremely espensive). This prohibition has been created by a law only 4 years ago, but it helped us non-smokers to live better. I have no problem with outdoor smoking, providing they don't get too close.
Posted February 12, 2008
HealthCrazy says:
I'm cool with banning it. I feel like people should have the rights to do anything they want...as long as it doesn't harm anyone else.
That's where second-hand smoke crosses the line. Would it be wrong to have smoking-only rooms where that's all you could do, and the only place you could do it? =)
Being asthmatic and knowing people who's lives have been forever impacted negatively from smoking, I'd love to see it banned...
Posted February 12, 2008
mulberry says:
I agree with banning it everywhere in public only because it influences the health of those around you. Smokers negatively influence the health of others unlike other things like eating fatty foods, etc. In generally I don't like to see choices regulated...but this one forces the problem on those who don't choose to smoke.
Posted February 12, 2008
Peter.Murray says:
Smoking contributes to global warming.
Smokers are welcome to harm themselves with their freedom to smoke. Even outdoors second-hand smoke is not always avoidable and non-smokers should not have their freedom to breathe clean air (or smog) restricted by selfish smokers.
Let's ban all smog producers too.
Posted February 12, 2008
Recession-Proof says:
Smoking should be banned from all public places. As much as it pains me to say it, if 2nd hand smoke is really bad for others who have made the choice not to smoke and they are being exposed to it, the case seems open and shut. Drunk drivers are banned from the road, we don't let people discharge guns in public, so why should we who don't smoke have to be exposed to it 2nd hand? We shouldn't.
Posted February 12, 2008
Christene says:
I went shopping today after work. The minute I opened the door to leave the store I was bombarded with smoke. People congregate to smoke where other people have no choice but to walk by. All I wanted to do was go from the store to my car. Why should I have to breathe in that waste?
Posted February 12, 2008
ShortSaleRealtor says:
Smoking should definetly be banned in all public places...
Posted February 12, 2008
staxxonline says:
There is nothing more obnoxious than being in a city that has not caught up with the ban (wagon) :). I hate going out and coming home smelling like an ashtray - but when I am in NYC or California, it's not an issue, because those progressive states have figured it out. Dallas is considering extending the ban to Bars - and I can't wait for it to come up in a vote!
Posted February 12, 2008
philly1 says:
Why don't we allow people to spray nerve gas in public air too!
Posted February 12, 2008
philly1 says:
"a majority of the non smokers complaining, they ususally pick the areas of a public where they see the smokers at, just so they have something to fuss about"
Are you serious? Why would anyone in their right mind purposefully try to get cancer and other horrible diseases. Smoking is bad for you, but SO MUCH WORSE for those inhaling secondhand smoke because they don't have the benefit of a filter.
Yes, smoking is an addiction. I personally believe every smoking company should be legally obligated to stop production of cigarettes and the like and help everyone quit. Too bad they have so much influence in our government :(
Posted February 12, 2008
Reiki-Relax says:
Bring it on. I am fed up with inhaling everyone else's smoke as they walk in front of me in the street.
Posted February 12, 2008
SmokeFree12Years says:
Many people quit cold turkey when they get bad results from their doctor. Many women quit forever when they first become pregnant. People don't smoke for several hours when they go to a concert or sporting event. People who are not allowed to smoke on work property have a greater chance of beating the cravings and quitting for good. Lots of people suffer when one person smokes in public. Only one person suffers when they refrain from smoking and have cravings.
Posted February 12, 2008
SmokeFree12Years says:
Lots of people quit cold turkey if their doctor says they will die if they don't quit immediately. Some smoke through their trach hole after surgery. But people can and do refrain for long periods and come out better for it.
Many women who are pregnant quit immediately, and in many cases, forever. Smokers who have long hospital stays don't smoke for that time. They beat the craving and never return to smoking. Smokers who go to msjor sporting events (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) don't smoke for 3-4 hours at a time - so they can control themselves. If you do not allow someone to smoke for 8+ hours at work, they will have a greater chance of quitting, not a lesser chance. It's all about willpower.
Posted February 12, 2008
BlackLungNot says:
Smoke is bad for anyone it touches. Therefore it should be banned everywhere that the public can come in contact with it. Smaoke in your home or in your car.
Posted February 12, 2008
Christene says:
Sorry, I'm going to be deleting vulgar language. Feel free to submit your opinion again though. I want both sides to speak up.
Posted February 12, 2008
Susan52 says:
I don't like government intervention, but smoke in public or private places is a poisonous health hazard, so public health trumps government restrictions in this case.
Posted February 12, 2008
abirge says:
As a previous smoker in college it is was hard enough to deal with not smoking in public places.Now the government wants to regulate the air too? However, the government has as much right to do this as the cigarette companies have to distribute a product that they know kills. I am believe that the government is well on the road to a new "prohibition", that of smoking.
Posted February 12, 2008
KimberlyDawnWells says:
Smoking is a tricky one because there is nothing to compare it to. There are no other legal habits that can have such a devastating affect on people who don't participate!
Posted February 12, 2008
Rajays says:
Smoking and ciggarettes should be banned completely... everywhere. Let alone the health risk to the smokers, the second hand smokers ... did you know it takes over a decade for the ciggarette butt to biodegrade. Not good for mother earth too.
Posted February 12, 2008
Rachel says:
Smoking killed my mother-in-law, and it was a long, painful, stressful death.
Posted February 11, 2008
boredofeducation says:
My sister sprayed Lysol on a houseguest who was smoking!
Posted February 11, 2008
MeganCasey says:
Thanks for the really important topic, Christene. For my part I try really hard to keep away from statements starting with "must" and "should" and, I usually loathe the idea of banning things, but in this case, there's just no gentler way to put it. It's not a myth or hunch opinion or prejudice anymore that second hand smoke is dangerous and damaging. It's fact.
Posted February 11, 2008
Christene says:
I'll answer for my 6 year old daughter. She holds her breath and covers her nose and mouth when walking down the sidewalk if a smoker walks by. No, I didn't teach her that. :(
Posted February 11, 2008
No way, Monkeybrain!
CRAZYgirl says:
ok alriite i knw its bad to smoke but people have the riite to do anything.its really hard for people to quit smokiin nd most of the time people actually do need it so dnt banned understand!
Posted December 16, 2009
john says:
keep smoking ppl!, the flue's that are manufactured by the ptb cause cytosine storms, these are unwanted immunity responses causing massive haemorrhages in lungs etc. A simple cigarette can stop these advances of bacteria in the lungs. Smoking kills bacteria.
Posted November 26, 2009
kab says:
We pride ourselves in our freedom. I don't smoke, but I appreciate their right too, because I know I have the right to walk away.
Posted November 19, 2009
ImportEyedeas says:
I think people should be very wary of a govt that seeks to restrict the rights and privileges of the people it serves. There are many damaging things we do as humans that cause harm to ourselves and each other but part of being a rational adult in a democratic society is making an Informed decision. Please take into consideration all the factors that Banning Smoking would require and ask yourself if you want the Govt to have that much control over your actions
Posted November 16, 2009
David says:
Like it or not, smokers have the same right to do to their bodies as you have to do to yours. Banning a legal substance is going to be very difficult to accomplish. When you start banning peoples rights, where does it stop? Maybe you can start banning other things you don't like, Do you like books? No? Ban them! Do you like music? No? Ban it! How about the freedowm of religion? No? Ban it! It seems some mentalities in this world are stuck on the word "BAN", without knowing the true meaning and the ramifications it. Get a real life and stop trying to force your views on other. Now there's a good ban, huh?
Posted November 14, 2009
Brady says:
It should be banned from public places for sure. As for outdoors, not so much. Not being a smoker, I get really mad when people subject me to the chemicals that they like in their body. In an indoor public place (restaurant) I can't get away from it. Smoking is not a right, it's a privilege. Sure, smoke if you want, it's your health, but as soon as your smoking infringes on MY health, we have a problem.
Posted November 13, 2009
andrewmcd says:
I htink it i a selfish idea. Where would people go for a fag? I don't smoke by the way?
Posted November 06, 2009
squidwalker says:
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Banned only in places where it is of consideration of the non smokers, but then again smoking related deaths from cancers is just huge and the associated costs for health care for it is of course billions, much of it subsidized. Banning smoking in the civilized world? hmmm..
Posted October 26, 2009
DeboraR says:
As an Xsmoker myself I'm angered by how far smokers have let the government go to take away their rights to smoke in public. Not only that but to let them add chemicals to their cigarettes to cause them to 'go out' if you don't puff on them enough in order to prevent you from burning your house down with you in it. And why would they care? If the smoking won't kill you then what will that chemical do for you? On top of that, they have added more taxes onto the cigarettes and I've not heard any protest over that. Excuse me 'smokers' but is the nicotine paralized your brains? Are you just rolling over and playing dead? If you want to keep lighting up you better start speaking up or pretty soon the government is gonna make it illegal for you to smoke. I guess they will always be the freedom to drink yourself into oblivian and drive. Its better to not advertise cigarrettes on TV and in magazines or your children will start smoking but let them drink and give them a formula for making METH instead! That will make the world a better place! Ya think?
Having said all that.....I thought it was good enough to let the smokers have a designated place to smoke away from the non-smokers.
Posted October 15, 2009
Hunter says:
Okay, let's just treat alll the smokerslike dogs and put outside. Oh and have you seen a smoker have a nicfit? I'd rather deal with second hand smoke. Thank you.
Posted October 07, 2009
PlayGuitarToday says:
Indoors - Yes, you can't get away from it, Outdoors I really can't see a problem...
Posted October 05, 2009
Mars-Bar says:
Smoking is fine as long as you keep away from the people who are smoking at that exact time
Posted October 03, 2009
Dillon K. says:
Its our personal choice to be smokers. If your willing to try to take away our rights just to meet your own satisfaction then you can technically be considered a terrorist. We all have our right to freedom of speech but freedom of speech has its limits.
Posted September 21, 2009
storge says:
Indoors-definitely yes
outdoors-not definite unless an area is specially allocated for smokers such as a smokers' zone.
Posted August 21, 2009
Sinderbox says:
I don't see how you can say smokers 'deliberately harm others'. Smokers don't go around purposefully blowing smoke at non-smokers.
Posted August 03, 2009
alexdunne9 says:
Ban smoking outdoors ??? what's next ban fast food and alcohol !!!
Anti-depressants and sleeping tablets are addictive and bad for you should we ban them as well and see everyone in the world go crazy ?
Posted July 29, 2009
homebasedangell says:
An ex-smoker - I despise smoking, smelling it, seeing it, knowing it exists... You get the picture. That said, until it's ILLEGAL to smoke, I don't understand how we can ban something that's perfectly legal to buy, use and so on and then turn around and say not here...or there. You didn't put a column for someone on the fence so I am going to put it in the yes column! Or may not.....!
Posted July 21, 2009
no problems here says:
I don't smoke but i do believe they should be allow to smoke in public places. How can you ban one thing and not others? Like drinking, fat people, skinny people, people with different hair color, gay people, straight people, etc...its all the same someone is always going to have a problem with something
Posted May 26, 2009
rj reynolds says:
thank you for smoking
Posted May 16, 2009
kgfdljhgefy says:
lolololol!
Posted April 23, 2009
reneh2o says:
Smoking Outdoors should be allowed, I don't see anything wrong with that.
Posted March 18, 2009
BlindOptimism says:
Although I don't like being around smokers, and agree with the current ban, I think it's unfair to take away their rights completely. Wouldn't a complete ban of smoking in public spacesonly leave them with their own homes? I think what we have right now is a fair compromise
Posted March 10, 2009
mysticmama says:
I'm sorry but whether you're a smoker or a non-smoker, everyone should be against our government having ant say-so at all about smoking. America is suposed to be a free country, if you let the government take away just one civil liberty, you open the door for them to take away all personal freedoms...Personally I don't want to make America another Nazi Germany...I say we abolish all anti-smoking laws now, before we lose all of our personal freedoms and all end up having to wear uniforms and read only government approved books...And if that's not enough, you'd better believe that your right to free speech and being able to have an opinion on squidoo are in serious danger, with every new law that passes that prohibits our rights to choose!
Posted February 27, 2009
Dkprincess6 says:
Excuse me! Indoors I can see it, but outdoors? Come on! Minnesota just enacted a smoking ban in all public places. Guess what happened? Dozens of businesses went under. They have smoking and non-smoking sections in places for a reason.
