Belmont, CA bans all smoking ANYWHERE

Ah yes, the government knows what is best for us. Fast food is next. Then what?

Am I the only one who seems to think that all this regulation is a BAD thing?

We had a discussion about this a few weeks ago in my gov. class. If they banned smoking then they’d ban anything they want, such as bums on the street? I was all for banning smoking until that occured to me..

no way in hell that this law will last any length of time. i can see banning smoking in public places, and public buildings, but banning smoking in the entire city including cars, open air spaces and even your own house (exceptions apply) is going to piss people off.
i understand that second hand smoke kills, but i also know that people have freedoms, and choices. If you go anywhere else in the world, smoking is not viewed the same way it is here, in fact, many places, no one cares. This is just certain people trying to push their beliefs onto the public, and so far, they’re winning, we need to stop this breach into our lives, and get back ouf basic freedoms, because before you know it, we’ll be banned from going outside past midnight.

Uhm, sorry, this is a ridiculous law. Smoking in a car is banned? Seriously? Thats what we call far-overreaching. I appreciate that you don’t smoke, but come on, how often do you truly encounter a situation where you cant avoid someones smoking? This country isn’t centered around your rights, its about accommodating everyone, and far overreaching legislation like this spits in the face of the principles of this country.

When you think about it, the non-smoking regulations against private buisnesses is also quite ridiculous, because we are talking about coming into a privately owned residence and legislating what can happen there. Why was that nessesary? Why couldn’t people be intelligent, and NOT eat at places which accommodated smokers if it bothered them so much? There is no reason to write things like this into law, its not the place of government to reach that far into the private lives of its citizens.

It’s silliness, really. As a former smoker who quit on his own I know how bad smoking can be. However, a law that makes it illegal to use an un-banned substance in private space is nothing short of stupidity. If a person wants to go to their car for a smoke break, let them. If a person wants to smoke in their condo, let them do that too. Ban all public areas, even open air ones, it makes sense since your are sharing space, but in areas where there is no sharing involved, like a car or home, the government should really but out. That all being said, good luck trying to enforce it. This will be used as a last ditch effort law to charge someone with something at an officer’s discretion. “Random” drug/weapon searches in of a car or home that come up empty handed will still find the suspects handed a ticket if a butt is found. Feel sorry for the first guy to have this as a third strike.

I’ve been on the fence with this one. I hate smoking, smokers and the whole idea of willingly/unwillingly putting smoke into yourself. But I do feel that people have the right to kill themselves with smoke, if they want. That’s why then should be able to smoke in their own homes, where it doesn’t bother their own family. Restaurants? No. Parks? No. Public Buildings? You may say that being outside keeps the smoke away from other people’s lungs, but if there are enough people outside smoking, it’s a bit of a moot point.

Here in Cali, you can’t smoke hardly anywhere already. I think the current laws are acceptable….though parents shouldn’t be allowed to smoke around there younger kids (I think that may be a law too…I don’t know)

Seriously, Fuck off. I quit smoking because I was having some breathing issues. My choice. Force me to do it, and I’ll blow smoke right up your ass hole. It’s still legal, and kills less innocent people than alcohol or your car, so get off your high horse. You think a 3 inch cigarette pollutes your lungs less that hummer? Damn I hate condescending self righteous cunts.

And now I’m banned.

I question whether those that oppose such a “far reaching” law would have different opinions had they discovered that they had developed a form of cancer likely to be the result of second hand smoke. Just curious…

“Banning smoking anywhere will not only improve general health”

How can banning smoking imrpove general health? The poeple who smoke are going to find a way to smoke, and this law isn’t going to stop them. It’s like underage drinking. It’s illegal, but that doesn’t stop anyone.

Yeah I go to college in Santa Monica, CA and just recently there has been a law stating you can not smoke 20 feet from any building entrance.

I was glad when they passed that, since my college’s main building has only 2 entrances, and both used to have smokers surrounding the doors, now I can walk into my school without coughing!

Oh, and about this post and smoking in people’s own home. The post does state “except for single-family detached residences”, didn’t you guys read that part?

I wonder about apartments though, i think that should be an exception to this law too (although people shouldn’t smoke in the hallways or the apartment’s main entrance)

@Andy: “Banning smoking anywhere will not only improve general health”

Referring to the fact that non-smokers will no longer have to cope with having to inhale second hand smoke.

Here in NYC, some bozo is always lighting up a cigarette on the way out the subway, giving the rest of us a nice lungfull of cancer as we are huffing and puffing our ways up the stairs (carrying our infants & grannies). Maybe we could get some of those UCLA “cops” to come east and taser public smokers?

