Obama to sign anti-smoking bill, time to horde cigs if you smoke!

[Ruined]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_tobacco

They won't disappear, but you can bet the price is gonna skyrocket.

[perdition(troy]

just like the cost of a new SUV ;)

[RAMSTORIA]

i have no doubt the fda will handle tobacco industry fairly.

[KingBroly]

i have no doubt the fda will handle tobacco industry fairly.

Now when you say fairly...

[MSI Magus]

Good, even though I have recently learned I like the occasional cigar I want to see the stuff hit hard. Cig smokers are the biggest assholes on the planet and I honestly find only 1 in 100 of them can be respectful with their habit.

[HowStern]

Hmm.. Considering heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. I wonder if the same people who were against the health care reform will be against this.

[gareman]

Good, even though I have recently learned I like the occasional cigar I want to see the stuff hit hard. Cig smokers are the biggest assholes on the planet and I honestly find only 1 in 100 of them can be respectful with their habit.


Actually when I worked at hotel and had to ask people if they were smoking or non-smoking I could pretty much tell with out hearing the answer. 90% of the smokers were nicer, more relaxed, and just plain more enjoyable to interact with. Not only the smokers were nice, but it was shocking when some asshole requested a smoking room.

That being said I do understand you thinking smokers are assholes ABOUT their habit, but not your comment about being assholes in general.

I smoke and I am very respectful of others. I never throw my butts out the window while driving, I almost never throw them on the ground while walking, I try to smoke away from sidewalks and door entrances. Before the smoking ban I would NEVER smoke in a restaurant even in the smoking section. When I go to concerts indoors or outdoors i smoke very little and try to tilt my head back and blow my smoke straight up in the air. I always apologize to anyone that walks into or i accidentally blow smoke near their face. I always ask permission even outside if the people I with mind if I smoke and if they do then I never argue and don't, or I go away from them to smoke.

[Koggit]

gareman, i have nothing against smokers, but based on my experience, people who smoke considerately like you do are definitely the minority, by an enormous margin. smoke spots are underutilized, most people seem to have no problem smoking while walking down a crowded store-front sidewalk and then tossing their butts on the ground and stepping on them. it's not a huge problem imo, it's just a little unpleasant is all, but i'm just saying it seems very few smoke considerately.

i have several neighbors who smoke on their balconies in my non-smoking apartment complex (not even supposed to smoke in the parking lot), which particularly sucks in the summer when most units have fans blowing air in.. on days like today i smell cigarette smoke from my living room every ~15 minutes.

perhaps it's not the majority that are inconsiderate, but it definitely feels like it to me.

[JolietJake]

I love the smokers who feel like it's their right to smoke. They're the ones who get the most pissed off about stuff like this.

[Autumn Star]

The only part of this legislation that I'm truly against is the banning of "candy or fruit flavored tobacco." Does this mean hookah will be banned too? I'm actually sort of pissed off about this.

[Liquid 2]

I love the smokers who feel like it's their right to smoke. They're the ones who get the most pissed off about stuff like this.

And I like how assholes like you think you can tell smokers what we can and can't do with our bodies.

And how smoking is rude, when cars with a lot of exhaust are just fine.

And how spitting out gum is okay, but tossing a butt isn't.

[Ruined]

The only part of this legislation that I'm truly against is the banning of "candy or fruit flavored tobacco." Does this mean hookah will be banned too? I'm actually sort of pissed off about this.

Amusing looking at your avatar considering Bush veto'd this same bill in the past while Obama is now signing it into law. ;)

[PR Mega X]

I love the smokers who feel like it's their right to smoke. They're the ones who get the most pissed off about stuff like this.

The worst is the people that smoke in an elevator. It's an enclosed box with minimal ventilation, shared by smoker and non-smoker alike, and you can't wait 5 minutes to light up outside? That was always a constant issue where my mother lives -- but any time a "Please don't smoke in the elevator" sign went up, it was ripped down within a day.

[Koggit]

And I like how assholes like you think you can tell smokers what we can and can't do with our bodies.

And how smoking is rude, when cars with a lot of exhaust are just fine.