Posted February 27, 2009
elsie says:
Thats un-American
Posted February 26, 2009
brandmanager says:
Im trying to quit. Too many other things that can hurt you, kill you, scar you for life. I know smoking is bad...but we have rights also...
Posted February 19, 2009
Gabe says:
How did we get here. The Country that is the greatest champions democracy. How is it that we live in a time where the people can not recognize the difference between democracy and tyranny.
I am tired of seeing Representatives get away with justifying their support of the smoking ban by pointing to the polls. This is irrelevant. Property owners have rights. Anyone has a right to avoid a restaurant that allows smoking. Or can choose to work in a restaurant that does not allow smoking.
We need a government in Virginia that understands the limitations of government. Their are times in all our lives where we will sometimes stand in the majority and times when we will be in the minority.
There is a time for the will of the people and there is a time for individual rights. As citizens we must understand the difference.
If most the people in your neighborhood covered their lawns with astro-turf, well that would be their right. But if they wanted a law requiring you to kill the lawn you worked so hard on for years and replace it with astro-turf would that be ok because they are the majority.
Do you stand for a law to dictate how these business owners are to run the restaurant they have worked so long and hard to have. The government might as well plan their menus and take over their dept and responsibilities as well.
The market place has greatly limited the choses smoker has for dinning. Is it fair to quash it altogether.
If we don't stand for individual rights, then we will all at some point be targeted.
We must understand that a smoking ban runs contrary to our principals as Americans. I can not stress enough the importance of these principals.
If this law is passed, smokers will continue to smoke and non smokers will continue to have many options for smoke free dinning. The only thing that changes with the ban is that smokers will no longer have the freedom to choose. Doesn't sound much like America to me.
Posted February 10, 2009
stay out of my life says:
How about banning fast food too. lower income people with no insurance tend to eat more unhealthy fast food then higher income people with insurance, so there for when the lower income people develop health problems chances are they'll have to be taken care of by the government..i.e; mine and your tax money. and that would effect me... you people need to get a clue, one day they might want to ban something you enjoy doing.
Posted January 25, 2009
Jack2205 says:
Smoking should only be banned for indoor public places where children are.
Posted January 07, 2009
Dragonfiregrill says:
I am a smoker and have been for way too long, and I do not agree with your premise that all public smoking should be banned. I do, however, agree that smoking in public building should banned, primarily due to the confined space. I and 2 others in my household smoke but I will not allow smoking in my home. I do try to consider others when I smoke, I do not smoke where most people go, and consider it to be rude to smoke right in the entrance of an establishment. One thing that irritates me is for a non-smoker going to a smoking section and then complaining that people are smoking. hey the area is for smoking.
Many smokers have tried to accommodate non-smokers, but I will say that the bans have had a negative affect on many business, especially restaurants. What you say might be right but who else do you hurt when you ban something. you might want to think about that.
Posted December 31, 2008
paula says:
people that say these things are freaky people who think if we do ban smoking they will never get sick. Grow up stupid. what you eat is worse than poison. The truth is there is room enough in this world for every one. I don't see any one falling into outer space yet. They banned smoking in Arizona, and what happened? restaurants closed down , now we can't find a nice place to eat and enjoy ourselves anymore. You need to stop trying to run every one else s life and get a grip on reality.
Posted December 27, 2008
calyxa says:
I believe that some establishments should have the right to define themselves as a "smoking establishment." I won't go there, but I think it ought to be legal to do so.
Posted December 04, 2008
AvenueGirl says:
You probably have not heard of the electronic cigarette then. No tobacco, no fire, none of the 4000 toxic elements found in traditional cigarettes. People next to someone smoking (vaping) an electronic cigarette actually enjoy the aroma. Safe to smoke near people but looks like a real cigarette. Legal to smoke everywhere, but is misunderstood.
Posted November 23, 2008
Paul P. says:
Your car puts off more toxins... When you people stop driving your cars, and start walking everywhere, and shut down large factorys, that put off more CANCER causing toxins than my smokes, then I will stop smoking in public, until then, they can kiss my butt, and if they ever pass a law, I look forward to whiping my butt with the ticket.
Posted November 21, 2008
Radiomancb says:
I say if I am outside in public, then there should not be a ban. I am a respectful smoker also. If you see me smoking outside, don't come around me until I am finished. Non smokers sitting in a restaurant smoking section, is what started all this nonsense.
Posted November 15, 2008
jbauer0318 says:
NO NO NO... Its time our government take a step back and stop mandating so many silly rules. I know smoking is not popular with the "in" crowd but so what. Uptight non-smokers that are always complaining about stuff is not too popular with us smokers. So have a smoke and relax, we are all gonna die sometime. By the way, smoking ban or not, Americans are far healthier than anyother country. A much larger public health issue than smoking is overweight people. This is the trend that is killing Americans, not second hand smoke.
Posted November 13, 2008
LaurenKauf says:
The emissions from your car can cause cancer. The run off from manufacturing plants in your drinking water can cause cancer. You could cross the street and get hit by a truck. You could fall down the stairs and break your neck. If I am smoking a cigarette in a designated area and you (God forbid) have to walk around me as to not get a plume of smoke on you, I apologize for the inconvenience. However, where is the apology to me and my smoking buddies for your never ending complaining about us and to force us into a glass tank in the cold so we can smoke. The next time you see someone on tv inject a needle in their vein, snort a line of coke, or take a xanax make sure they apologize to you for their addiction. Maybe that will be my next get rich quick plan...an ALL SMOKING chain of bars. How will that go over? My question is...who is banning the non smokers from ruining my cigarette breaks? What it comes down to is "you shouldn't have to move for me and my rights" and "I should have to move for you and your rights". I think maybe we all should hit the peace pipe and mellow out a bit. ;)
Posted November 03, 2008
Jamie says:
It's PUBLIC space
Posted October 16, 2008
Spook says:
As a former Tobacco grower, believe it or not I know a bit about this. My wife is a nurse and therefore truly anti-smoking and we live in Ireland now where smoking is banned in all public places.
I'm a smoker sadly and can honestly say; it can't be good for you, however what gets to me most is that the anti-smoking lobby keep on giving IRRATIONAL ideologies on the dangers; you name it the only thing that people die of is smoking. All evidence to the contrary notwithstanding; this is patent nonsense and is one of the reasons I foolishly only pay lip service to what they have to say.
I know it is going to kill me but am going to end with; you know what? when smoking is finally outlawed people will still die from heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and everything else related to smoking nowadays; so then what killed them?
I would prefer to see a more balanced arguement instead of the current themes. Perhaps then, I would pay more attention to their arguements. With apologies to anyone I may have offended.
Posted October 04, 2008
Bluskimo says:
If people want to smoke in public, let them. I've never met anyone who was personally offended by the act of someone smoking in a public place. This is WHY they have smoking and non smoking sections. If people are SO worried about taking away the right for smokers to puff publicly, for the reason of secondhand smoke, why isn't anyone worried about AIR POLLUTION or WATER POLLUTION? That would probably kill you faster than secondhand smoke. I SAY LET THE SMOKERS SMOKE!
Posted September 26, 2008
sarahjjac says:
Bologna! I am a person too! There are many other things to worry about kiling you than my secondhand smoke. Banning smoking in outdoor areas is just plain discrimination!! Why not say we're going to ban non-smokers? Doesn't make sense!! The air you are breathing is killing you more than my smoke. (I would like to add that I am a respectful smoker,, if I am around someone who doesn't smoke,, I respect that!)
Posted September 22, 2008
TerriLorah says:
This isn't even an issue in my mind. Too many other things going on in this world to worry about than smoke. Too many other things that can hurt you, kill you, scar you for life. I know smoking is bad for me that's why I don't do it. I know if I walk into a place and it is filled with smoke, I should leave so it doesn't harm me. It doesn't take an intelligent person to figure that out. It's all part of life and the choices we make. You just have to use common sense. Thank God we are in a Country where we can do that or have people forgotten that concept of America?
Posted September 09, 2008
Arrecho says:
I say no, i dont smoke but having a non smoking area, and a smoking area is probably the most democratic way
Posted September 02, 2008
AffDental says:
Wait a minute! So what you're telling me is I don't have the right to smoke where ever I want for the risk of harming others? Who said you "non smokers" were so special? Why don't YOU go somewhere else then? And why is it that I can't smoke in public but thousands of people can go drink IN PUBLIC and get behind the wheel of a car and KILL an entire family. Was it THEIR choice to be killed, or should they have simply stayed at home because some jerk drank too much. Mark my words, until they reinstate the prohibition, I will smoke where ever I please! And I'll tell them where they can stick their ticket. The government should spend more money and more time focusing on the pedophiles and drunks then the people minding their business smoking in public. If you don't like my smoking, quit breathing!
Posted August 26, 2008
RexAll says:
banning smoking in a bar(which by the way is not a haven of healthy behavior)is crazy.in pa.they are working on it,but certain places that can prove that the ban may effect there business are exempt(like casinos)of course exemptions cost $$$,so it's about health or $$$.if a business chooses to have smoking,don't go in.
Posted August 05, 2008
ChloeComfort says:
I do not think it should be banned in ALL public places. People smoke and have been doing so for a long time. I am a smoker and have no problem going to a "smoking area" to light up but until smoking is considered illegal (like cocaine, heroine, etc.. - which it is NOT), it should not be banned.
Posted August 05, 2008
Donov123 says:
give me a break...live and let live. If you live in Los Angeles, the smog will kill you before any secondhand smoke will. I suppose if you live where there are no dangers whatsoever, then I'd agree that somking should be banned. However, it is very low on the list of what is more likely to hurt you if you live in the "real world".
Posted July 29, 2008
nonnahs627 says:
Smokers ruin the health of babies and small children, and adults as well. I'm only 18 and I'm smart enough to not smoke for the sake of my health!
Posted July 29, 2008
entropy says:
People for this policy think that smoking should be banned in all public places because it's a threat to other people's health. However, why is the jurisdiction given to take away people's right to smoke? Just because it's a threat to other people? Well, take this example. Say somebody tripped and knocked someone over, breaking their arm. Obviously, the act of them tripping was a threat. So does that mean "Tripping should be banned in all public places. Indoors and out."?
Posted July 29, 2008
blanton1624 says:
When this smoking issue came up years ago, many smokers said, "You're goal is to BAN smoking" and the answer was, "Oh, No. That's not it. We're concerned about your health. Well, here we are. Ban! Ban! Ban! The governments view is, if they can't control it, just ban it. How about we let this no smoking thing lay for awhile and find another dead horse to drag through the mud for awhile. They get on something and wear it out. Enough.
Posted July 24, 2008
Jimmy G says:
The smoking ban fanatics care not a whit about your health. They're all about control. The vehicle they drive spews more poisons into the air in a week than my smoking will in a lifetime.
Posted July 13, 2008
mee matte says:
i feel if people want to ruin there health by smoking them let em do its there bodies there distroyin as long as they smoke near windows!!
Posted July 13, 2008
earthmotherselfheal says:
Then we should also ban law mowers, diesel vehicles, large factories world wide, and poisonous thoughts.
Smiles,
Donna
Posted July 10, 2008
jimmil60 says:
Smoking is BAD for you. At work, I always let people know that it is destroying their health. However, having said that, it think that there are certain places, like bars(as long as people know it is a smoking bar) or restaurants(again, people should be informed.) If I don't want to frequent a place that allows smoking, I won't. If it is a place that there are no options, like an airplane, public park - where someone could just come up and sit next to you and smoke - it should be banned. Regulations should be minimal and give choices where possible.
Posted July 06, 2008
breckh says:
Inside yes, outside in a designated area away from windows and doorways probably not. I don't smoke, my husband smokes cigars (outside). I don't like it but he doesn't say anything about my pot smoking so I guess he can have a cigar once in a while.
If the Govt. has to have their hand in something to be annoying wish they would work on the gun control issues. I'm tired of reading about kids killing kids.
Posted July 05, 2008
Paul Richtmyer says:
Fascists. If you don't like it, walk away. There's nothing more annoying than a non-smoker sitting in a smokey room bitching about it. Just leave.
Posted July 02, 2008
Griever says:
Why stop there? Why not ban smokers themselves from public places so we don't have to smell the smoke coming off them as well? We could put them off in little camps on their own and they could work to earn cigarettes and... oh wait, that's Nazism.