At least, I’d LOVE to see a no-smoking in apartments rule. My idiot neighbor is always smoking out her window (I guess she doesn’t want to harm her daughter, but it just blows in my window and harms my family instead).

now what will people do after sex?
But seriously, I have to agree with Matthew on this one. I hate smokers blowing their smoke all in my air and everything, and i know it will kill them, but I don’t like all these far reaching government laws. My view is, what you do at your own home is your business. Also, I have to think that these people have the right to kill themselves smoking. ALSO this won’t work. Period. It’s addictive. People have already been addicted. THEY aren’t going to stop simply because it’s not allowed. People have proven this with the prohibition. People are only going to smoke more, if anything. Oh well. We’ll just see how this works out.

The only 2nd-hand smoke that kills are American cigarettes laced with poisons.

2nd-hand smoke from pure tobacco is not poisonous.

Damn fools…

BOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Don’t people get that having the government tell us how to live is a BAD idea? This is the same organization that runs your local DMV. Do you really want them telling you how to live, or to provide your health care? I just don’t get how such smart people often think a big government is a good idea. The government fails at almost everything it tries to accomplish. Quit trying to make the perfect society by instituting tons of stupid laws. Let the masses make their own decisions, some will make poor decisions, but overall we will all be better off.

Prohibition anyone?

The idiots who say “this is going a little too far BUT” will squawk a different tune when the health nazis come after them. Any government that can outlaw smoking and call it healthy can outlaw anything and call it healthy.

The World Health Organization–the political arm of the international medical establishment– has dictated that tobacco is to be outlawed world wide. The Belmont assholes are just doing their part.

Tobacco is not the only thing on the WHO hit list. Everything except working and sleeping is unhealthy and you’re gonna be healthy even if it kills you. And you damn sure deserve it.

Derek how come you assert second-hand smoke as a factual contributor to cancer? There hasn’t been anything conclusive so far to my knowledge. Check http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000602.html for a taste.

And also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondhand_smoke#Controversy

And the actual scientific facts supporting the explanation shared by the Straight Dope? How can cigarette smoke – with thousands of chemical compounds – not have an adverse affect on those in the surrounding area inhale? Do all those chemicals get absorbed into a smokers bloodstream making the exhaled smoke magically clean? Come on, people who believe in those anti-second-hand-smoke-kills reads are ignoring reality.

Srussion, if you believe those types of reads so much, are you telling me that you would be willing to sit in a room with another smoker confident that there would be no adverse affects on your health?

The only factual evidence in long term studies related to effects of secondhand smoking: There MAY be a slight rise in children raised in somking homes developing asthma.
That’s it. No more.

Ya now lets outlaw cats because Cat Dander kills 10 people a year.

This is one step in the right direction. Smoking is an abhorrent habit and most (not all) smokers are irresponsible about tossing their cigarette butts onto the floor. A lot of people will diagree with this ruling, think about what you would feel if a loved one died of lung cancer from second hand smoke.

They should make it illegal to smoke inside houses that are inhabited by minors as well. Kids don’t have a choice but to breathe the smoke if their parents smoke in the house

It’s a shame that this problem is still so widespread when we have hard facts that prove that smoking is harmful. It’s like saying “Let’s keep using asbestos in homes even though we know it is harmful” on the principle that the government is taking away our right to choose between “it” and other alternatives, C’mon people wake up already!

Amen! I would love to move there. I have a right not to smell someone else’s frigin foul cancer fags even if the smoke is GOOD for me.
And, yes I would welcome prohibition as well.

When it comes to my state’s turn to act accordingly, I will donate many hours of volunteer time to make it so.

Signed:
A former welder who has had a lifetime of crap enter his lungs, and is 100X more sensitive to the stench than anyone who reads this.

Non-smokers who push for smoking bans in open air places like parks are the same whiny, annoying people that want to ban all kinds of things they disapprove of. Just because they have a sympathetic audience with the smoking issue can they get anything banned on that front.

To the non-smokers that don’t like smokers hanging out around the doors of buildings: you put them there. Smokers would be happy to smoke inside but they can’t. You pushed them outside and now it’s to inconvenient for you? Gimme a break. If I was a smoker I’d organize a human chain of smokers to make 20-foot circles around buildings with that ordinance and blow smoke on people passing through. Only people with little yappy dogs are more annoying than non-smokers on a crusade.

i used to smoke and quit.

When the study was performed, It gave a bunch of numbers that everyone uses to prove that second hand smoke causes lung cancer, when actually the result of the study said “not of statistical significance”

To all the people who are offended to have the government tell us what we can do in our own homes: Where were you when gay sex was illegal (as recently as 2004, when the Supreme Court finally struck down those laws in the 4 states where they remained)?

