Non smoking laws Dictatorship??

Slick Fork · #1 05-01-2008, 05:19 AM

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating smoking. I smoked for 10 or 11 years as well, and will be celebrating my 2nd smoke free anniversary in about 2 weeks here. I couldn't be happier to be rid of those things and find the smell of them quite offensive nowadays.

I'm in complete agreement with the workplace, restauraunt, all around indoor bans on smoking as it subjects lots of people to second-hand smoke who can't get away from it. My point was that once you get out of the confined spaces of an indoor environment second hand smoke becomes a lesser issue when compared to other inhalants such as smog, vehicle exhaust, pesticide application, etc. You pretty much have to be sitting directly in front of someone exhaling cigarette smoke for it to be a genuine health concern.

Yes it smells bad, yes most people find it offensive but is outdoor smoking a genuine health concern to Non-Smokers? If the answer is no, then the government is legislating out of a desire to play to peoples emotions rather then to make an actual difference. I don't try to push a ban on loud rap music, or really loud motorcycles because while I find them both in poor taste I realize that it's my taste and it really doesn't hurt me to tolerate them. Likewise, I don't expect people to curtail my listening to George Strait or complaining that my horses poop too much even if I ride them through the drive through!! I think that OUTDOOR smoking falls into this gray area and legislating annoyances is a bad road to start going down.

For the record, I think the ban on public drinking is crap as well. Public intoxication yes, drinking no.

EmilyB · #2 05-01-2008, 05:26 AM

ahhh, one word....champix

Myself and three family members quit...

Snappy · #3 05-01-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyB

ahhh, one word....champix

Myself and three family members quit...

Deb Congratulations, it's tough the first year but after that it's all good. You will feel better and SMELL WAY BETTER. I quit in 1986 but now I am very sensitive to smoke and even being around someone who recently had one gives me a headache, stuffy nose and often sinus infections. I had an accident in the early 90's that made me hyper-sensitive to many chemicals and smoke is a really bad one for me. I love the new anti-smoking laws, it's about time. I don't like having to hold my breath as I go in & out of a doorway because people are smoking right there.

Der_Iron_Chef · #4 05-01-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyB

ahhh, one word....champix

Myself and three family members quit...

I just quit cold turkey! I didn't know about this Champix.

Slick Fork · #5 05-01-2008, 04:16 PM

I've got a buddy on Champix right now, he's not smoking anymore but says the dreams the drug gives him are pretty far out there, I just used the patch

Psyire · #6 05-01-2008, 04:34 PM

No Smoking laws are awesome. I don't have to put up with that smoke at work or at play now. It's great!

Pan · #7 05-01-2008, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick Fork

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating smoking. I smoked for 10 or 11 years as well, and will be celebrating my 2nd smoke free anniversary in about 2 weeks here. I couldn't be happier to be rid of those things and find the smell of them quite offensive nowadays.

I'm in complete agreement with the workplace, restauraunt, all around indoor bans on smoking as it subjects lots of people to second-hand smoke who can't get away from it. My point was that once you get out of the confined spaces of an indoor environment second hand smoke becomes a lesser issue when compared to other inhalants such as smog, vehicle exhaust, pesticide application, etc. You pretty much have to be sitting directly in front of someone exhaling cigarette smoke for it to be a genuine health concern.

Yes it smells bad, yes most people find it offensive but is outdoor smoking a genuine health concern to Non-Smokers? If the answer is no, then the government is legislating out of a desire to play to peoples emotions rather then to make an actual difference. I don't try to push a ban on loud rap music, or really loud motorcycles because while I find them both in poor taste I realize that it's my taste and it really doesn't hurt me to tolerate them. Likewise, I don't expect people to curtail my listening to George Strait or complaining that my horses poop too much even if I ride them through the drive through!! I think that OUTDOOR smoking falls into this gray area and legislating annoyances is a bad road to start going down.

For the record, I think the ban on public drinking is crap as well. Public intoxication yes, drinking no.

I find george strait makes my horse poop too.

ElGuappo · #8 05-01-2008, 11:44 PM

I am a smoker adn i do agree with the indoor laws, however the outdoors is questionable. as metioned before there are far worse airborn pollutants right outside the door due due the burning of non renewable resources that even as up to date as this week is killing hundreds of animals right outside your back door. due to the gathering of such fuels. how long can we continue to put of the electric car and such? i dont have any interest in driving one ever. but that doesnt mean i dont think they need to make a serious move in the next decade or so and make some with better power and longer lasitng bateries.

Zoaelite · #9 05-02-2008, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElGuappo

I am a smoker adn i do agree with the indoor laws, however the outdoors is questionable. as metioned before there are far worse airborn pollutants right outside the door due due the burning of non renewable resources that even as up to date as this week is killing hundreds of animals right outside your back door. due to the gathering of such fuels. how long can we continue to put of the electric car and such? i dont have any interest in driving one ever. but that doesnt mean i dont think they need to make a serious move in the next decade or so and make some with better power and longer lasitng bateries.

Is this not the "Well if everyone else is doing it then my little bit doesn't matter argument"? I dont think specificly its the biggest health issue I just think its a non smoker weighing out smoker decision. I know I don't personally enjoy walking out of a Walmart to 14 people blowing smoke in my face. You also have to realise that people are allergic to some of the chemicals in smoke so these people smoking infront of Walmart are technicly infringing on their rights?

dsaundry · #10 05-02-2008, 12:36 AM

The one interesting thing on this thread is how everybody is blaming the government for this. It is interesting how a lot of people say they should be allowed to do what they want, where they want and the government should stick their nose somewhere else. I am not in the government I just run a small business here in the "Wack". Its not the government who says you can't park in my lot unless you are a customer..it's me...Its not the government who says you can't smoke in my shop... it's me....God help the loser that tries to take a p*ss on my property. Does that make me a dictator?? Nope just protecting whats mine. Do I try to recycle? Yup..do my best..not because the government says to,but it makes sense. You see it's all about perspective. Are there a lot of smart, intelligent people around.. You Betcha...put them in a group and the right situation and they become a mindless mob...Thats a fact folks...So if you want to smoke... smoke, just be a responsible[respectful] smoker, do it in your own home or your car[less your kids], just don't do it in my face. Let me enjoy a meal at a restaurant without the smell of someones smoke wafting at my table.
Ps: The government tell's you to pay tax's too......