While I think it's a good idea to ban smoking from some areas, and I think cigarettes are just a horrible idea in general, this kind of thing only leads to more serious issues of what the government can and can't control.
I wouldn't mind if smoking disappeared all together, but if you make it impossible for smokers to get their fix every once in a while you're gonna have a lot of really grumpy people on your hands.
Posted June 30, 2008
WhitU4ever says:
Granted, people who smoke aren't too concerned about their own health, and there are long-term consequences, which is one of the many reasons why I don't smoke. But there is obviously a very big difference between a temporary 2-minute to 2-hour moment of breathing side-stream smoke every once in a great while because you happen to smell it in a restaurant or passing by someone who smokes and doing it EVERY 2-4 hours of your life every day of your life because it is your habit. Furthermore, since smokers may already be in danger of suffering consequences such as lung cancer and emphesyma if they don't quit before it is too late, let me ask you: What do you think the consequences should be? Jail? Should we do the same with people who ingest high amounts of caffeine, since we know it is also the cause of liver and kidney problems? Perhaps we should use governement regulations to limit the amount of sugar and candy we are allowed to feed our children, or even ourselves, or junk food! I mean, we have lost enough of our freedoms already. I just heard on the radio that when a father took his child to emergency due to a bad sunburn, he was arrested for abuse. When will we stop micro-legislating these issues and, as intended from the start of our country that is slowly losing the freedoms many have sacrificed their lives to keep free, let people think, choose, and "breath" for themselves?
Posted June 12, 2008
AslanBooks says:
Though I do not smoke (I'll smoke a good cigar once every 10 years), I do not believe the government should step in. Businesses should have the right to ban or allow smoking in their establishments. Power to the People!
Posted June 07, 2008
jamacian cuban american sexi chic says:
people should be able to smoke in a certain areas because i do not think that non smokers should have to suffer that horrible smell from smoking and second hand smoke is very dangerous and whoever made ciggrattes is stupid because it is not worth loosing your lungs and getting cancer over a 5$ pack of deadly.
Posted June 01, 2008
chickadeerachie says:
My parents smoke and nothings happened to them so you are rushing alot of people!!!
Posted May 31, 2008
Michael from Hawaii says:
Concenting adults have a right to choose for themselves on private property such as a bar.
Let the free market decide, let the owner decide what's right for his or her patrons. The owner is ultimately accoutable with the success of their business as to what folks want.
Posted May 30, 2008
BingoBob says:
I come at this from probably a unique perspective, because I run a charitable gaming distributorship. We help a large number of charities raise funds for their worthy causes through charity bingo games. And, I believe because of the nature of this industry, charitable bingos should be exempt from smoking bans.
For whatever reason, bingo players have a heavy population of smokers amon them. When smoking bans are established, these smokers generally run to the nearest casino (which are almost always exempt from smoking bans) and away from their charity bingos. When this happens, women's shelters, veteran's groups, schools, and many other worthy charities lose funding.
While I'm no fan of smoking, I believe that in this industry if one larger group (the casinos) are allowed to have smoking, it is only fair that their smaller competitors (charity bingos) are allowed the same privelage. They should compete on the same playing field. Therefore, I believe charity bingos should remain exempt from smoking bans.
Posted May 27, 2008
futurmajic says:
Big government should be banned in all places. Government creates problems which cause unhappiness, misery and suffering. Unhappy, miserable suffering people make poor decisions such as smoking, aborting, drugs, abuse and so on.
Posted May 27, 2008
thumper1469 says:
Lets see. After we ban smoking in public places, cause "it stinks", lets ban all the idiots out there that bath themselves with sometimes horrid smelling colognes and perfumes and then go out "in public". Holy crap, ever been on a bus, or in a restaurant trying to enjoy a meal and the person in the booth next to your table smells like a whorehouse? It sucks!! Smoking is bad, and should be done on ones "own time and space", I agree. You ever watched some poor person having a severe allergic reaction to ciggarette smoke? I doubt it. Ever have to perform an emergency trach on some poor person having a severe allergic reaction to something somebody thinks they have to splash on before going out in public? Been there done that!! Lets get real people.. Oh by the way...Im a smoker.
Posted May 26, 2008
Runningbandit says:
I am not a smoker, but I believe that if a person wants to smoke in public they have the right to. I live in Michigan and Ohio(at least Toledo) has banned all public smoking. So when the jackasses come up here they act like it's a sin and just so rediculous that bars, diners and other public places have smoking and will bitch about it. If you don't like the fact that someone on the other side of Denny's or a bar is smoking, don't complain about it just leave, it's that simple. Another thing is when I went to the Toledo Zoo last year they had a little 10 X 10 section for smokers and people had actually came up to my brother who smokes and was in that area and told him that his smoke was blowing where they were walking. I dunno, guess i am just rambling, but as long as they aren't holding me down and blowing smoke in my face I'll be fine.
Posted May 22, 2008
slotsofprofit says:
You are correct if it is an area that does not allow smoking. However, if an establishment allows smoking then non-smokers should stay out if they don't like the smoke. I don't approve of people telling a business owner what he can and cannot do in the establishment he pays for. So, if you are a non-smoker then you should frequent smoke free establishments and leave the smoking establishments to the smokers and people who don't mind.
Posted May 21, 2008
BodyBuildingKing says:
Don't smoke its bad for you, but I don't think it should get banned in all public places.
Posted May 21, 2008
sharkytoon says:
No Way! As long as the other person does not mind it, smoking should not be banned in public places. Such a stupid rule only gives policemen in underdeveloped nations a way to make money. They catch people everywhere and charge anywhere around a couple of dollars for people smoking in public places. This is crap.
Posted May 21, 2008
gmarcus says:
Hell no. Until smoking is made into an illegal substance, then there should not be any restrictions put in place on public places. It should be the decision of business owners to create a suitable environment for smokers and non-smokers alike. Let the market decide.
Posted May 19, 2008
spices says:
ok smoking is bad for you but people should have the right to do what they want within reason
Posted May 15, 2008
shy says:
try to figure out how it is possible that more children of smokers would die, yourself. it's very logical
Posted May 14, 2008
shy says:
what would happen if you could only smoke at home? you would become VERY sick, and have to go to hospital together wth all the other smokers. therefor hospitals would overflow. also, if smokers were to have children, they would be much more affected than others, and might harm people that way, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted May 14, 2008
Rxadvocate says:
I only smoke cigars and can't stand the smell of cigarettes. I think that each establishment should be free to set their own rules. I would prefer to eat someplace that doesnt allow smoking but if I really liked a place and they allowed smoking the I need to make the call. Is it worth it. There shouldnt be a law. If a place wants to go smoke free, they will be rewarded IF THERE IS A DEMAND for it. If they want to allow smoking and business is GREAT then they made the right call.
Leave it up to the people with free choice.
Posted May 13, 2008
NightSquid says:
No Communists and Socialists to the Left Americans to the Right!
Posted May 12, 2008
SIEG HEIL says:
Smoking is cool. Just look at the smokers on waterworld, they had guns, jet skis, and a a leader with one eye.
Posted May 12, 2008
netventurer says:
Well, they did pass such a law here in Central Arkansas banning smoking from restaurants or bar/restaurants that allowed persons under the age of 21 through the door.
It didn't take long for the construction boom as place after place after place built outdoor patios in an effort to get their customers back. And a lot of wait staff under age 21 were dismissed because they couldn't work in a place where smoking was allowed.
Posted May 09, 2008
HealthyRasta says:
Honestly, I hate cigarette, my mother has been smoking ever since i was a kid and she is a HEAVY smoker... but just because I DONT LIKE IT, doesnt mean that I have to put pressure on the government to BAN IT... I am against banning any substance... The government should not ban and make this or that illegal, the government should educate the population and let them chose for themselves...
A restaurant, a casino, a mall etc, these are "public" places but in reality they are owned by corporations... I think they should decide if they want to please non smokers and ban it in their building or if they want to have special zones for smokers or whatnot... it is not up to the government to do this...
I think that smoking cigarette is pretty bad, if someone knows exactly what are the effect and decide to do it, let him be... the problem is people got hooked on this when they didnt know how bad it was, and now its hard to stop... but thats another story...
Posted May 06, 2008
susana says:
Smoking is one of the leading killers in North America and innocent
people shouldn't die because of it. For years people have been smoking
in public thinking 'it's my body, I can do whatever I want to it,' but
now that it has been proven that smoking not only harms the smoker,
but also those around him or her, they should not be allowed to smoke
around other people in public. Smoking in public places causes a
considerable amount of harm to people and the government should be
doing more to protect its citizens
Argument 2:
Cigarettes are full of many harmful substances and if many people knew
what they were inhaling they would probably quit immediately.
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, over sixty of which
can cause cancer.
i am 9 years old see ya
Posted May 05, 2008
HerbalRemedies says:
I hate the smell of cigarette smoke myself but somehow don't think that my rights should be put above the rights of others. I feel that public places belong to smokers as well as non-smokers, both are members of the "public" and pay taxes that support those areas.
Posted May 04, 2008
jarose27 says:
Of all the people they say are effected by secand hand smoke I've yet to ever meet one, no one I no has ever met one, I bet you don't know one. Now I am not a smoker but I still think people have A right to kill themselves. If I don't want to be around smoke, I don't go to bars Cause honestly, is there any other place where its still a problem?
WORD!
Posted May 01, 2008
Danielle says:
The decision to have smoking or not in a public place should be the decision of the business owner. It is thier choice on how to run thier business and if you dont want to be affected by the smoke, go somewhere else.
If it was my business I would ban it. I think it would be better for business and people could always go outside and smoke. That is fine with me.
Posted May 01, 2008
Marige says:
Go ahead and ban smoking... that won't change the quality of the air, which is much more seriously impacted by the TONS of toxins spewed into our air each and every day for the last 100 years by everything from car exhaust to factory output, all of which is in the upper atmosphere and winds its way into our lungs each and every day.
Believing that something as small as cigarette smoking has any serious impact is just -- well, what it is, is within reach. It's something you can see. But it's really only the tip of the iceberg.
You want to stop being harmed by toxins? Stop breathing. OR, better still, go after the ones that really cause the damage and leave the little guys alone.
FYI: carcinogens are the leading toxin in cigarettes. Want to know what ELSE contains concinogens? How about any grilled food? One hamburger flame-broiled or grilled contains as many carcinogens as a whole pack of cigarettes. NOW who's harming you?
I have personally know several leading chemists and scientists who all agree: second hand smoking is the biggest myth of the modern age. First of all, there is no REAL way to prove the hypothesis because it is impossible to remove a test subject from 100% exposure to the general atmosphere-- which, HAS been proven to have high levels of all those toxins you mention.
And the whole witch hunt against smokers and second-hand smoking began only because one of the Surgeon Generals, C. Everett Koop, had a personal vendetta against cigarette smoking.
Posted April 30, 2008
says:
It already is where Im at! Dont agree with you of course,because I am one of those lowly smokers....And YES non smokers have tried to sit aside a little corner for the smokers,thereby taking away their freedom.I as a smoker did not smoke around other people that did not smoke because it was my personal choice...Never because a non smoker pushed me into it.
Posted April 29, 2008
Mymarketingadvisor says:
get a grip! Out doors is an all right place to smoke..where else are we to go?You reformed smokers or just plain pains itb..blame smoking for everything.
Ever stand in a bus stop? In a subway? How about just on a corner in a city.You'll get more toxins than you will standing next to a smoker.
Want to stop the buses from coming down your street? Good luck!
We are not responsible for everyone's illness.
How about they just make the cigarettes less toxic?
Then will you leave us alone?
or go pick on alcoholics..how much trouble does alcohol cause?
don't bother putting down your beer to answer..
I won't be in your bar..I'll stick to the ones that let me smoke with my beer.
Hope you remember that it's everyone's space..we don't need to be sent to our 'own' space..we get to share..just like you do..sorry if you don't like it..we have rights also..get used to it. go pick on someone that really set out to hurt people.
Posted April 28, 2008
Stephen_Smith says:
I am so against this it makes my teeth hurt. Yes, I agree that smokers can be rude. So are jacka$$3s that talk on their cell phones in public. "Look at me, I am so cool and important!"
Let's just go back to common decency. Let's respect one another. If you don't like smoking and drinking and whatever, don't go to bars and casinos.