Nothing like being behind some ahole that hangs his cig out the window cause HE doesn’t like his car smelling like smoke. Meanwhile, you get a face full either through the vents or windows. Oh, but I wouldn’t want to inhibit someone from being an asshole. I’d much rather see them burn the fucking city down by tossing butts into the brush.

And everyone knows, food tastes so much better when you get to smell the dog turd the snobbish bitch next to you is smoking – cause if you ask her politely to put it out – well, that’s just being unreasonable.

Legislation is being passed because people are – for the most part – extremely stupid or supremely selfish. They won’t willing stop inflicting their choices on others. We won’t go into the backstory on my wife who was given asthma from her parents 2nd hand smoke – that now in her adult life she can get sent to the emergency room for a breathing treatment if she gets hit with too much smoke from some uncaring ahole. Believe me though, I’m for letting them smoke. If I could make them inhale all that wonderful smoke and do it 10 times faster – hey! sign me up! The fast you smoke – the sooner your sorry ass will die a nice horrible death, preferably sooner than later.

-Smokers suck butt.

I own the cities and notwithstanding the sceptics views, the ban on smoking should be worldwide except were exclusively designed to host for the smoking entities.

Smoking is sort of a sin folks; and the pretenses of cigarettes is casually accepted but In purgatory , there’s a struggle, against the smokers and the none smokers. Some great personalities deeded to smoke.

The decision the City of Belmont resounded was proper and a steps in the right directions./ Smokers should however have accommodating lounging designated areas thatso. Cigarette Buttes are offensive to me

The true anecdotal remedies are: 31 December 2012 any person 18 or under Mr. Congressman and Senate and Judge racketeering Ponzi scheme needs to copulate a dires supplements, If I was, derived for phasing out smoking by prorating from 18rh birthday onwardly, patient has to show age of consent modulation solution would be solds perhaps.

Thatand resolve as infraction able privacy issues when smoking other than tobacco in public and or in permanent residencies thatelse withstanding a forgery theft.

OMG, I would LOVE to move there. Disregard all the medical and political, I just want to move there for the aesthetic aspect of it!

I’m SO TIRED of second hand smoke- from my neighbors, from people on the sidewalk, in parks, and directly outside of building entrances. I know some people try to be considerate with the direction of their smoke, but it’s impossible to contain.

The odor of second hand smoke is not only sour and loathsome, it gives me a headache and makes my throat sore.

hey… don’t like the law… don’t live in Belmont CA…. i mean you still have control over you.. and you still can choose to smoke… if that is what you want to do… just not anywhere in Belmont CA… how much does that puff of smoke mean to you…

Also, I wonder if there are undercover tobacco corporation employees posing as pro-smoking individuals on sites like this.

Here’s a some sites to help inform the masses about second hand smoke:

http://www.eubusiness.com/Health/smoking-ban.06-10-03

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3557-public-smoking-ban-slashes-heart-attacks.html

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-10-17-ireland-smoke_x.htm

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2006pres/20060627.html

Yeah, lets employ mandatory and expensive licensing for every creature he owns, dog, cat birds mammals invertebrate and save it for the Zoological society’s and in effect reduce react put away with that beastality forensic defoliant agency’s.

Atleast rosebud doesn’t result in a jillion cigarette butts at improper behavior Soviet.

Hold on a moment. You live in New York City, and you think that inhaling second hand smoke may give you cancer? What about inhaling the smog from America’s largest city? That’s likely to be much more carcinogenic than the second-hand smoke already filtered somewhat by the smoker’s lungs. Which brings me to my next point.

We can’t prove that smoking causes cancer, or any other disease, because we can’t lock someone in a room without any other environmental pollutants and have them smoke for 20 years to prove our theory. And what’s worse is we certainly can’t prove that second-hand smoke causes disease, and for the same reason. If you look at all the studies claiming to link smoking to disease, they are all based on anecdotal evidence. Now of course, it’s reasonable to assume that inhaling smoke from a burning object isn’t good for you, but let’s not all go crazy and assume that second-hand smoke can kill us. No matter what the ACS or ALA claim, there’s no way to prove that.

Of course smoke is unpleasant, but then so is too much perfume. Should we ban that? I think there’s a very high chance that second-hand smoke can cause respiratory problems, so it should be banned from all public places. But to make it illegal goes too far.