And how spitting out gum is okay, but tossing a butt isn't.
do you honestly think it's okay to have bad exhaust or to litter chewed gum?

both of those things are illegal.. just like smoking within 25ft of a building entrance or tossing your butt on the ground

[tivo]

I really look down upon smokers. Everyone knows the implied health problems/costs and yet some people would rather look "cool" by smoking and attempt to boost their selfconscience. (And the "calming" effect is not why people start.) Its nasty, time/$ consuming and just plain stupid thing to do in this day and age. I question the intelligence of every smoker.

http://www.whyfame.com/gossip/2008/december/18/obama_smoking_funnylooking_cigarette_in_college_ph oto_main_9425.jpg

Noting that the White House was a no-smoking zone, Brokaw asked Obama, "Have you stopped smoking?"

"I have," Obama replied, smiling broadly. "What I said was that there are times where I have fallen off the wagon."

"Wait a minute," Brokaw interjected, "that means you haven't stopped."

"Fair enough," Obama said. "What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances of making myself much healthier. You will not see any violations of these rules in the White House."

Obama was often observed on the presidential campaign trail chewing Nicorette gum, which helps ease the craving for nicotine. He has tried several times to quit.

[MSI Magus]

Actually when I worked at hotel and had to ask people if they were smoking or non-smoking I could pretty much tell with out hearing the answer. 90% of the smokers were nicer, more relaxed, and just plain more enjoyable to interact with. Not only the smokers were nice, but it was shocking when some asshole requested a smoking room.

That being said I do understand you thinking smokers are assholes ABOUT their habit, but not your comment about being assholes in general.

I smoke and I am very respectful of others. I never throw my butts out the window while driving, I almost never throw them on the ground while walking, I try to smoke away from sidewalks and door entrances. Before the smoking ban I would NEVER smoke in a restaurant even in the smoking section. When I go to concerts indoors or outdoors i smoke very little and try to tilt my head back and blow my smoke straight up in the air. I always apologize to anyone that walks into or i accidentally blow smoke near their face. I always ask permission even outside if the people I with mind if I smoke and if they do then I never argue and don't, or I go away from them to smoke.

This makes you the minority then. Just drive around and watch all the jackasses smoking in their car with kids in the back seat...hell I have 3 or 4 of these idiots in my family. Then look at resteraunts and how smokers instead of going to the side of the building or someplace away from others sit right freaking in front of the door that way anyone walking in or out of the resteraunt has to walk through their smoke. The best example of how rude most smokers are was at my cousins wedding, it was cold out so all the smokers took it upon themselves to smoke in the lobby. You could smell the smoke througout the whole building since it had no where to go, but worse was that when you wanted to leave the building or go to the bathroom you had to wade through thick smoke. When someone finaly asked them to start smoking outside that acted like a bunch of jackasses and pitched a fit till the groom said something. Same thing happens every year at my fiancees Christmas party.

Also to the person who said we dont ban cars that pollute and what not those were horrid examples. We regulate anything that people, their vehicles or any other position/hobby do that can be harmful to others and thanks to assholes like you we will continue to have to. Accept the flaws of your habits and move on. A good example of this that shows that we non smokers arnt just a bunch of whiny hypocrites is that I dont sit and deny that far too many dog owners tend to be assholes who dont pick up their dog poo despite owning and loving two dogs. Instead I like most thinking/mature people recognize that other assholes ruined it for me long ago. I simply accept my puppies arnt welcome at public beaches and many other places because of those that wont clean up after their own dogs. This is a much better analogy to you smokers who are happy to toss your cig butts everywhere and blow smoke in the face of anyone that doesn't smoke.

[MSI Magus]

The worst is the people that smoke in an elevator. It's an enclosed box with minimal ventilation, shared by smoker and non-smoker alike, and you can't wait 5 minutes to light up outside? That was always a constant issue where my mother lives -- but any time a "Please don't smoke in the elevator" sign went up, it was ripped down within a day.

Our apartment building has given up fighting with the smokers. Thankfully there is no elevator, but we do have balconies....and naturally the smokers sit on theirs and toss their butts off the side vs pitching them in a waste basket. I feel really bad for the old woman in the one building that tries to keep a garden and has to constantly clean cigg butts out of it because of the jackasses living above her. I said something to the manager when we first moved in about it and she just laughed, she said she has managed this place for 16ish years and they have tried time and time again and that smokers just dont care.