I love restaurants, and always sit in the non-smoking section. I never smoke where people are eating. "Outside" is another story. Folks need to stop obsessing over catching a whiff of "second-hand smoke". More poisons are generated by a half-dozen cars driving by than by 50 smokers.
The chemicals in your water, like flouride, are much much worse. (read this http://tinyurl.com/246qkx and plant a garden) Do you know what's in your clothes? Or any household products imported from China? I trust that you also wash your fruits and vegetables, they are covered with chemicals, and pumped full of CO2 (that's what makes them ripen in transit).
Give it a break. Please.
Posted April 24, 2008
Chris_Fahey says:
Are you speaking of banning smoking in public places such as the street, the grass in front of the county courthouse, etc? Or are you speaking of banning smoking in "public places" such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc.
It seems that many of you are speaking about the latter. Well, unfortunately, you don't have a "right" to eat at a particular restaurant, or drink at a particular bar. It is, at least according to the Constitution, the right of the proprietor to determine whether or not he wants to allow smoking. Give me a break!
Posted April 24, 2008
Kirsty McD says:
Well to be honest, can banning smoking really be the answer to wiping cancer and coronary heart disease all together off of the face of the earth? No i think not. Everybody is entitled to their civil rights, smokers should be allowed to smoke in the designated areas when they wish to. non-smokers therefore have no reason to go into these areas and can stay out oif the way of potentiially harmful secondhand smoke. Even though i am myself a non-smoker i do believe that smokers who started and got themselves into the habit have got themselves into their own mess and frankly can get themselves out of it again. However that does not give us the liberty to tell them what they cannot do. This debate is going to be ever lasting and nothing will be done about it. so i say we just get used to the current situation now and deal with it.
Posted April 23, 2008
Mobiiart says:
I think each business should decide what they want to do. They can put a sign on the door saying "allowed" or "not allowed. I understand that non-smokers don't want to be slammed with 2nd hand smoke, but by the same token, I damn sure don't want to listen to them piss and moan about it while I am trying to relax with a beer and a cig.
Posted April 23, 2008
aasam08 says:
everyone always goes on about non smokers and their rights, what about the rights of the smokers, why do we get treated any differently than non smokers, we are the same, were all human, if smoking was banned where do you think they would find the profit from all the tobacco that is sold, it would mean the cost of living would go through the roof, and to be fair, the argument with the enviroment is a load of crap, there is so many toxic chemicals in the air anyway, there is no point moaning about smoke, you can die from just breathing in our already polluted air, smoking has been and always will be around you cant ban it in public because it cant be enforced, you would need a copper or enviromental officer on every street corner watching people and that then starts entering the privacy law, it just cant be done, so all you non smokers, stop whinging and just get on with your lives, there is more important things to worry about.
Posted April 21, 2008
Jennifer Telles says:
I think that it should be banned from all public places. but indoors and not outdoors because you are outside and people that smoke they should have a right to smoke outside.
Posted April 18, 2008
Kizanth says:
Personal accountability should not be forced by law. I have the right to choose what to do to my body, whether it is smoking, doing hard drugs, rolling around in bed with strange people, or doing precisely the opposite!
Likewise, you have the choice and option not to be where I am while I smoke. I have the choice and option to be polite and stay away from you while I'm smoking if I know you are not approving of the behavior.
Posted April 18, 2008
Calagara says:
INDOORS ONLY - I quit 20 years ago and think it is a vile habit, but it should only be banned in public service facilities confined to an indoor space IE: places EVERYONE has to have access to - like the DMV, the bank, the hospitals. I can't agree with a blanket "all public places." Private businesses (restaurants, stores and bars) should have the option to designate their place of business as "no smoking" or "smoking". That way, the clientele have the option to patronize or not patronize based on their preference. Dictating policy to a privately owned establishment based on your preference is not a constititional right and should not be a governmentally regulated issue. PERIOD.
Posted April 17, 2008
Shirese says:
No, they should not.
Posted April 16, 2008
Mellowd says:
I don't agree I'm a smoker however I do agree it should be banned in resturants but if you are outside you are not surrounded by smoke. I may smoke but I respect the people who don't and would never force them to breathe it in. Down here in Fla they have banned smoking in bars if they serve food. It sucks for us smokers who want to go out and have a beer however I can see their point and I just go to the bars that allow smoking in them. I think it hurts non smoking bar business though because I know a lot of smokers who do the same.
Posted April 15, 2008
Liz says:
let me smoke
Posted April 15, 2008
Noelle says:
no it shouldn't be banned. im not a smoker, and I don't like the breathing in smoking places. But Smokers have rights too, & banning smoking could also lead to downfall of buissness. I looked up more about the topic and it changed my opinion. I looked at the other side instead of just one.
Posted April 14, 2008
dtbs says:
i no longer smoke (smoker for 10 years or so). However, I don't feel that big brother laws are the way to a healthier world. Taking away people's choice is not a humanly moral or Christian stance. The "second hand smoke" routine was actually dreamed up by the Ad council years ago in efforts to combat the tobacco company. It really spawned from an effort to take down lobbyist, not to promote good health. Not that I'm saying everyone should be subject to toxic fumes from smokers in all public outlets, ie: restaurants, etc., but I do feel that a public park enables too much space between smokers and nonsmokers to writ a law such as this. Thank you for a great outlet for debate, this is an excellent lens!
Posted April 12, 2008
ricky-macleod says:
i disagree about smoking being banned in all public places
our goverment gave it now they are taking it away if we all give up smoking then there would be something else to stop eg.drinking driving cars using planes and all the other things that pollute this planet.we all love barbecues what effect does that have on yor lungs should there be a ban on barbecues or would we make this world a better place by not making anything smoke.if a club or a bar wanted people to smoke its down to them if i didnt smoke and the bar down the road allowed smokers i would go elsewhere no point in being a funsucker
Posted April 12, 2008
Health101 says:
This is a tough one. I would say that smoking should be banned only in certain places, but not all public places. I could go either way on this one.
Posted April 11, 2008
JerryB says:
I don't smoke but still think that it's wrong to force our will on others. If banning smoking was really all about health we would be gripping about excessive driving and much more. Iowa just banned smoking in public places except for casino floors. Why? Because they make to much money from casinos. They even have something in the ban about smoking in your own home! Now that is "going to far"!
Posted April 10, 2008
Crystal_Booth says:
I have smoked for 15 years now and I agree that it is not healthy. I do realize that other people do not enjoy being around it and I respect the no smoking laws indoors... But I do not feel it is right to ban smoking outdoors. Cars put out way more toxins than cigarettes and I don't see anyone trying to ban them. I also don't think anyone can tell me that I can not smoke in my car or in my house. It is my right to choose to smoke in my own property.
Posted April 09, 2008
greg2213 says:
I've never smoked. The idea that 2nd hand smoke is as dangerous as 1st hand smoke is silly, especially in an open public place. 1st hand smoke is far more dangerous to the smoker than 2nd hand is to us. (I'm not talking about smoke filled poker rooms, here.) In those areas 2nd hand smoke is about as dangerous as farts.
INdoors the designated smoking area is fine by me, as long as the ventilation in the system makes it real. I don't want to breathe people's smoke and I don't want to breathe their farts or excessive perfume.
I also feel that if a business wants to allow smoking or become *smoking only* then they should be allowed to do just that. I'm firmly in that camp that people are generally smart enough to make their own choices and don't need a Gov nanny to make them for them.
That said, people should be polite enough to ask before lighting up their disgusting habit. Or move to a more open area.
Posted April 09, 2008
Turtle says:
In an airplane, a public office building I understand. I have no problem going outside to smoke. However, taking away the option to have smoking in places like bars or venues is ridiculous. Watching now half filled bars with fifteen smokers all outside is outrageous. Don't ban smoking in bars, give them the option. If it's a non smoking bar, Fine, I'll go to the smoking bar down the street. And if someone tell's me I can't smoke while I walk down a city sidewalk, whether its a health dept. or not, I'm gonna light them on fire with my ciggarette. :)
Posted April 08, 2008
Doug says:
I'm a non-smoker and am highly allergic to cigarettes. I agree with you for the most part. But to completely ban smoking from all public places though is a bit of a stretch. We just need a better system to keep these disgusting smokers out of the reach of the general public so the rest of us can breath in peace. Kind of like hospitals do these days with their hazy boxed in smoking areas outside where smokers can gather to share their cancer stories. And you smokers talking about your "rights"... get over yourselves! You're right to smoke ends where my right to breathe begins.
Posted April 03, 2008
someone says:
isn't that why they have smoking and non smoking sections?
Posted April 03, 2008
diane says:
did we infringe the right of freedom for you not to smoke where there was once a choice? Now smokers are treated as second class citizens. If you all had it your way there wouldn't even be smoking in houses. Why don't you get on the band wagon for No more booze that kills more people! The right for freedom still lives in the US I beleave! The clean air act should be for poluting our cities and states! Why don't you think of that!@!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted April 02, 2008
tom191085 says:
I am a non-smoker so I do agree with some of the points you raise. As a UK citizen I am also in a country where a smoking ban in public places has been introduced. On the positive side it does feel nice to go out to a pub or club and not smell of cigarette smoke the next day not get cigarette burns from careless or drunk smokers. However, on the other hand if you go out with a group of friends who do smoke it disrupts the night when they all leave you to go outside for a smoke together. Smoking rooms were initially allowed but now they're not so all smokers have to go outside.
Overall, it's a really difficult one. I don't think an outright ban is the answer. It would be applicable in certain areas (for example I don't think smoking should be allowed in restaurants because I hate eating around smoke). Perhaps, introducing more segregated areas is the key, so in the UK make smoking rooms legal again. This would allow smoking on the premises but also not completely isolate smokers.
Posted March 29, 2008
jamesgober says:
I guess we should ban cars and trucks for the exhaust they emit too since that has hazardous chemicals.. this is a fascist idea.. smokers have the right to smoke leave us be
Posted March 28, 2008
Helensmrt says:
I guess that everyone should have an ability to choose! And we should first think not about new rules, because if these is a rule - someone will depart from it. We should improve our moral and ability to think but not to be the robots who need rules instead of brains.
Posted March 25, 2008
Sarah_Torlen says:
This is a really touchy subject but, you know, I put smoking bans right up there with the idea that obese people shoud be banned from fast food reastruants. There are simply too many smokers do really effectivly do any thing about so who cares.
Posted March 25, 2008
riff999 says:
Smoking should be banned anywhere there are children or that people have no choice but to go. But adult only places ie. bars or clubs should be a choice. Veterans Clubs should be exempt.
Posted March 24, 2008
Lin Dodd says:
I think it's funny that people think it's unhealthy if I smoke in public when an endless line of cars drives by causing more polution and harm than my 4 inch long, quarter inch thick cigarette. Your system of priorities is mind boggling. Please, let's go after the little problems first!
Posted March 24, 2008
In limbo in the US says:
To smoke or not to smoke. It "is" someones right to smoke if they chose, but it is not their right to damage my health. You want to smoke then I probably won't associate with you. I hate the stench, I hate having to immediately go home and change my clothing because it stinks like you cigarette. I do however adamantly disagree that it should be banned. The government is already STEALING to many of our personal rights and idiots are allowing it due to the use of FEAR. Supposed terrorist attacks that have been stopped, all such crap as that. Oh, and by the way, that stupid cell phone you have stuck to your head while you are driving, hang it up. You have no right to endanger me or my family while you chat about NOTHING when you should be driving. And also, if you don't realize it, the government car trace your every location while you have your cell phone with you, DUH. Talk about loss of privacy. So, go take your cigarette and cell phone break somewhere else, not around me. And yes, smokers should pay for their own stupidity NOT ME, but that also goes for all the hugely obese people that just sit on their butts, no exercise. Oh, but I guess it it their to be as big as they chose, since they refuse to eat well and exercise. Did you know that the average weight of a hospital patient is now 350 pounds?
Posted March 21, 2008
stevecrenshaw says:
If the government infringes on the rights of private business owners like here in Jacksonville Florida I am against it. Stay out of my restaurant. It should be the choice of the business owner not the government. If enough people vote with their feet then the owner will change the policy. If smoking is allowed then those who choose to eat there choose to do it with the smoke present. We do not need a government that is in charge of making decisions for people who hate smoke but are so inept at decision making they can't stop themselves from eating in a restaurant where people are smoking.