Ya know what all you jackasses that think its ok to smoke can go screw yourself, I myself have never smoked a cigarette in my life, and have had cancer twice and I am not even 20, So you dicks who go and smoke, get sick have cancer and cost the government millions of dollars to save your pathetic smokestack selves can pay for your own treatment. Suck it up and learn to live with stress the way the rest of us do, talk about it, instead of killing other people with the crap you blow out, and im not just talking about the smoke….. Believe me there are people way worse off than you and we deal with it. Canada if your wondering about the government paying for healthcare

ZOMG you stupid zombies. The dangers of second hand smoke are a myth. The numbers are fabricated / highly embelished. Keep giving away your rights, and see what happens. Give it 10 years. We’ll sure be missing those days when people could friggin smoke on the street. Jesus Jumping Christ!

Derek, you are a complete tool. Didn’t you watch the episode of “Penn and Teller’s bullshit” where they debunked the whole 2nd hand smoke myth? Stop being such a fag. (No wonder your backgorund is pink when you post)

you cannot offer any REAL evidence that 2nd hand smoke is harmful in everyday life. Unpleasant, yes. But it does not increase your chance of developing lung cancer. Offer some real evidence or STFU. (Incidently, I cannot proove my point either, but I’m not the one trying to deprive you of your rights) the burden of proof is on YOU and your pinko commie freinds.

Smoking in the presences of children is not a good idea and public domain is for expertize and youth, so I agree with the new law Danny book him if he doesn’t make a restitution Herbert, Racketeering Ponzi schemes your Honours. Don’t sell your vote pass the 31 December 2012 18th logistically soward for lawful successes in costly medical concern.

I think Derek is a frickin’ retard. Wait until they come after you for some pet peeve based on factoids.

I see banning smoking in public places much like banning gunfighting in public places. It interferes with others – alllegdly quite hamfully – and is considered by the majority of nonsmokers to be unwelcome.

Now, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I prefer my /public/ streets gunfight-free. I am a gun owner – this is not a stand against guns, but simply that I do not wish to get harmed as others carry about their business. The same rules apply to public intoxication and drunk driving on /public/ streets – both of which, like smoking in Belmont, are still entirely legal on private property.

Hey, I like to smoke feces in public and get the smell all over people and when I’m done, I toss it on the side-walk. What? It isn’t YOUR problem, you should be avoiding me anyways.

There is no proof smoking poop is bad for you. All the studies are all based on anecdotal evidence. It’s just a myth!

If they ban smoking cigarettes now, they might ban smoking crap later, please help fight the injustice, I need dung in my lungs!!!!!!!!!

Wow.

I used to live there. For those of you who don’t know where it is, its about 30 min sound of San Francisco, in the heart of the ‘Peninsula’. Also, for those wishing to move there…good luck. Its a pretty penny w/ houses in the $1MM’s…easily.

oops…30min south of San Francisco…

You should check your facts. Calabasas is the first city to ban smoking.

http://www.nbc4.tv/newslinks/7963148/detail.html

This scares the crap out of me. aesthetic reasons aside, there doesn’t seem to be any scientific proof that second hand smoke causes cancer. And we’re talking about a legal product here. Something that its legal to buy but not legal to do? what crap is that? If you use the government to outlaw something you think is offensive then you have to remember you’re opening the door for everyone to do the same thing. I mean whats next? outlawing car horns and cell-phones in public places? and then what? outlawing revealing or offensive clothes? who gets to decide where the line is. Unless there’s a study, a real, scientific, peer-reviewed study that can conclusivly claim that a behavior is harmful then you shouldn’t be able to outlaw it.

I think the effects of this law are good, however the law itself is completely stupid. I think the effects of requiring all citizens to work out 5 days a week would be great, however I would never support such law. If you don’t want to inhale second hand smoke then don’t put yourself in establishments that allow smoking…real simple not rocket science.

Plenty of restaurants and bars are non-smoking now regardless of laws…go find one, its a free country.

I am in favor of cigs being illegal. I will vote for politicians who support this.

i’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life. i’ve had a grand total of 3 cigars, all at celebratory social events. if this smoking ban passes, i will make sure to go to belmont and take the first hit i’ve ever had off a cigarette in the most crowded place i can find.

stop legislating what i can and cannot do. if you don’t like what i’m doing, go the hell away. no one needs your pompous shit, and definitly no one needs the law telling us to do what you say.

