|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 12:34:11 AM
|
|
|
MyCatSmokey2006
Posts: 2681
Status: offline
|
I've been hearing and reading various news articles about states that are imposing smoking bans in most public places like restaurants and even in parking lots of businesses and medical facilities. I don't smoke, but I'm around people who do and I feel that it's a person's individual right to choose where and when to smoke. I believe that smokers are getting a bad rap because of the negative ads claiming that "secondhand smoke causes cancer", and other propaganda by nonsmokers and medical community to try to make people feel guilty about an addictive habit. I've not seen any proof of secondhand smoke causing any problems in my life, so I'm not going to worry about it. In fact, I'm more concerned about what chemicals are in the diesel exhaust of the bus or semi I get stuck behind in traffic every now and then.
I feel that the government has NO right to discriminate against smokers by limiting where and how they can smoke. I mean, if statewide smoking bans are allowed, then what is Big Brother going to go after next? Outlawing caffeine? How about sugar? Those have been found to be addictive substances, so are they going to ban those someday too? Who knows?
What do you think about this?
_____________________________
{ Melissa {
<----Smokey
Check out my BLOG!!!
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 5:56:13 AM
|
|
|
rlj
Posts: 1423
Joined: 4/14/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
I feel that the government has NO right to discriminate against smokers by limiting where and how they can smoke.
I half agree and half disagree with you. As for the government deciding what to do on Government property I have no problem with. As for the government telling me who can do what on private property like a restaurant is wrong. If you don't like the smoke at a restaurant or bowling alley then leave. If you don't like the smoke at the courthouse well chances are you may have no choice.
_____________________________
And the money says 'In God We Trust' but it's against the law to pray in schools... don't ask me for the answers I've only got one, that a man leaves his darkness when he follows the Son.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 9:07:54 AM
|
|
|
mrtigger
Posts: 321
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
I feel that the government has NO right to discriminate against smokers by limiting where and how they can smoke.
I don't smoke... There are legitimate reasons to restrict smoking in certain areas. Anywhere indoors is fair game for smoking restrictions. So your position of absolute NO discrimination is way off base.
But I agree that society has gone overboard in some ways. Smoking has become politically incorrect and smokers are an easy target for the one in charge. Just add some new draconian smoking restriction and pontificate about how good you are for doing it and get some easy brownie points with the public. Politics is nauseating.
The GM at where I work finally banned smoking inside (some years ago). Great and long overdue. But then he added a ban of smoking anywhere on the property including the parking lot. The parking lot ban was him just being a self-righteous jerk. Smokers ought to have spots where they can smoke as long as they are not forcing others to breath it too.
_____________________________
mr tigger
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 11:44:55 AM
|
|
|
phosadaud
Posts: 6665
Joined: 9/19/2005
From: Washington State
Status: offline
|
I'd love for those of you who think that second hand smoke is no big deal, to tell that to the family of the young woman who recently died from an asthma attack directly triggered by 2nd hand smoke where she works. I'm sure they'd disagree with you. Or a friend of mine who's daughter kept ending up in the ER from severe asthma attacks as a result of her daddy's smoking. One ER doc finally told the dad that his smoking was going to kill his little girl so he stopped cold-turkey. His daughter didn't have a single asthma attack after that. Employees who work where there is heavy smoking but do not smoke get the same cancers and such that smokers get. They have found in autopsies, that even though they never smoked, they had the lungs of a smoker (which is really nasty if you've ever seen pictures of smoker's lungs).
After watching my grandfather (a long-time smoker) slowly suffocate from emphyzema and caring for many folks dying of various ailments as a direct result to smoking, I have zero sympathy for smoking. Zero. And yes, it affects every person around them. It's a nasty, nasty habit and I have a right to be free of the negative affects of that habit. If you want to destroy yourself, I guess you have that right. You DON'T have the right to hurt my health and make me stink so you can destroy your heart and lungs.
And for the life of me, I cannot understand the attitude that your addiction is more important than the welfare (and even comfort) of those around you. The idea that 2nd hand smoke is deadly and destructive is not just an idea - it's heavily, heavily, heavily documented. If you disagree, then I have some land in the swamp, I'd love to sell you...
_____________________________
~Kristin~
If I haven't scared you away, join me here...
Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as Gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
|
|
|
|
|
[Deleted] - 2/23/2008 12:00:59 PM
|
|
|
Deleted User
|
[Deleted by Admins]
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 12:26:32 PM
|
|
|
rainbowtvp
Posts: 981
Joined: 4/21/2005
From: The Unted State of Confusion
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: whodeeni
You can choose not to smoke, the rest of us can't choose not to breath.