Posted March 19, 2008
AndreaB says:
If it offends you so much stay home. There is nothing in the Bill of Rights about having the right not to be offended. It's not in there. Guess what, if well meaning people keep pushing for legislation dictating how others should live one day it's going to be something important to you that is going to get taken away.
I'm not a smoker, don't like the smell of it overly much myself but I will defend the right of others to do it because it is LEGAL in this country to do so. I'm a carnivore. I like to eat meat but I will defend the rights of others to be vegetarians. How many rights are going to be taken away before we say enough is enough???
Posted March 19, 2008
willem van weperen says:
I think smokers should be charged for the unnecessary (health) costs they impose on society. However I also do believe that there is a way it can be organized that smokers can smoke and not cause any harm to non-smokers.
Posted March 17, 2008
charkamman says:
I think there should be sufficient opportunities for smokers and non-smokers to do their thing. If we have enough smokers' bars and restaurants, and enough non-smokers' places too, i think that would be fair. If people want to ruin their own health, well, who am I to say that they shouldn't?
btw, I also think it's great that health insurances etc already have discounts for people with a healthy lifestyle - so the non-smokers don't pay for the smokers' extra health problems they willingly accept as consequence of their smoking habit.
It is easy to stop smoking anyway, NLP, hypnosis, EFT, they are all very efefctive ways to stop. So the excuse of not being capable of stopping is BS - smoking is a choice.
Posted March 17, 2008
VornTheUnspeakable says:
This is ridiculous. I believe that people should shut up and leave smokers alone once and for all, and here are the reasons.
If I'm smoking outside and it starts to bother you, walk away or move. The world is a large area and you don't have to stand right next to me and complain. At the same time, when I'm at a coffee house or some other outdoor seating area, I have to listen to you SCREAM AND LAUGH AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS ABOUT HOW YOUR CAT DID THE CUTEST THING THE OTHER DAY. If you want to talk about common courtesy, use your indoor voice. At the same time, your yelling about your lungs while slugging down a highly caffeinated beverage. Shouldn't you be worrying more about the massive hole your making in your stomach? As far as indoors, the same thing applies. The only places I can smoke at are restaurants (which are hardly serving the healthiest of foods) and bars (Drinking is bad for your kidneys and liver!!!). In closing, I also think that you should pay more attention to other products that don't have warning labels on them, than one that already does. With all of the recalls on food, cars, toys, and house insulation I'd be more worried about getting sick of something other than secondhand smoke.
Posted March 16, 2008
Darwin_expat_marketer says:
No way! But smokers should use common courtesy when smoking. Such as isolating themself from other people. Non-smokers should be aware and not go stand or sit close to them if they don't like it. Enclosed areas are one thing but in the great outdoors is another thing.
If we are going to ban public health hazards why stop with smoking. Let's include public mobile phone usage, operating vehicles with combustion engines and excessive noise.
Posted March 15, 2008
MichellePrevette says:
I understand both sides but there is nothing wrong with designated areas.People have a choice smoking non-smoking! I think it should stay that way.This will hurt many restraunts and bars,ect pushing the issue becouse they will loose business and thats loss of money then loss of jobs and then more places closing down.That means more unemployment.Diebeties is worlds biggest problem due to obiesty, so they gonna tell the over weight ppl you can't eat that next?
Posted March 14, 2008
Addeasy says:
“The right to slowly and deliberately harm others”… Look back -it wasn’t a problem 10 or 15 years ago – everybody was happy and smokers were allowed almost everywhere. Then health organizations began banning their drums, and now secondhand smoking is almost a worldwide deadly disease as dangerous as aids. Take a walk for one hour in any major city in US and you will be just as poisoned. R.I.P. – in a few years you health freaks properly will throw stones at any smoker you see and it might even be legal.
Well IL just pop out for a smoke – hopefully nobody recognize me – wouldn’t want to have my face on all “Death upon smokers” posters tomorrow morning. ;-)
Posted March 12, 2008
Cody says:
I think its ridiculous to take an extreme to this subject. Nobody wants to inhale second hand but saying it should be banned from all public places is going a little too far. I think it should be allowed in appropriate places like in bars for instance and in designated areas for some other places like parks and then none whatsoever near schools and the like.
Posted March 12, 2008
Ben says:
If you want to ban smoking, you either have to lay claim to someone else's property (like a restaurant), or classify smoking as an act of aggression.
If either of those things were in any way reasonable, a new law wouldn't even be necessary.
A smoking ban only serves to grow the control the State has on our lives, and there is no good excuse for it.
Posted March 10, 2008
Jet says:
It's our right as Americans to smoke where we'd like. It just like at bars; if you don't drink and you're disgusted, then why are you in a bar? This is a "world", not a perfect society.
Posted March 09, 2008
KelleyEidem says:
Nah, we shouldn't forbid smoking outside.
We should have a law that lets us break wind on the smokers, instead.
Posted March 08, 2008
fefe says:
I am thinking private companies shouldn't be subjected to government regulation about smoking. However, I don't really want to breathe in secondhand smoke so I will probably avoid those places that do allow smoking.
Posted March 08, 2008
Maggie says:
I am doing a project on "Should second hand smoking be banned from all public place?" and personally i think it shouldn't be banned from exactly ALL public places, because then buisiness might loose money and work will go down, because people may not want to go to a resturant or bar that you cant smoke at. I think it should be banned in places where it's fine dining and a really nice place to have great food. I think it all kind of depends in the resturant it's self, because people may not want the smell of smoke in there face when they have a kid in their hands. I think it's up to the people in the restuarnt and thats my own personal opionion.
Posted March 06, 2008
josh says:
heck no we should all smoke it is not a habit its a choce
Posted March 06, 2008
Reg_Brittain says:
I can't go along with outdoors. Closed spaces? Yes. Outdoors? No.
Posted March 06, 2008
Ben says:
First of all, YOU don't have a right to clean air on someone else's property anymore than I have a right to drinkable toilet water in your bathroom.
The biggest fallacy of smoking abolitionists is in calling private places "public" just because lots of people go there. Restaurants, bars and other such establishments are PRIVATE. It's a matter of OWNERSHIP, not "open-to"-ness. To enact a ban in these places, you have to either a) Declare their property your own through government, or b) Categorize smoking as assault.
Since both A and B are offensive to people who still like having a free country, the smoking abolitionists have to rely on emotions and anecdotes to get their way. Smoking is bad because my aunt died of second-hand smoke, I have asthma, It stinks, I don't like it, We have a right to clean air, etc., ad nauseam...
Those are all unfortunate things, and would convince a reasonable person that smoking is a bad idea, but neither anecdotes nor feelings, not even good advice, can constitute a logical argument.
The abolitionists remain blind to the fact that the free market is rapidly solving the problem for them. The vast majority of these "public" places have responded to market demand, and have enacted their own non-smoking policies. It's hard to find a workplace anymore that permits smoking indoors.
Smokers are losing places to go even without a ban. The need of some fuzzy-minded people to feel good about doing something in the name of public health should not be an excuse to compromise the property rights of proprietors and employers.
If you want the government to set these rules on people's private property, you wouldn't recognize liberty if it ran up and bit you in the face.
Posted March 05, 2008
tommyoverload says:
Hey Groovy Old Lady; I understand where you're coming from. When someone does something that offends me I sort of freak out too. But I, as well as most other smokers, do our best to not be offensive by smoking outside and being considerate. * There is no need for you to lecture us on the risk of smoking. We know better than anybody. Including you. However, if you think you are going to take away our Constitutional right to enjoy a cigarette you have another think coming. They tried such a thing in 1929 and it was a miserable flop. Crime skyrocketed and that is exactly what would happen now if you and your's tryed it again. Do you really think we will stop smoking just because it might be illegal? Hell no! * Now, you go for your little bike ride and get the hell off our backs!
Posted March 03, 2008
UniqueMystique says:
Hell no! MORE designated areas should be brought to attention more than the areas they are banned in. Movie theatres, hospitals, yes, banned there. But at work, outside of any establishment? COME ON! Smokers pay the tax on tobacco (and the fuel it takes to bring it here)! It's a person's choice to smoke ALTHOUGH smokers should NOT be penalized and shunned from places of businesses publicly!
And it appears that smokers are stereotyped as bums. I suppose it'd be different if everyone who smoked, smoked cigars!
Posted March 01, 2008
Alex Seigfried says:
Legislating what people do in their leisure time is a clear violation of my right to Liberty. We're not living in an communist society where the 'good of the country' is involved in every little thing we do. This is a free society that legislates only a few laws to keep civil order and prevent total anarchy. When a country, state or city starts passing laws 'for your own good' you've suddenly taken a step down the road of 'we know what's good for you'.
Letting establishments make their own decisions about whether they want to cater to smokers should be their decision. It's also your decision not to frequent places that allow smoking. Start a non-smoking union if you like and ban restaurants, libraries or where ever else people enjoy lighting up.
Where will this kind of legislation stop? Philadelphia already tried to ban trans-fats. Then city council tried to ban plastic bags from grocery stores. I'm waiting for a law that tells me I'm not wiping my own ass 'for the good of all' and requires me to hire a man servant.
So take that MonkeyBRAIN!
Posted February 28, 2008
Meriel says:
First off, I am a non-smoker and I hate smelling like smoke when I get home from a bar. Personally, I would love to say that I'm all for this. Unfortunately it completely goes against everything our society was based on.
We have a free market system for a reason. With all the public awareness and shifting opinion about smoking, there is a need being created for smoke free establishments. The government doesn't need to interfere. If there is enough of a need and demand for it, places will start to ban it on their own. It's plain straight forward capitalisim. It's cliche, but it's a free country. If people want to smoke or eat themselves to death it's their choice. If there are enough of us opposed, there will be places for us. Kind of like all the vegetarian and health food restaurants popping up all over.
Posted February 27, 2008
Jill says:
The air that you are breathing outside without smoke from cigarettes is worse than breathing any cigarette smoke that may be drifting by you from a distance. I am a smoker, but I do agree that people should not have to smell it in restaurants. However, the outdoors have more chemicals in the air that are harmful. Let me ask you this, is it better to smoke in public places (outside) or get drunk, get behind the wheel of a car, cause an accident that kills a family. Which one is more dangerous???? I never see anyone bringing this up. The only person that is really being affected outside smoking is the person that is inhaling the cigarette. I think people need to focus more on drunk driving, etc.
Posted February 25, 2008
tommyoverload says:
WOW! TBoswell! Damn good man. No one reads the Constitution anymore. When I was in school it was a required subject. But now the Liberals and the ACLU have put a stop to that.
This why I support Ron Paul so much. Amongst other goals, his main goal is to bring back our Constitutional way of life.
Ron has never smoked but he will fight to save your right to do so.
Posted February 23, 2008
tommyoverload says:
Sure. I can quit smoking. Then I can kill every moving thing with in 100 yards. If you think smoking is bad for me, try and stop me and see what it can do for you!
This going to be long but there are many things you are ignorant of. Allow me to enlighten you.....
Cigarettes
The Case For Protecting Smokers Rights
A ‘Must Read Post” For Every Body
Rather You Smoke Or Not
Simply put, I like to smoke. I like the taste of a good cigarette. I like the way it can calm me down when I’m feeling agitated or nervous. It gives my hands something to do and even feels good in my fingers. Like they were just naturally made to fit there.
So here is my personal and very powerful reason that I continue to smoke regardless of the idiot nay- sayers out there. I am a recovering alcoholic. I was a full tilt boogie, flaming rocket for 38 years. My doctors said I should not have survived that much self abuse. But thanks to God above, a whole lot of very powerful medications, and two wonderful doctors I now have 16 years sobriety. But that’s not all. I also have sever bi- polar disorder (sever manic depression). My doctors in the mental hospital had all but given up on me and were getting ready to put me into the Little Rock Mental Institution but what tiny little bit of me that was left intact knew this would not be a very good thing. No sir. Not good at all! I persuaded my doctor to work with me a little longer. Thank God he said okay. The very next words out of his mouth were “You should consider taking up cigarettes. I would much rather see you smoking than getting mentally worse every day.“ And guess what, he was right. It has helped me a lot.
Oh yeah! I also love that feeling I get deep inside when I feed my desire.