Here’s and interesting quote for you all…..Thirty-three studies on secondhand smoke had been completed by 1993. More than 80 percent of the studies reported no association between secondhand smoke and lung cancer, including the largest of the studies. The EPA reviewed 31 studies – inexplicably omitting two studies reporting no association between secondhand smoke and lung cancer – and estimated secondhand smoke caused 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually.

heres the link http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,26109,00.html

omg in cars lets not mention the fact that a car spews out the equivilent of 10 packs of smokes an hour in the same “bad” chemicals or the fact that your new carpet emits the equvilent of 2 packs a day so lets just ban breathing then mabye lung cancer will go away (that and the people) big brother omg they will alow drugs that create worse illnesses than they treat but they are going to save us??? give me a break those self same people drive gas guzzlers that pollute the earth and they have the gall to say i cant smoke in the car that i bought with my money and they cant even search without my consent?? wtf if you dont like it thats nice i think your tofu is disgusting does that mean i can outlaw it??

how bout you mind your own life and let others mind thiers!!!!
my money pays for your fat children so i want them on a diet or you will be put in jail how bout that or a ticket cuse you kid is fat and a bully? whats next the THOUGHT POLICE??????

I find it interesting that all of the people that think smoking is so horrible and the “ugh…I can’t believe I have to put up with it” mindset make is sound like 24/7, 365; everywhere you go there is someone smoking. I know there is no way this is the case. Unless, you go to restaurants/bars/clubs that allow it…in which case, here’s an idea: DON’T SUPPORT THAT BUSINESS BY SPENDING YOUR MONEY THERE! If it’s where you work, get involved in what ever board/committee that makes those decisions and have an HONEST look at what the MAJORITY of those people want.

If there is really that large of the population that cannot stand smoking that go to those establishments (where ever they may be) guess what? The business owners will take note and change their regulations themselves. There is absolutely no reason for the government to ban smoking in a privately owned business that is perfectly capable of governing themselves on issues like these.

As for the idea of banning it in public places (ex: parks, schools, govt. buildings etc) I completely agree as there is almost nothing more unsightly than a bunch of cigarette butts on the ground (not to mention the potential minors in the area).
This issue is resolved with a hefty fine for those that specifically litter cigarette butts.

On the idea of banning smoking in a home where there are minors present, seriously? So it’s O.K. that the same family may have had children in poverty, can barely support their family but god forbid someone should have a fucking cigarette. I grew up in a home where both parents smoked…but not around me until I was age 10 or so, and guess what? no asthma, no breathing defects, nothing. Quite the opposite actually, I was heavily into gymnastics, BMX and Downhill mountain bike racing and had incredible lung capacity (and no cancer). Might I also add that the chance of getting cancer is raised more by a family history of having cancer than smoking/second hand smoke alone.

Now on a side note to parents smoking, my parents also did NOT smoke when my mother was pregnant, or in the home when I was an infant. Quite frankly, that’s responsible. On the other hand it seems that more and more people are willing to let the govt. tell people what to do on the threat that they could get heavily fined or sent to prison. I feel that just allows people to avoid responsibility, “oh well…no big deal ill just get a ticket”.

All in all people should be able to think for themselves and make decisions for themselves. Those people that don’t like others decisions (on smoking or otherwise) should stay away from those people. If someone lives right next door to you in and apartment complex, and they smoke (or really anything else that is driving you batshit) any decent complex would listen to your complaint and will allow you to move apartments.

Now I know the idea that moving your apartment location is going to make people think “why do I have to move?…It’s not I that is causing the problem”. First off, you are the one HAVING a problem with it so you deal. Also, Let me tell those of you thinking that one simple thing that will allow you to get along better and be happier in life: YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL, YOU WILL BE INCONVENIENCED FROM TIME TO TIME, GET USED TO IT AND YOU HAVE NO MORE RIGHTS THAN ANYONE ELSE TO PROHIBIT THEM FROM DOING SOMETHING (THAT IS LEGAL) IN THEIR OWN HOME/CAR/ELSEWHERE.

And on a final note, if you can’t cope with the ideas expressed above, please do us all a favor and speed up the cleansing of you self-righteous, selfish assholes off the planet and please kill yourself falling out of those precious trees you tree-hugging democrats.

that is all

Having mild asthma, I’ve always hated smoking and all the of smokers that are inconsiderate and force others to breathe that crap.

But I believe that consenting adults should be allowed to do whatever they want, AS LONG AS NO ONE ELSE IS HURT. So I don’t think smoking should be illegal…AS LONG AS;

1. No one else has to breathe the smoke. So don’t light up near anyone, unless they tell you they don’t mind or that they want to breathe your second-hand smoke (as well as the first-hand smoke that comes directly from the cigarette, and isn’t inhaled).

2. Minors – If there are kids living in the house, even in a single family home, then you can only smoke in a well ventilated bathroom or outside where no one has to inhale the smoke.