[UncleBob]

I've never understood why tobacco and alcohol were under a different part of the government than the FDA to begin with. I'm sure there's a story behind it, but it never made sense to me.

[Koggit]

I feel really bad for the old woman in the one building that tries to keep a garden and has to constantly clean cigg butts out of it because of the jackasses living above her.
i was in the enviro club at my old college and, i kid you not, twenty five percent of groundskeeping time was spent cleaning up cigarette butts.. what shocked me the most is how many people would actually go to the smoking shelters, which had ashtray-type cans for the butts, and still throw their butts on the ground.. the can is right next to them and they still toss it on the ground.. i just do not understand

[LaMeRz]

Next on the list:

Salt
Cursing
Implementing the 3 sea shells

Demolition Man is coming true

[mykevermin]

"Time to horde cigs."

:lol:

The sky ain't falling. Your precious Marlboros aren't going anywhere.

[JolietJake]

Next on the list:

Salt
Cursing
Implementing the 3 sea shells

Demolition Man is coming true
So long as we have more than Taco Bell as a dining option, i'll be ok.

[RAMSTORIA]

The only part of this legislation that I'm truly against is the banning of "candy or fruit flavored tobacco." Does this mean hookah will be banned too? I'm actually sort of pissed off about this.

i didnt even think about hookahs... i love visiting my friends because they have a hookah, so much nicer than normal cigarettes...

[Cheapass24]

this is only a good thing, Smokers are idiots.

[LaMeRz]

this is only a good thing, Smokers are idiots.

same with people who eat unhealthy and fatty foods Let's ban that....i agree with you that the government knows best

[lilboo]

But like.. doesn't this shit bring in a lot of revenue? I mean, I don't like the idea of smoking because of what it does to you..and I agree that we may need something like this later...but let people keep buying shit for christ's sake.

[evanft]

The only part of this legislation that I'm truly against is the banning of "candy or fruit flavored tobacco." Does this mean hookah will be banned too? I'm actually sort of pissed off about this.

This. I have no problem with preventing cigarette companies from advertising to teens, but banning certain flavors is stupid. It's like banning flavored or colorful condoms because they might encourage kids to have sex.

[Reality's Fringe]

This. I have no problem with preventing cigarette companies from advertising to teens, but banning certain flavors is stupid. It's like banning flavored or colorful condoms because they might encourage kids to have sex.

Don't give them any ideas.

*Waits for the new "Family Protection Against Carnal Acts" bill to hit the House floor*

[mykevermin]

I smoked as a teenager, and we didn't need no stinkin' juju fruit flavors to get us to start, neither.

What did we have, then? Why, good old adolescent deviant pressures and expectations. I don't give a good god-damn if every cigarette on the planet is forced by the government to taste like Dick Cheney's old, dusty, wrinkled, oil-soaked cock. Teens will still smoke them.

Why? Because they're teens.

[MSI Magus]

I smoked as a teenager, and we didn't need no stinkin' juju fruit flavors to get us to start, neither.

What did we have, then? Why, good old adolescent deviant pressures and expectations. I don't give a good god-damn if every cigarette on the planet is forced by the government to taste like Dick Cheney's old, dusty, wrinkled, oil-soaked cock. Teens will still smoke them.

Why? Because they're teens.

*this*

And to the guy saying why dont they ban fatty foods.....so damn sick of this stupid argument. If I chose to eat a fatty slice of pizza does the grease from burger snake over into your mouth and im not aware of it? Or maybe when I have a double rescees sundae the peanut butter is some kind of ninja that secretly makes its way into your system? Honestly fatty foods MAY be as bad for people but only for the person eating not those surrounding them.

On the flip side part of me would almost be happy if they banned fatty foods besides the fact that it would be much easier to diet. Plus many of the low fat/low calorie alternatives being put out now are starting to be pretty damn tasty so it would drive the market to come up with alternatives that are tasty. Anyone had Edy's Loaded at all? Man that shits seriously tasty and 1/4th the fat of the other ice creme. I'm not being serious that food should be banned, just saying there are upsides to even us fatties ;)

[depascal22]

I dont' think smokers realize how much smoke gets on other people's nerves. You can smoke all you want but what gives you the right to sit outside my house and blow your smoke in my house? Why should I have to breathe in your smoke?