My desire? Okay, it’s an addiction. I don’t deny that. But doesn’t anybody look around these days to see just how many things we are addicted too both individually and as a society? For example; Rich people and their money. If we were to have another crash like the one we had in the 30’s they couldn’t survive it. Most of them would begin jumping out of windows like they did last time. Those who didn’t commit suicide don’t know how to survive on no budget. The full fury of Hell would raise up to tear their lives apart. Have you ever heard of cigarettes doing this? Of course not. Should we outlaw money so as to protect society from it’s self?
What about corporate welfare and those who depend on it? Addiction! Government welfare run amok for the masses? Addiction! Gross Obesity? Addiction! Or the exact opposite, anorexia purging? Addiction! Drive too fast. Drive too slow. Pedophilia. Alcohol and drugs. Extreme sports. Being a couch potato. Television. Adultery. Racism and bigotry. Fowl language. Terrible attitude. Spend all your money. Be a miser. Home and family abuse…..All addictions!
Surely you see where I going with all of this. It doesn’t have to be a chemical to be an addiction. Everything I mentioned above can wreck lives and in some cases even end them. At least my addiction of choice has some up sides to it and quite frankly, it’s nobody’s damn business if I smoke or not.
Some people will complain that the smell of cigarettes offends them. Horse feathers! 99 out of 100 smokers are considerate and discreet. They either go outside or some place else where no one can be bothered. And that 1 person left over? All you have to do is to ask them to go outside and they will always be glad to accommodate you. It’s sort of like when you have to fart big and you know it’s going to be a real stinker. You excuse your self and go some place else. You don’t stop farting forever do you? These whiners are the type of people that wake up every morning just looking for something to complain about. They are not happy until they have ruined some ones day. They have become addicted to this way of life and they cling to their addiction with every thing they’ve got.
Now congress thinks they want to pass a bill that makes smoking illegal. God! Is there no end to this Big Brother crap? First of all it won’t work and it’ll cost us tax payers millions of dollars to run the bill through all of it’s proper channels. Even if they did succeed here’s what will happen: Cigarettes will become contraband. No one is going to stop smoking only now the prices will drop like a rock because the government won’t have their greedy little tax fingers on it anymore. Have they even considered that part yet? If they really think people won’t be able to find places to buy cigarettes they are much stupider than they already get credit for. Hell, the mob might even step in and make this a lucrative market for themselves! I’m serious! I’d buy my smokes from ol’ Lefty One Eye in the ally. No taxes. Just a bit of a mark up for the ‘family’. Cigs would cost about 1/3 cheaper than they do now. Bring it on!
Peoples, I have reached the breaking point with regards to our government. Always telling us what we can do or telling us what we can’t do. Stripping away our rights while at the same time pouring new laws on our heads. There are so many laws out there now that you can’t hardly visit the restroom without breaking one of them. It’s as though these once normal people get into a lofty position in life and their brains get infected with some kind of virus. They completely lose touch of what it’s like to be a good ol’ hard working American who just wants to live a normal life and be happy.
These people (?) have their hands deep into our pockets even though they themselves earn 6 figures a year or more. Their whole tax system is so screwed up it can’t ever recover. Do you know that most of our tax system is illegal? Need proof? Read the Constitution! I’m serious here! Now they think they can make things all sun shiny and bright if they take our smokes away. (Fill in any explicative you choose here!) If it were up to me I would vote every one of them out of office and those that can’t be voted out I’d just fire! A clean sweep. That’s what we really need. After they had all been booted out the back door I would vote RON PAUL into office. He can pick and choose his trusted friends and associates to help him. Viva La America!
Well, I hope I didn’t bore you and I hope you picked up just a little bit of something somewhere from my article even if you don’t smoke. It doesn’t have to be just cigarettes you know? What’s next? Red meat? I hear it’s suppose to cause cancer!
I think now is a great time for a cigarette. Bye every body,
Tommy~
PS. I would like to publicly thank Camel Cigarettes for many years of excellent satisfaction.
Posted February 23, 2008
says:
Oh yeah, one more thing, if smoking and cigarettes should be banned in public, so shouldn't cars, salt, red meat, fur, cutiing down trees, make-up, nail polish, hair dye, oil, computers, dancing, praying, love, sex, depression, music, tv, hats, airplanes, domestic and international travel, alcohol, hairspray, deodorant, get my point? Everything on this list has supposedly killed someone or something at one time or another. Do your research and stop discriminating for one cause. There are too many things that can kill all of us....GET OVER IT! If you don't want to smell smoke, get out. If it bothers you that there is someone smoking in front of you, simply don't look at them.
Posted February 22, 2008
says:
So many others on here have already said what is going on in my head as far as this debate goes! All I can say is, "Get over it!" Tabacco has been around since the dawn of the ages. There are worse things in this world to be concerned with. Making outside become non-smoking would be like making all women get fixed when they're born so they can't procreate. You non-smokers are incredible. While I agree there should be some standards set against smoking in closed in rooms with kids and other non-smokers, I have to say again, "Get over it!" If you don't want to smell it go away! There's nothing stopping you from leaving the presence of a smoker. If we're digusting because we smoke, you're disgusting because you don't! This debate will never end until all you people have your non-smoking Earth. Well, when that happens, we will all be dead by about a thousand years, so who cares?
Posted February 22, 2008
Bill Bobaggins says:
There are a lot of worse things that can affect your health more than second hand smoke. Carbon monoxide from vehicles, pesticides and poisons that are sprayed on our lawns and onto our food, chemicals and hormones that are injected into the animals that eventually end up on out plate...I could go on.
That being said, I don't think that smoking should be banned in all public places. Perhaps only in restaurants or in close quarters like airplanes and other modes of public transportation. But if we ban smoking in all public places, then we better ban all of the other stuff I mentioned as well.
Posted February 22, 2008
owmyeye says:
As fresh smelling as that would be, I have no interest in living in that totalitarian society.
Posted February 21, 2008
Merles says:
I am a smoker that is trying to quite currently but I don't feel that it is my place nor any one else's to tell some one where they can or can't smoke. If that is the case then I would like to tell all the drinkers out there to keep the drinking to their ownpersonal place especially if they think that they find the need to get fall down sloppy drunk and then decide to drive a car instead of having sober cab. Because last I heard or saw there was no one that had an immediate death due to some one having a cigarette. No one ran in/or over someone and killed them because of a cigarette. I think it is like everything else if you choose to go to a bar then you also choose to expose yourself to the cigarette smoke as well as to the one who may choose to drink to much it is what America is made of it is called the freedom of choice. Is it fair for big brother to take that away too?
Posted February 21, 2008
cDub says:
If smoking is this bad for you it should simply be outlawed. I'm getting sick of having to find out where I can and cannot smoke every week.
Posted February 21, 2008
WhitacreEsque says:
I think its discrimination, and this propaganda has already been utilized by The Nazi's and embraced by Hitler (google it)Secondly I feel that it's about choice (We all should have our choice's)to smoke here or not to as well as stand next to the smoker or not to. I do not think that smoking should be allowed in anyplace that contains people i.e. indoor public place's,work, etc. However we should not discriminate...what happens when there is nothing left to gripe about ? Perhaps we will discriminate the Ugly. Then where will I be able to go?
For the record I plan to quit smoking. My choice,and not because some Flake thinks it's disgusting.
Posted February 20, 2008
Bobby_Billiards says:
i get what your saying chef_t, but an odor ordinance is totally, violating a human's right even more. because if the issue is with odor then you have to factor in every odor that occurs. and if a is so poor that all they can afford is the food and water to survive and not fancy stuff like soap and shampoo, then they are gonna stink, but should that person be banned from public places. i mean ok, non-smokers don't like the smell, but think the non-smokers that wear perfume (which kills my sinuses), wheres the compassion with that, that i'm somewhere public and next thing i know some lady with perfume or guy with cologne stands next to me. that to me is equally as rude as standing next to someone and lighting up and blowing smoke in there face. but no one brings that up. but i like how there is a common ground with the gazebos, all im saying is, if said gazebos are the smoking areas, then non-smokers don't wander over there and start complaining because people are smoking.
Posted February 19, 2008
IcarusInflight says:
Smoking is bad for you, of course it is, but to ban it everywhere is not a question of health, but a question of free will and deciding for oneself. Through education everyone seems to becoming around to the idea that smoking is no good, but the final choice is with the individual, not with a whole new set of laws.
As everything is potentially dangerous, why not ban everything, and what will happen then. Banning smoking indoors and outdoors is the thin edge of the wedge.
Why not ban cars which is a major polluter and cause of injury ?
Posted February 19, 2008
no-na-me says:
since no state bans selling cigarettes, then what you are doing here is DISCRIMINATION.
no to tabaco-racism!
Posted February 19, 2008
isabella says:
if cigarettes are sold everywhere - then you cannot ban smoking.
i see a smoking-racism evolving here!
Posted February 19, 2008
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh says:
No It Shouldn't
Posted February 18, 2008
Ghillie_suits says:
you know i'll come right out and say it. to everyone with a story about how their parents smoked and that caused them to develop breathing problems, sorry your parents were scumbags and blew smoke right into your face. but not all smokers do that. i used to smoke. and when i did i never blew smoke in peoples faces. and if i already had my cig lit and you stood next to me and then started complaining about it, i would tell you to F*#& Off because you seen me with my cig and chose to stand next to me. and i really find it hard to believe that out in the open air, someone standing and smoking a cig is really that big of a deal.
Posted February 18, 2008
Bobby_Billiards says:
it also kills me to think how smoking is banned in bars. how dare a vile, disgusting, dirty smoker do such an unhealthy habit while im trying to do something healthy, such as drinking liqour.
Posted February 18, 2008
punkerkas says:
Pft, I say if a business wants to make smoking available, at least have a partion between smoking and non, or a seperate room. Or just cater to smokers specifically. Yea so what if people smoke, it's their choice and it's a hard habit to break and if they really wanted to quit, they will. But until then, don't go around telling smokers that they're idiots, yea they know smoking is unhealthy, trust me. I'm sure most smokers know more than non about the dangers. So if you ban smoking you'll have a cranky smoker unable to get their nicotine rush and that'll just piss them off even more.
Posted February 17, 2008
TBoswell says:
Look, if a business wants to patron smokers, who the hell are your OR the government to come in and say they can't? This is unconstitutional discrimination. As a non-smoker, you HAVE A CHOICE NOT TO PATRON A BUSINESS THAT PATRONS SMOKERS!!! THAT IS YOUR CHOICE!! Pure and simple, this is political correctness run by the fanatics! Do you people even know your constitution and the rights your are allowing your government to dictate, or take away from you the people? You have the same choice a smoker has - for example if a resteruant doesn't allow smokers, then a smoker will choose not to dine there. Likewise, a non-smoker who doesn't want to be around smoker, has the simple unalienable choice of not entering that establishment. It amazes me how incredibly STUPID people are, so much so that now they are allowing the government to take away the rights of its people. HOW IGNORANT ARE YOU PEOPLE? WHAT'S IT GOING TO TAKE BEFORE YOU WAKE UP?
Posted February 16, 2008
TBoswell says:
I think a smoking ban is unconstitutional and discriminatory. The same with the taxes on ciggarettes. Smoking is an addiction, and the last I heard, addiction was a serious medical condition. If you're going to ban a smoker from public places, why not start banning epileptics, quadrapaligics, or anyone else with a medical condition. The way I see it, this is still free country where people have the right to CHOOSE what they do. If a resteraunt or store decides to patron smokers, what right have your or anyone else to say they can't eat there, or they must go somewhere else? If you don't want to be around it, then simply take yourself somewhere else. CHOOSE a different resteraunt, a different store, a different mall.
The addiction smokers suffer from was known about by the tobacco industry long before the general public ever knew, in fact, the Big tobacco companys employed chemists and pharmaticians and a whole slew of scientist to develop ciggarettes into a better vehicle of delivery for nicotice (the addicting agent) and imroved on this technology to deliver the best FIX to an addict. Most smokers begin smoking at an early age - good or bad decision - they are victims of the big tobacco companys technologies and advertising Campaigns.
Posted February 16, 2008
CJ_Denis says:
Sure....I'm all for "healthly living". And while you're at it, you should also be banning all food and drinks containing Nutrasweet, pharmaceutical drugs, automobiles and manufacturing plants (toxic emissions), non-organic food, farming (sewage in the waterways, air and soil), all products containing fragrance (deodorant, shampoo, laundry detergent, perfume, body lotion...just to name few), pets (animal dander), guns, knives (yes, they cut your food but can also be used to harm others), water (refer to the farming section), and basically I could go on and on. Bottom line? There are far worse things on this earth for your health. However, if you choose to live in a society, there is always going to be something "offensive". But we all have choices in life. And there's nothing to stop someone from choosing to live off the land in the bush (well, except for the vermin and wildlife...perhaps we should ban them too?)