3. Ginormous health care costs for smoking-related diseases should be paid for by the tobacco industry and the cigarette taxes that are put aside for that purpose only. In addition, smoking cessation programs should be paid for, and even encouraged, with this money.

Some of you have forgotten that the reason smoking was first banned from restaurants was because the employees were forced to inhale smoke for several hours a day.

Part of me would still like to see this law passed and spread throughout the country and the world…especially in my city. If it takes drastic measures to stop the insanity, then maybe it’s worth it.

Ultimately, the tobacco industry — greedy, manipulative lairs with no regard for the millions (probably billions) of people suffering and dying — should also die a slow, painful, horrible death, like the one many users that they’ve made addicted to their product have, are, and will experience.

OMG i can not believe the attitude of the smokers in this forum! Stop complaining about ur rights and freedoms being taken away, and stop being selfish! Have u every considered the non-smokers rights or freedoms??…. i doubt it! We deserve the right NOT to breathe second hand smoke. We have chosen not to smoke, and its about time that you respect that!

To all those wanna be doctors or scientists that cite this one study that cannot prove that second hand smoke causes cancer….why are u ignoring by far the majority of scientific evidence that links cancer with second hand smoke? And anyway is it really worth the risk to ignore these warnings? Do you want your child to die because of second hand smoke?

Remember smokers, it is a chemical addiction that you have…..pure and simple. You smoke to try to feel normal again. The sooner you quit, the better it is for everyone!

I think this is GREAT! I’m sick of having to put up with second hand smoke in public places, but even more sick of having to put up with it at home. My girlfriend lives in an apartment complex and every evening her neighbor’s second hand smokes makes it’s way into my nose. It’s agrivating as all hell.

I remember the cold war when the USA was the only thing standing between us and the fascist dictators of the communist states. We spent decades watching the news for signs that the great ideological battle between freedom and enslavement by the state would break out into nuclear Armageddon. Thankfully it never came and the evil of planned economies and every aspect of your life being run by government officials collapsed when the Soviet Union could no longer afford its nuclear arsenal. It seemed worthwhile all the billions of dollars that we had spent on weapons rather than feeding the poor or developing our economies.

What a laugh.

In the end it turned out that our own governments were just as evil as the communists. They think they have a right to tell you how to live every detail of your life. We would have been better off surrendering to the Communists, at least they weren’t two faced like the swine running our legislatures now. Come to think of it I’d rather support Al Quiada over the lawyers and big business interests that want to run my life now, theres hardly any difference between them.

Ban tobacco like you banned Opium if you must but don’t give me all these secondhand smoke lies when automobile exhaust fumes are many many times more dangerous in the open air. Thats what I hate above all – its the lies that people are being told. No wonder people feel obliged to commit suicide bombings – what must it be like for the enemies of our states if we the citizens are being so badly treated?

I’m for it. Especially the ban on smoking in cars. I’ve almost been hit a dozen times by idiots trying to light up in their car.

Additionally, the second hand smoke makes me sick. I’ll be extremely happy when I can walk anywhere in the states without having some jerk blowing nasty smoke all over the place.

The problem is that it’s not only cigarette smokers who are not allowed to “kill themselves” by smoking, it’s anyone who enjoys any kind of smoking tobacco, including cigars and pipes. Smokers of the latter 2 tend to be responsible considerate adults who enjoy their smoking hobby in moderation and with consideration to others.

Good. Now they know how dopers feel. A few hundred smokers who can’t get their “fix” will show you what *real* “addiction” looks like.

And for those who don’t like it – too bad. This is Amurrca, a democracy, and democracy = mob rule (or “majority” rule). At least they’re not shooting them on sight. Yet.

Ah, America the free. This is getting out of hand. Health risks aside, we’re talking about curbing freedom and rights here. I’m not even a smoker, but I will fight for their right to smoke. That said, there are limits to freedom, but properly handled smoking should never be one.

Actually, many cigarette butts do decompose like apple cores. As far as smoking outside goes, you can exercise your right to not breathe second hand smoke by walking five feet upwind. As silly as it may seem, i would equate a smoker with a knife juggler. Your health may be imperiled by standing too close, so the solution that makes everyone happy is to but some space between you and the flying knives. That way he gets to juggle, and you get to live.

By the way, do you suppose knife juggling in public is legal? or do you need a permit?

To the people saying it is unfair for their right NOT to inhale the smoke, again, do not go to those establishments that allow it. As for the original ban in restaurants/bars due to the employees having to inhale it for several hours a day, here’s an idea: don’t work there on the principal that your employer is allowing something to go on that you do not care for. If you had a job that made decisions against you constantly for your request of vacation time, would you continue to work there? I wouldn’t.