As for smelly exhaust, last time I checked you didn't need to burn tobacco to get to work, the store, or anywhere else. As long as we have gasoline combustion engines, we'll have to deal with the smell. Thing is, that smell serves some sort of purpose other than calming down your crippling habit.

[UncleBob]

A.) The indulgences into fatty foods does hurt us all when y'all have heart attacks, can't pay for the medical treatment, go bankrupt (etc...). See how I tied those two topics together?

B.) Several studies have shown that the effects of second hand smoke are greatly over rated. In fact, if you live in a major metro area, you breath in more carcinogens on a typical day than if you were to hang out in a crowded room full of smokers.

[UncleBob]

I dont' think smokers realize how much smoke gets on other people's nerves. You can smoke all you want but what gives you the right to sit outside my house and blow your smoke in my house? Why should I have to breathe in your smoke?

What gives non-smokers the right to ban smoking on my property though?

As for smelly exhaust, last time I checked you didn't need to burn tobacco to get to work, the store, or anywhere else. As long as we have gasoline combustion engines, we'll have to deal with the smell. Thing is, that smell serves some sort of purpose other than calming down your crippling habit.

Another example of Majority vs. Minority. Just because more people have a use for driving, it's perfectly okay for you to shove your cancerous exhaust fumes down everyone's throats instead of walking or riding a bike. You don't *need* a gasoline-based combustion engine. You just choose to live your life with one and force everyone else to suffer because of your choice.

[MSI Magus]

A.) The indulgences into fatty foods does hurt us all when y'all have heart attacks, can't pay for the medical treatment, go bankrupt (etc...). See how I tied those two topics together?

B.) Several studies have shown that the effects of second hand smoke are greatly over rated. In fact, if you live in a major metro area, you breath in more carcinogens on a typical day than if you were to hang out in a crowded room full of smokers.

1. All the more reason to nationalize health care then. See how I turned that back on you? Seriously though these are two very different issues and bringing food into it is just silly.

2. Yes and I am sure these are pretty equivalent to many of the anti global warming studies which are usually hosted by douchbag idiots. Just that their compared to a major metro city is stupid in and of itself. If anything it just shows how much we have polluted not just our bodies but the world we live in and hey I am guessing your not a big proponet of policing industry and forcing them to clean up the environment/prevent global warming right? So if thats the case and you can use food and health care in the smoking debate how about I say to me this just proves that you should support cutting carbon by like 40%, strickter gas standards and mandating new water/air pollution policy?

More on topic related to the studies I say then explain the health effects I had growing up in the household I did as well as what happans to me when I go back to visit? My dad smoked a pack or two a day and by the time my little brother was 16 he was too. I had these icky scaly itchy spots on my feet and hands and I used to get these bad pains in my heart living in that house. Then a few years ago I moved out...within 3 months both symptoms were gone. That Christmas though when I went and stayed a week with them they were starting up again....and the same thing happened the next year too. It was the damned smoke, iv paid attention since then and every time I have to be around smokers for prolonged periods of time I have the same problems. I think if anything we underestimate just how much second hand smoke can do.

[UncleBob]

Sounds like you're having some kind of unusual allergic reaction to the smoke.

And for the record, I don't beleive in "man-made" global warming, but I do believe that private businesses do *not* should have the right to pollute the property of others.

You're right - there are plenty of studies on both sides of the fence. There are flaws with both groups of studies in both methods and creation. It goes to show how little we understand the situation and how everyone has knee jerk reactions.

[MSI Magus]

Sounds like you're having some kind of unusual allergic reaction to the smoke.

And for the record, I don't beleive in "man-made" global warming, but I do believe that private businesses do *not* should have the right to pollute the property of others.

You're right - there are plenty of studies on both sides of the fence. There are flaws with both groups of studies in both methods and creation. It goes to show how little we understand the situation and how everyone has knee jerk reactions.