Right.
A smoker's rights end where mine begin.
Allowing smoking in public places does restrict the ability of MANY people to enter that place; however, a smoker can still go there, they just can't smoke while they are there.
NOW... I do feel that private establishments should be allowed to make their own rules. A restaurant, etc. should be able to allow smoking if they want (though I won't go there!).
I am allergic to tobacco and smoke makes me ill. I sometimes suffer through it. When I visit my dad at his house, I come home with a migraine, nauseated, sinus trouble, etc. I am one of the lucky ones who can handle small doses of it... some people can't be around it at all.
I have an uncle who died from lung cancer who never smoked a day in his life (nor was he a miner, etc), but lived with a chain smoker.
I have known several children of smokers who had asthma, etc during the time the lived with smokers. The ones who either the smokers quit ot they moved... miraculously were healed of their symptoms! The incidence of asthma, SIDS, etc being greater in children exposed to second-hand smoke is well-documented.
It is not propaganda that second-hand smoke is dangerous.
I remember what exhaust from cars was like in the 70's... since emissions standards have be put in place, it is rare that I am stuck behind a vehicle with fumes.
Tara P
_____________________________
http://www.geocities.com/hallscola67/KyliesHomemadeShopIndex.htm
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 12:59:24 PM
|
|
|
pandora
Posts: 13
Joined: 5/11/2005
Status: offline
|
Why should smokers desire to smoke whenever and wherever they please trump the health and safety of those around them? It shouldn't matter that it is a private business or a public building. There are health and safety codes for a reason and I see a ban on indoor smoking in businessess as just another requirement to ensure the wellbeing of those who patronize and work in a business.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:05:04 PM
|
|
|
tacitus
Posts: 546
Joined: 5/12/2005
Status: offline
|
There have been plenty of studies that show a connection between health problems and second-hand smoke. Doesn't take more than a couple of minutes with Google to find them.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:11:35 PM
|
|
|
bzirk
Posts: 2690
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Where the deer and antelope play
Status: offline
|
Whether second hand smoke is dangerous or not, I don't want to be forced to smell cigarette smoke. I'm old enough to remember when you almost couldn't get away from it in public places.
The best argument I've heard against the right to smoke anywhere is this: just because I have the right to drink beer doesn't mean I have the right to urinate on you.
_____________________________
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
Great quote: I just ain't God and don't know it all. -- SonInMe1
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:20:18 PM
|
|
|
CoeurdeLeon
Posts: 6939
Joined: 9/4/2005
From: Inside my head
Status: online
|
I have a big ol problem with the goobermint telling me what I can and cannot allow on my (MY!) property.
If a place allows smoking and you don't want to smell it, don't patronize that business. Money talks. A business owner will soon see that it's more profitable to make their business smoke-free without giving the gov't MORE control over our lives.
_____________________________
Life's a pleasure, if you don't weaken.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:30:16 PM
|
|
|
rcjames
Posts: 4620
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: CoeurdeLeon
I have a big ol problem with the goobermint telling me what I can and cannot allow on my (MY!) property.
If a place allows smoking and you don't want to smell it, don't patronize that business. Money talks. A business owner will soon see that it's more profitable to make their business smoke-free without giving the gov't MORE control over our lives.
If you run a public business, you must keep the benefit of the public in mind.
If you want to let folks kill each other with smoke in your business; open a club or smokers only donut shop with proper venelation.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:30:31 PM
|
|
|
bzirk
Posts: 2690
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Where the deer and antelope play
Status: offline
|
There's definitely a balance. If it's someone's private property, then certainly they should have the right to smoke as long as the smoke is not affecting someone else on their property. Most businesses are private property.
What's great is that people for the most part no longer want to frequent businesses where there is not a smoke free area. Business owners have learned that and make considerations for those who want smoke free.
But as for truly public buildings or other places not conisidered private, the presumption should be that smoking is not allowed if it infringes on someone else's right to be smoke free.
_____________________________
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
Great quote: I just ain't God and don't know it all. -- SonInMe1
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:39:28 PM
|
|
|
stamper_ben
Posts: 10911
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Lone Star State
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: bzirk
There's definitely a balance. If it's someone's private property, then certainly they should have the right to smoke as long as the smoke is not affecting someone else on their property. Most businesses are private property.