As an interesting side note, please consider how much the govt. would have to raise other taxes to cover a large portion of national income paid by those of us that have this vice. It’s called a “sin” tax and we pay it.

So in my mind one of two things needs to happen, remove the ban on smoking almost anywhere in this (and other cities I’m sure that will follow) OR have that city/county pay the federal sin tax to lower the costs of the tobacco to its citizens as they are no longer free to enjoy their smokes as they please. Now I do know that the second option seems ridiculous but that’s one of the reasons we pay the tax, cleanup (unfortunately); and the fact that smoking is viewed as a luxury, so we pay it.

one thing I forgot, if smoke is such an nuisance why not ban alcohol. Oh wait….we tried that…it didn’t work. And alcohol even kills more people per year.

AWESOME!!

As a docotor I am very familiar with the absolute atrocity against humanity that is the cigarette. It is very clear in the scientific community that they are horrible and they kill. Also, inhaling cigarette smoke while walking down the street sucks. I hope that eventually we will end the production of them altogether in this nation. (I realize that will probably never happen, but I can hope… )

Cheers.

There are so many things about these laws that are wrong. And your support of them just because it makes you feel morally superior is something you should ashamed of. You know early nazi’s felt much the same way when they segregated the jews, the pioneers of the American west had a general dislike of the natives but didn’t know what they had started by wanting the government to intervene. You sir are opening a can of worms here that you don’t want to know whats inside. But hey if it saves a dozen people from getting cancer who care if it eventually leads to the downfall of democracy and leads us to a total government controlled state where you need to fill out forms to just wipe your ass.

Hell I’d move there just for that. My life has been ruined by parents who smoked, I would sue the crap out of them for ruining my health if I could.

Its not about the government telling the people what is good for them. Its about the rights of the people who choose not to smoke. Just because you want to smoke, doesn’t give you the right to breath smoke into someone else’s lungs. Wake up…

There’s a whole lot of ignorant people out there. 2nd hand smoke is bad. I am one of ~23% of the US population that suffers a non-allergenic response (same effects, different bio system) to cigarette smoke. In my case it causes severe congestion and causes my airway to swell from inflammation and constrict. If I’m not on medication and get a good dose of cigarette smoke, I will repeatedly choke in my sleep because my body will relax and I can’t consciously hyper extend my airway to breath. Every time I am exposed I become more sensitive to it. Read about it at the Hopkins Institute. Pipe smoke, trash smoke, wood smoke, etc; none of that bothers me any different from the typical person. Cigarette smoke is distinct toxic to me.

Accidentally taking a breath rich in cigarette smoke will earn me about a week of heavy congestion and about two weeks before it clears up.

Just one breath.

There are scores of known toxic chemicals in cigarettes. You’d have an entirely different opinion if I left 100 poisons around your house for you to come in contact with, but you think nothing of subjecting me to cigarette smoke.

I’m all for you doing anything you want to your body, your property, your life. As long as it doesn’t affect anyone else.

You smoking in public affects me.

For the fools that say I don’t have to go to clubs and bars and restaurants that provide smoke atmospheres; I don’t go there. But I also have to walk very carefully EVERYWHERE. Work, getting gas for my car, milk at the grocery store, working out at the gym, playing ball at the beach.

Your 2nd smoke DIRECTLY affects my health. The residual smoke on your clothing is enough to trigger a moderate reaction.

So next time you are out and about, start from 6am and go to 10pm. Try to avoid every instance of cigarette smoke you encounter. Now you’ll see what my life is like. Medication is _far_ from a 100% effective symptom blocker.

Stop being an asshole about smoking in other people’s faces. Technically you ARE poisoning them, the tiny dosage doesn’t mean you’re any more right than someone slipping someone else tiny bits of rat poison.

In summary, do whatever the hell you want as long as it doesn’t impact other people. Your rights end where others rights begin.

That includes smoking in my face you obnoxious ass.

Amazing to me that smokers express this so-called inalienable right to impose their choice to create a carcinogenic cloud no matter where they go and *I* must be the one to move.

Our freedoms and rights of personal privilege extend only to the point where my choices do not affect you. So smokers, get a clue: I don’t give a damn if you choose to shorten your life by smoking (except that I think you should have to pay a required higher insurance premium than me – I am sick and tired of having to pay for your health problems) but when your choice invades my lungs, it is YOU that need to move, not me.