Posted February 15, 2008
Altari says:
Bottom line : a restaurant is only a pubic place in the minds of government officials that want more control over private property. If I own a restaurant, I should decide which legal activity takes place. If someone doesn't like what happens in my restaurant, they are free to not come. If I find that an activity is hurting my business, I should make the decision to stop it. The government should have ZERO control over privately owned property.
Posted February 15, 2008
wdiknow says:
what i don't get is the goverment banned smoking in the uk in all public places because it is THAT dangerous to other peoples health,but they do not mind the selling of ciggerettes and they also don't mind smokers buying them even though it is that bad for your health they had to ban it from public places!
You can not ban something but then continue selling it just because it makes you money,it's either really bad for you or it's not,it can not be both!
Ban soking in pubs,but hey let everyone drink alcohol and wreck there liver and kidneys and go and kick the crap outta someone in the street while their at it,but never mind the poor folks who spend months in hospitals from drunken idiots beating them to near death,oh no we are really safe,and will not be visiting the hospital at all because we are really healthy and will live long lives now that we have banned smoking from public places!!
As soon as you walk out the door you are breathing in polluted air from car,bus,train,factory,and aeroplane pollution,you have a good chance of getting cancer from all the radiation thats in the atmosphere,and if don't get ya then some cray yob might run you over in his stolen car at very high speed,or some drug crazed person who wants money for his next hit!
But no don't worry you will be fine because did'nt ya know they have banned smoking!!wooohooo we are going to be fine,yeah right.
Posted February 15, 2008
Bobby_Billiards says:
i am a non-smoker, but you know what, smoking does not bother me as much as some of you people make it out to be. i read the arguments about how someone is asthmatic, i got news pollen and dust can trigger your asthma. so if you walk by someones garden and feel an attack come on should the government intervene and make said owner get rid of their garden. and to anton55, i find it difficult to believe that you smell someones cigarette when youre in your car, but if you can, roll up your window then. and i'm glad i dont live in your town, cause i would hate to think my tax dollars are going to cops that have to go out on "cig raids". you know i get headaches out of the blue sometimes, when that happens and im in a public place and someone has their screaming child that doesnt help with my headache. should children under a certain age be banned from public places. according to you guys yes, because that kid is affecting me and my medical condition. but you know what, if it gets bad, i dont say anything to the parents, or to the owner, or call the cops like anton. i simply ask for a too-go box or whatever and go home take some meds and finish my meal. you people put such a stigmata on smoking, you would think its leprosy. i just dont get it, if smoking is such a demon shouldnt the human race just have been wiped out hundreds of years ago, because more people were smoking and less people were whining. lets ban smoking. that way we can create a bunch of unsocial people who are basically not allowed to leave their house, because of 1 habit. or better yet lets really push the ban on smoking and create another black market that can fill up our respective countries crime statistics. and philly1, your little add on about spraying nerve gas in public was just stupid. smoke and nerve gas are two totally different things. thats how you people do, you make an outrageous comparison like that. and its true what neon_sign_fan said, if an establishment opened up that said it was for smokers, just a place to come in and light up. put a big neon sign (there you go neon_sign_fan lol) that says smokers only, the non smokers would complain that they werent allowed in there, and then if the rules were changed to accommodate them also, they would complain about the smoke. always looking for a fight, find a common ground. one day the annoyances that you non smokers have might be subject to such scrutiny and then you see how you feel when you are being judged just because you are doing something you like to do.
Posted February 15, 2008
berlin101 says:
Anti-smokers seem to me to be like the new racists. Smokers are treated like second class citizens and it's getting worse.
The best things non-smokers can do is to be supportive to those who want to smoke and not start these ridiculous arguements!
Posted February 15, 2008
Sean says:
Christene - doesn't eating red meat, sugar, caffeine or sodium make me fat/unhealthy and because of excessive health care make your health insurance premiums go up? Don't I "burden the whole system" by being unhealthy?
Wake up people - understand what Orwell was talking about.
Posted February 15, 2008
mike1947 says:
What is the next thing you would banned red meat? sugar? caffeine? sodium? smiling (makes lines around your eyes)? dogs (some people are allergic to them)? Give it a rest. Many posts say it. Act like an adult. Accept some responsibility on both sides and be respectful of one another. Stop relying on the government to set up rules to protect you and your rights. Rely on yourself and the karma you project by being respectful and responsible.
Posted February 15, 2008
ComingSoon says:
In a democratic country free choice should always be available.
The state makes money from cigarettes.
A non smoker can avoid to enter a smoking place and vice versa.
Let people choose, don't force them.
If 97% of my costumer smoke, why should I lose them?
Cell phones are harmful too, why don't bann them, same principles of second hand smoke ban.
Posted February 15, 2008
crazyagilitydog says:
There is no emperical evidence that 2nd-hand smoke is harmful. This is just some hogwash that "everybody knows" because it has been said by the media for SO long that we forget that there was no scientific proof. Government hasn't banned it because it is such a great source of TAX Revenue!! Use the sends God gave you! Think for yourself!! Decide what is right for you and don't let THEM speak for you. Make your own deicsions. Who is the adult here?!!
Posted February 14, 2008
Willenlos says:
Littering?
I hate littering. I carry a portable ashtray on my keychain so I can dispose of my butts properly. It would also be nice if there were more ashtrays accessible.
I hate ALL litter. Litterbugs are everywhere. I can't tell you how many times I cut my foot on broken glass on the beach. I wear shoes now 24/7, because of inconsiderate liver destroying morons who think they can throw their alcohol containers all over. Or, I'm driving, and someone throws out a fast food bag and it hits my windshield! Bah! How inconsiderate. I could go on about the litter that ISN'T cigarettes. But, there's no point. An argument or complaint based on smokers littering is asinine.
As for Anton: You're actually pretty rude. Rather than asking someone to put out their cigarette (which most will), you call the police? That's unacceptable. And, no smoke breaks? Because why? Non-smokers don't get breaks? Omg! IGNORANCE! I can't say how many times where I work I see non-smokers yapping away, or sneaking a bite to eat, while they're on the clock. Rather than do so myself, I step outside to smoke. Non-smokers get their breaks when they sit around and chat; we get our breaks when we smoke. You're simply bigoted.
Posted February 14, 2008
Soren says:
Legalize Freedom!
Enough is enough already!!
Stop restricting us!
Stop telling us how you say we should think!
Stop telling us how we should live!
Stop trying to protect us from us!
Let us think for ourselves!
Let us act for ourselves!
Let us be responsible for our own lives!
Let us make our own decisions!
Let us be responsible for our own decisions!
Let us succeed or fail on our own!
LEGALIZE FREEDOM!!
LEGALIZE FREEDOM!!
Posted February 14, 2008
Sean says:
rtyndall-
Interesting that you make a correlation between cigarettes and heroin. So why does the government tax the heck out of cigarettes, yet give out free needles? The hysteria over smoking serves a control desire from the government. If smoking is so bad, why not just ban it outright?
Oh yeah, because that would shrink tax revenue.
And for all those using correlation as causation, my grandmother smoked for 80 years...and she lived to 102. So by your logic, smoking is healthy?
Posted February 14, 2008
mike1947 says:
It's the classic argument. If the right to 'freedom of choice' is denied for just one person, then is the right to 'freedom of choice' at risk for all people?
What we need here is education. No not diseased lungs etc. Education in the understanding of the rights of others. I quit smoking 2 and half years ago. Even when I smoked I was at least conscious of the rights of others and tried to respect them. I must admit that after I quit I then realized the stench that followed me around even when I wasn't smoking at this instant...
It is the people that have no respect for others that cause the problem with this and many other issues in our society. Unfortunately, teaching us to respect one another is for someone smarter than me.
This issue is ripe with disrespect. Read the history of the tobacco industry since about 1950. How many doctors, famous personalities, scientists, politicians, judges were paid or otherwise bribed to delay the identification of smoking as 'hazardous' to one's health? Why was big Tobacco not punished for added super addictive ingredients to their product? And so on... Big Tobacco basically disrespected the whole population for a handful of silver...
Posted February 14, 2008
Susan says:
People should be allowed to smoke wherever they want!! What are ya trying to do, Make us a communist country??????
Posted February 13, 2008
Willenlos says:
Mad Ape:
Leave abortion and god out of this debate. People in all religions smoke or opt not to. Either way, God is irrelevant.
Let's keep to actual science, such as correlation =/= causation.
Posted February 13, 2008
MadApe says:
You were the one who used the commandment 'Thou shall not kill'. You used that to apply it to tobacco, therefore you have to apply it against abortion. You said it...not me!
The Mad Ape
www.tatumba.com
Posted February 13, 2008
MadApe says:
Also Christene, following your logic abortion should be illegal and a woman's right to choose should be declared null and void. Afterall it is in God's hands...right?
The Mad Ape
www.tatumba.com
Posted February 13, 2008
MadApe says:
Ok Chirstene lets bring God into the debate.
God made tobacco man made beer...who do you trust?
The Mad Ape
www.tatumba.com
Posted February 13, 2008
MadApe says:
By the way. I am glad that you recognize that us primates have brains. I will by you a banana sometime!
The Mad Ape
www.tatumba.com
Posted February 13, 2008
The Mad Ape says:
Non-smoking should be banned planet-wide. Everyone that leaves the womb should do so with a lit camel in their mouth. In fact all fetuses should have nicotine feed intravenously into their blood stream.
What is this world coming too? Denying people their god-given right to smoke. I am tried of all of these Anti-Smoking Nazis getting their way.
The Mad Ape has spoken
www.tatumba.com
Posted February 13, 2008
Willenlos says:
From Tommy: "I just had a ct scan and it showed two spots on my lungs. This is from second hand smoke because I have never smoked."
Correlation =/= Causation. Sorry for your plight, but simply never smoking does not mean second hand smoke caused your lung issue. There are numerous other factors of lung cancer:
1. Asbestos
2. Radon
3. "Cancer-causing Agents in the Workplace: In addition to asbestos and radon, there are other cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in the workplace. People at risk include miners who may breathe in radioactive ores such as uranium and workers exposed to chemicals such as arsenic, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas and chloromethyl ethers. The government and industry have taken major steps in recent years to protect workers. But the dangers are still present, and those who work in these conditions should be very careful to avoid exposure." See: http://www.health-alliance.com/Cancer/lung/risk_factors.html
4. Recurring Inflammation
5. Talcum Powders
6. "Other Mineral Exposures: People with silicosis and berylliosis (lung diseases caused by breathing in certain minerals) also have an increased risk of lung cancer."
7. Personal and Family Histories
8. Vitamin A deficiency or excess
and 9. Air Pollution: This includes CAR emissions (more people drive than smoke, and more is exhausted into the atmosphere than cigarettes), factories (smoke stacks), fryers (grease, cooking oils, all contribute to respiratory problems), and virtually any form of smoke (whether it be the stove, the fireplace or the like) can contribute to lung cancer. Medical radiation is also a factor.
Again, sorry for your plight, but it needs to be said: Correlation DOES NOT equal Causation. You having lung cancer and never smoking is merely correlation, not causation, to second hand smoke. It is inconclusive, and anecdotal evidence is logically fallacious.
Posted February 13, 2008
Soren says:
This subject has absolutley nothing to do with whetehr smoking is good or bad. It has everything to do with the government and people telling me how I and everyone else should live their lives. If you dont like to be around cigarette smokers then go somewhere that doesnt allow smoking. It should be a freedom of choice for business owners to allow it or not.
Posted February 13, 2008
Oosquid says:
I live in the UK where smoking is banned in all public places, it is like living in a fascist state. I can no longer go to the pub because if I do I have to stand outside in the rain.
What would be wrong with choice? If you want to go to a smoke free pub or restaurant, then go there. Why make it that you make life a misery for others?
Although we all know that smoking is not healthy I would bet that far more harm is done by petrol and diesel fumes, should we ban the combustion engine and go back to the horse and cart?
Posted February 13, 2008
Soren says:
If you dont like going anywhere that allows smoking, go somewhere else!!