What's great is that people for the most part no longer want to frequent businesses where there is not a smoke free area. Business owners have learned that and make considerations for those who want smoke free.
But as for truly public buildings or other places not conisidered private, the presumption should be that smoking is not allowed if it infringes on someone else's right to be smoke free.
Hear hear! Well said! (and add all those smilies that give kudos to a post.)
_____________________________
"I think we cannot be blown off course by the fluctuations of the public opinion polls."
Dead Eye Dick Cheney
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:42:37 PM
|
|
|
phosadaud
Posts: 6665
Joined: 9/19/2005
From: Washington State
Status: offline
|
While I understand the argument about private businesses (and I tend to be one that would rather have the government keep out), here is my concern. At some point, the government must step in to protect the lives of people. One cannot beat their child senseless inside their home just because it's private property. There is a balance that must be met between privacy and rights, and protection from harm. The fact is: smoking is harmful and not just to the smoker. If it only harmed the smoker, I think that argument would carry more weight. It doesn't. I don't have a right to give someone else cancer or keep someone else from being able to do basic things like go shopping or eat out for the sake of a nasty habit that I don't have to do and that I don't have to do anywhere and everywhere.
_____________________________
~Kristin~
If I haven't scared you away, join me here...
Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as Gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:45:34 PM
|
|
|
stamper_ben
Posts: 10911
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Lone Star State
Status: offline
|
So I HAVE to have the government come into my home to tell me that I shouldn't be smoking in it because there is a minor present?
_____________________________
"I think we cannot be blown off course by the fluctuations of the public opinion polls."
Dead Eye Dick Cheney
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:49:05 PM
|
|
|
bzirk
Posts: 2690
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Where the deer and antelope play
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: phosadaud
While I understand the argument about private businesses (and I tend to be one that would rather have the government keep out), here is my concern. At some point, the government must step in to protect the lives of people. One cannot beat their child senseless inside their home just because it's private property. There is a balance that must be met between privacy and rights, and protection from harm. The fact is: smoking is harmful and not just to the smoker. If it only harmed the smoker, I think that argument would carry more weight. It doesn't. I don't have a right to give someone else cancer or keep someone else from being able to do basic things like go shopping or eat out for the sake of a nasty habit that I don't have to do and that I don't have to do anywhere and everywhere.
Therein lies the great debate about how much the government needs to protect us. I tend to come down on the side of libertariansm, but there are some things I believe the government needs to protect us from. For instance, if there were poeple who wanted to go nude anywhere they desired (and there are some of those people LOL), then I'd probably appeal to the government to keep it from happening especially if I'm not able to get away from it easily -- just like it used to be with cigarette smoke.
< Message edited by bzirk -- 2/23/2008 2:55:37 PM >
_____________________________
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
Great quote: I just ain't God and don't know it all. -- SonInMe1
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:50:13 PM
|
|
|
stamper_ben
Posts: 10911
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Lone Star State
Status: offline
|
quote:
You shouldn't have to if you care about the minor... Which is why I go outside. I don't need anyone to tell me that though.
_____________________________
"I think we cannot be blown off course by the fluctuations of the public opinion polls."
Dead Eye Dick Cheney
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Smokers Have Rights Too!!! - 2/23/2008 2:52:20 PM
|
|
|
phosadaud
Posts: 6665
Joined: 9/19/2005
From: Washington State
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: stamper_ben
quote:
You shouldn't have to if you care about the minor... Which is why I go outside. I don't need anyone to tell me that though.
But some do...
As a friend of mine who had to give her infant son nebulizer treatments because of her husband's smoking. Or the fact that this thread even exists (non-smokers shouldn't be able to go shopping or eat at a restaurant if there is a smoker out there who wants to smoke).
_____________________________
~Kristin~
If I haven't scared you away, join me here...
Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as Gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
Since I know it has harmful effects on me (I can't be around cigarette smoke for too long without coughing, and I have chemical sensitivity), I want to distance myself. I don't think of this like I think of sugar and caffeine though...just because someone's eating sugar/caffeine doesn't really affect me even if they're addicted, unless they go crazy off a sugar high or something...which I haven't seen. Their blowing smoke does affect me if I'm right there. Sugar and caffeine don't contaminate my air...although I think there's enough in the air anyway. I don't think addiction is the issue so much as it is about the smoke that's going to other people who are around. If there were a way for a person to be addicted to smoking without the smoke around, I'd not like the fact, but at least your smoke isn't causing someone else problems. I'm pretty sure smokeless cigarettes will never exist though. 
!