Why do we put restrictions on shooting ranges? Because if people chose to play with their weapons wherever they feel like it others will get hurt. That is a considerably more accurate analogy than equating people like me with Nazis (stupid analogy, that). It is time that everyone who makes a choice to do something that can hurt another be personally responsible enough to endeavor NOT TO, rather than demand some pseudo personal rights baloney to defend their poor choices. The “Land of the Free” does not mean free to cause harm in a selfish and self righteous way – it means free from oppression, free to speak our minds and free to live as equals. Study your country and understand what that means before you endeavor to use those words in defence of stupidity.

Perkiset,

Have you driven a car lately? Well the exhaust from that car has polluted my air. HOW DARE YOU! Don’t you know I should be free from you polluting my air by driving your car.

Ok , seriously now, your car puts out more pollution and cancer causing carcinogenics then cigarettes do. While I agree that there should be smoking bans in public places, it’s not yours or the governments job to legislate what people do in their own homes or cars.

@Former Smoker –

Agreed – the law that bans you smoking in your own home or car is stupidly overbearing – and I find that kind of invasion of personal rights as repulsive as so many other abominations being levied against We The People today. My point was directed at those above who would have *me* be the one inconvenienced or put at risk because of their choice… not those who choose this habit in the sanctity of their own home.

And BTW – when as many people die each year from CO coming from the back of our tailpipes, then we will have to address as well. The stats point hard at second hand smoke however, so that’s where our attention should be.

uhmmm maybe the government should start by a ban on guns if they are worried about there people?

Everyone here needs to settle down…

I’m a smoker, so i’m somewhere between the two extremes here.

I live in philadelphia, where they just recently banned all smoking in bars and restaurants. Do I have a problem with this, not really…I don’t like to smoke when i eat. But i don’t see the reason why as long as the restaurant had a completely seperate smoking section (as in a seperate, closed off room, not just a different area of the restaurant) why this would be a problem.

Smoking around children is bad, when i have children, i will stop smoking. If your going to continue to smoke, at least have the decency to go outside.

As for Banning smoking in open air public places, i think this is rediculous. In an open air situation the smoke is not nearly as concentrated as in a tiny bar where everyone is smoking, and the amout of smoke actually in the air is probably miniscule compared to the exhausts from cars and buses and public transportation and other forms of pollution. That being said, I don’t go out of my way to smoke near people or blow my smoke in other people faces simply because i’m not an ass. I don’t smoke right in front of the building doors, i walk down the sidewalk a little bit. If im in my car with other people, i’ll ask them if they mind if i have a ciggerette. If they do then i’ll pull over somewhere and smoke one if i’m really desperate, but usually i can wait till we get where we’re going. Like I said, as long as you mind other people a little bit, this really shouldn’t be a big deal

I really don’t see why people would get so worked up over this. i doubt this law will be around much longer…

Hey Joel, it’s nice to see someone who thinks public bans are stupid but doesn’t wind up ranting in all caps. Obviously, if only people were reasonable…but I think you can see from the tone of the responses that not everyone is as reasonable as you.

As far as the smoking section goes, the problem isn’t so much people choosing to go into it, it’s that it’s a hazardous work environment for the waitresses, busboys, etc, who have to either choose to not work there (and, as a former busboy, let me tell you, you don’t take THAT job because you have lots of other choices), or suck the smoke up.

Cars with internal combustion engines are at the moment necessary (unfortunately).

Smoking is not.

How can anyone equate the two ??

It seems like a lot of people here are against this law. What I don’t understand is the difference between a law like this and a law making drugs illegal.

What’s the difference?

http://www.wikiprotest.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

There’s a big difference.

Illegal substances (aka contraband aka drugs) can not be legally possessed, transported, sold or used.

This law still allows people to possess, transport, sell and use (smoke) tobacco, although it’s use will be limited and less offensive.

“Ya know what all you jackasses that think its ok to smoke can go screw yourself, I myself have never smoked a cigarette in my life, and have had cancer twice and I am not even 20, So you dicks who go and smoke, get sick have cancer and cost the government millions of dollars to save your pathetic smokestack selves can pay for your own treatment.”

I hope you have a heart attack from all those burgers you eat. You can perform cpr on yourself! DICK!! Good luck with your cancer! NOT!

The banning of smoking is anti democratic! It’s no longer just about smoking! It’s about the government telling you what you can and can’t do and where you can and can’t do it.. it’s absurd!!!!!!!!

Get rid of saturated fats.. that’s next in New York!

Next, perhaps, the government will control how many children you may or may not have and how many cars per family due to air pollution!

WAKE UP AMERICA.. THIS IS A BAD THING!!!!!!!!!!! Communistic!!!!!!!!!!