I am sick and tired of the government and people telling me how I should live! Whatever happened to freedom of choice?!? If you are in support of banning stuff because you dont like it, then get out of my country and go somewhere that has a social communist government!!
Posted February 13, 2008
Luke says:
If someone owns a business; ie, the building, land, and rigts to said business, then it is the owner's right to say what the smoking policy is. Just because it is open to the public does not make it public property. If you own it, it is personal property. If you are so worried about your health, you may simply CHOOSE to eat/drink somewhere that is smoke-free. But with a smoking ban, everyone but the anti-smoker looses. The smoking customer, the business owner, the workers, and the non-smokers who hang out with smoking friends. I have a voice called a wallet - I do not go to Applebees, because the whole franchise is smoke-free. I take my money somewhere that accomodates me. But the ban in Oheilo has no slack at all. Even if the business is closed, the owner in not allowed to smoke inside. A patio is defined as a shelter that has fewer than 3 walls and no ceiling (in other words, two walls and that's it). Just wait - I guarentee if these fanatic nut-jobs are not stopped, you will soon have to present a cholesterol card before ordering at Micadees. On one last note - I did not think people went out to eat greasy, unhealthy foods or gulp down liver destroying drinks because it was healthy.
Posted February 13, 2008
Jim says:
When people with a cold, the flu and other sickness and deadly diseases are banned in public places, then smoking should be too.
It sucks when you have to go to the grocery store and sick people are sneezing, and you have to use the same public toilet as someone with aids, and its smoke you worry about.
what about all the deaths that the tree huggers cause by not allowing new power plants to be built in 3rd world countries?
they can never come up to modern standards due to this, no medical care, no clean water. ect.
much bigger things out there to worry about.
check here for a real shock, read it.
http://econot.com/index.html
Posted February 13, 2008
Kimberly says:
If they are selling cigs, you should be able to smoke em!
Posted February 13, 2008
Willenlos says:
I took the liberty of adding sources that counter claims. Second hand smoke is inconclusively harmful. Correlation does NOT equal causation, but many people seem to think so. It's a reflection of the media's ignorance of science and ability to sift what to report and what not to report. They've decided they don't like smoking. So naturally, they only reveal biased sources from anti-smoking funded research. Independent research shows that second hand smoke is not significant. It is not only the diluted little stream from the tip of the cigarette, but the stream of smoke, that has been filtered by the cigarette filter, as well as the smoker's lungs. We take all the carcinogens; you get the smell. Oh well! Smell is not a reason to ban something.
You want to ban something actually harmful? Ban alcohol. Drunk driving, spousal abuse, bar fights, etc. It's a violent drug.
Smoking DOES have some benefits. It can be used to alleviate asthma (yes, you can use it to alleviate asthma), it helps prevent neural disorders as well as relieve them (schizophrenia, parkinson's, ADD & ADHD, depression, Alzheimer's, etc.). Personally, I'd rather deteriorate physically then mentally. Non-smokers are at a higher risk of neurological dysfunction than me, as a smoker. Smoking has also been shown, time and time again, to be merely a co-factor to "smoking related" diseases. Yep, smoking RELATED, meaning CORRELATION (not causation). Medical radiation has been shown (yes, the radiation they use in the medical profession on YOU) to be more causative of cancer and heart disease than cigarettes.
Sorry, but smoking is a scape goat.
Did you know smokers actually DECREASE the burden of healthcare? It's the non-smokers and obese that linger on and on for years that cost us the most money.
We're also excessively taxed. For all the taxes we pay, you want to BAN smoking? If you ban smoking, free children's healthcare is gone! Yep, new tax: we pay for child healthcare. WE! The same people you tell your children to avoid, pay for them to get medical attention. Hmmmmmm. We also pay for various other social programs, since in proportion, our taxes are waaaay more than anything else.
You should thank us, rather than kick us out, throw us out into the cold, then have the nerve to kick us out of the patios, and into the street. Next time you see a smoker, rather than be fussy and rude over something that is absolutely inconclusive (that second-hand smoke "hurts" you), thank them for paying way more taxes than you do.
Posted February 13, 2008
AnglerUniversity says:
I gave up smoking 10 years ago when my (then) 8 yr old son asked me to stop as his birthday present (how could I say no!). So I stopped. Thank God! My health is good now, and I do love going to restaurants and bars and not being inundated with smoke.
However! If I'm fly fishing on a stream and am being bitten up by nasty black flies, I would ordinarily light up a cigar for a little while - to keep the little buggers away! I don't inhale (yeah, right, we've all heard THAT before!).
So, what I'm saying is - I don't agree with you, based on your use of the term "public places". Who gets to decide what is a "public place" or not. DO YOU? DO I? Will there be a PUBLIC PLACE POLICE FORCE?
It's just a little "1984" for me...
Posted February 13, 2008
Joe says:
Following the line of reasoning on the smoking banside, the natural end point is mommy and daddy deciding everything we do. What's to keep the do gooders from keeping everyone else from driving. Driving causes much more damage and destruction than smoking ever did.
Then there's the food police, the sleep police, the exercise police, the quit your drinking because it's not good for society police, etc. etc. etc.
No thanks!
Posted February 13, 2008
Lori says:
This "smoking ban" has nothing to do with smoking... and everything to do with control. Check out http://thenewamerican.com/node/6971 Read it and weep America!
Posted February 13, 2008
yourbounty says:
Do you really think that telling people who have smoking for years, that now the government has said its a no-no everyone will just stop. The tobacco fields will fade away, the Factories involved will just slam shut there doors, and everyone involved in the tobacco industry will just fold without a wimper. This country cannot control the illegal drug trade, opium is a large export of the middle eastern countries, and the US has a great demand for it. People are killed working the drug trade and I am not talking about the addicts. Sure it is easier to tackle a smoker, than a Cartel working out of another country. Yes, I smoke, for over 40 years. Do you really think I will just toss the cigarettes away to make you happy about how you and the States tackled a tobacco product grown legally in the US. No one offers a viable solution. The patch is a joke gone bad, but then we have a strong med to help wean a person off the nicotine, I know, my friend got married and d/t well meaning friends and family took the great med, Wellbution, she also had a seizure and died at 20yrs old. The nicotine did not kill her, those who only can see their own wants and needs did. If they take away my right, yours will be next. Offer nothing to the addicted smoker, get the same in return. Thanks for letting me offer my side, I am not the devil incarnate.
Posted February 13, 2008
Double0balloon says:
Smoking is a terrible habit, but it is the smokers choice. It is your choice not to go to places that allow smoking. Instead of voting for the government to do it vote with your pocketbook by not purchasing from such establishments. A business owner has the right to allow a legal product in their private restaurant. You have the right not to eat there.
Posted February 12, 2008
The_Health_Lady says:
Although I don't smoke, I don't I feel that there is nothing wrong with someone smoking outdoors. They should only ban smoking in all public places when they get rid of diesel cars and trucks-which stink and make you gasp worse, toss off the road all cars that have heavy emissions, burn oil, locomotives that burn coal and stop people from wasting gas--as these are worse for your health.
Posted February 12, 2008
Jukebox says:
We should ENCOURAGE smoking. It's just an evolutionary process to rid the human race of stupid people. If we speed things up then they'll all die out quicker.
Posted February 12, 2008
The_Bard says:
This is social engineering on a universal scale. I blame the Irish!
Posted February 12, 2008
giltotherescue says:
I'm not a smoker myself, but what's wrong with smoking outside? If you don't like it, walk 5 feet away so you can breathe again.
I also believe that restaurants and bars should have the OPTION of purchasing an additional license which allows people to smoke on the premises. That way certain establishments could cater to clientèle that don't mind the smoke. And if you're a non-smoker, you could simply choose not to visit such an establishment.
As you can tell, I'm a libertarian and capitalist at heart.
Posted February 12, 2008
chefkeem says:
We all need to practice tolerance again. That is one of the larger issues here. Sure, nobody should be involuntarily exposed to health hazards, so I agree with indoor smoking bans in public places. But in biker bars? Gimme a break. Restaurants can install very effective air cleaning systems, if they choose to do so. If not, let the patrons decide whether or not they want to take their business there. It's all about working together to achieve a good compromise. Yeah, what's next? A ban on coughing in public? Exhaling during flu season?
Posted February 12, 2008
TracyVA says:
I agree with completely banning smoking indoors. However, I don't agree with banning smoking from outdoors entirely (and I'm a non-smoker). I think there should be a smoking ban in public places within a certain radius (like the outside of stores, for example). I don't want to come out of a store and walk into a cloud of smoke that was just inside of someone else's lungs. YUCK. The other moronic move I've seen over and over again? People taking a drag from their cigarettes, walking into a store and THEN exhaling. There should be a fine for that.
Posted February 12, 2008
Matt_1 says:
hmm, this is a tricky one, I'd have to agree with the majority about banning smoking in indoor public places not too sure about outdoors, I mean if you ban it in both we may as well just ban it!
If it does get banned where does the banning stop? Let's ban fatty foods, alcohol, gambling, or anything bad for us, they all have secondhand effects. Drunk drivers killing, gambling addicts ruining their families lives, these are all more serious than a bit of second hand smoke in the street.
I say banned indoors is fine, but banned outdoors is not.
That puts me on the fence I guess (where's the "i'll sit on the fence" option devs?), I'll plump for a "No".
ps. I'm not a smoker :)
Posted February 12, 2008
kab says:
In America? This is still America, right? Where people are free to do things, and others are free to walk away?
Posted February 12, 2008
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desyan says:
Well I quit smoking more than one year ago and I'm happy with it .. I think I made a really good decision health speaking, but I don't think smokers should be banned everywhere, I mean, yes second hand smoke arm people and is not cool at all for non smokers but smokers are already banned indoors didn't they, at least in Canada you can't smoke in bars and restaurants and offices, I don't know for elsewhere on the planet but being able to breath freely in a bar or restaurant pleases me a lot cuz we all know that the smoker sections was always feet away from non smoker, and in bars, when you take off your clothes after a night out and you smell like the ashtray even if you don't smoke, that was just disgusting . But my point is, if they smoke outside, it's fine with me, the world is not to non-smokers only, everyone has rights. Lets face it, banning something isn't helping and I don't think we should tell someone that the only place where he can smoke is in his house... If banning something was resolving the problem, the first thing I would ban is not smoking, It's people who don't know how to drive their car safely .. they're more likely to kill someone smokers... but again .. I think if they chose to smoke they should smoke outside only.... and if they're not pleased with it .. well they should quit ..
Posted February 12, 2008
AnnsHomeDecor says:
I completely disagree with smoking should be banned in all places. Does smoking harm people? Absolutely! I just don't feel that banning smoking is the answer. Where does it stop when the government starts banning peoples rights? Smoking is an addiction. Banning it will not stop smokers. Alcoholism is an addiction. Banning it did not stop alcoholics. Street Drug use is also an addiction. Banning illegal drugs has not worked either.
Posted February 12, 2008
John_Beng says:
a majority of the non smokers complaining, they ususally pick the areas of a public where they see the smokers at, just so they have something to fuss about.
Posted February 12, 2008
coffeejunkie79 says:
By banning smoking outdoors you are forcing smokers (many of who are struggling with an addiction that you don't understand that was not vilified until just recently) to smoke in their homes. Now imagine that the smoker has children living in their home, or they live in an apartment. Who exactly are you saving from second hand smoke? I totally agree with you that smoking shouldn't be allowed in doors or very busy public areas (I'm a smoker myself and I think it gross... and I don't want to offend anyone or cause them harm) but by banning it in ALL public areas (say a deserted street) you are no longer protecting innocents, you are making a judgment on how someone else should live their life. I think you're going a bit overboard on this one.
Posted February 12, 2008
NM says:
I'm not a smoker, never have, never will but i'm not completely opposed to giving smokers some margin here. I've been out for drinks when everybody i'm with has to go outside for a smoke, it's a bit over the top. Don't smoke while i'm working - Sure! But if i'm out socialising, go for it...I always have the option to leave.
Posted February 12, 2008
not.a.smoker says:
aarrrggghh!!!
why not have public places where adults have the choice... you can come in and smoke, or if you don't smoke, you can come in and inhale second hand smoke. the choice is yours.
why should you ban people from doing that?
what is wrong with u ppl, damn it!
Posted February 12, 2008
Smoking should be banned in ALL public places