Difference being our knee jerk reaction at worst leaves the planet a clean place and at best gets rid of a catastrophe where yours at best leaves the planet polluted and all of us sick and at worst all of us dead. Again I make not like the Dems but ill support them because atleast unlike the Republicans and Libertarians they are freaking doing something.

[UncleBob]

That's funny. I'm not sure how requiring businesses to not pollute the property of others really leaves the planet polluted and kills us all. Could you explain that, please?

[gareman]

this is only a good thing, Smokers are idiots.


Thanks for calling me an idiot!

[gareman]

*this*

And to the guy saying why dont they ban fatty foods.....so damn sick of this stupid argument. If I chose to eat a fatty slice of pizza does the grease from burger snake over into your mouth and im not aware of it? Or maybe when I have a double rescees sundae the peanut butter is some kind of ninja that secretly makes its way into your system? Honestly fatty foods MAY be as bad for people but only for the person eating not those surrounding them.

On the flip side part of me would almost be happy if they banned fatty foods besides the fact that it would be much easier to diet. Plus many of the low fat/low calorie alternatives being put out now are starting to be pretty damn tasty so it would drive the market to come up with alternatives that are tasty. Anyone had Edy's Loaded at all? Man that shits seriously tasty and 1/4th the fat of the other ice creme. I'm not being serious that food should be banned, just saying there are upsides to even us fatties ;)
So you have no problem with the people who use smokeless tobacco or the general concept of smokeless tobacco ?

[MSI Magus]

So you have no problem with the people who use smokeless tobacco or the general concept of smokeless tobacco ?

Nope, I could care less if you use chew or not. And before you start whining well its being banned too realize im a rational person so I realize this is not a ban its just placing power on FDA hands that will create some restrictions. You can still use chew.

[ToadallyAwesome]

How is this different than the mandate requiring the removal of trans fats from foods? It is just placing health restrictions and clarity where there has been no oversight before. Smoking is not going away. I don't think anyone would disagree that this is a drug that can be hazardous.

I don't see the big deal and this think is a very good thing.


offtopic:
That's funny. I'm not sure how requiring businesses to not pollute the property of others really leaves the planet polluted and kills us all. Could you explain that, please?

The statement is not clear. They can pollute other regions where people do not live. It is still pollution regardless of where you put it. I don't think you meant that but it was just a little vague. Reduction of pollution at the source is never a bad thing and should be instituted regardless of global warming. It is sad it took this long, there was just never any cost motivation before.

/end offtopic

[depascal22]

So you have no problem with the people who use smokeless tobacco or the general concept of smokeless tobacco ?

I also don't have a problem with it unless you spit on my shoes. Then it's clobbering time.

UncleBob -- I'm convinced that you'll never ever make a statement that doesn't bring in five thousand other subjects and abstract "probing" questions.

[UncleBob]

depascal: Then Click Here. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/profile.php?do=addlist&userlist=ignore&u=1988) I'm sure everyone would be better off without your comments in regards to male genitalia anyway.

[Survivor Charlie]

Can we ban ice cream and fried food too? Those cause people to be fat and sweat. And bad body odor and fatness offends me more then smokers do.

[HowStern]

Can we ban ice cream and fried food too? Those cause people to be fat and sweat. And bad body odor and fatness offends me more then smokers do.

This is totally logical. Because if someone sitting next to you eats ice cream you will get fat, right? Oh, wait...

[xsouthparkx]

Actually when I worked at hotel and had to ask people if they were smoking or non-smoking I could pretty much tell with out hearing the answer. 90% of the smokers were nicer, more relaxed, and just plain more enjoyable to interact with. Not only the smokers were nice, but it was shocking when some asshole requested a smoking room.

That being said I do understand you thinking smokers are assholes ABOUT their habit, but not your comment about being assholes in general.

I smoke and I am very respectful of others. I never throw my butts out the window while driving, I almost never throw them on the ground while walking, I try to smoke away from sidewalks and door entrances. Before the smoking ban I would NEVER smoke in a restaurant even in the smoking section. When I go to concerts indoors or outdoors i smoke very little and try to tilt my head back and blow my smoke straight up in the air. I always apologize to anyone that walks into or i accidentally blow smoke near their face. I always ask permission even outside if the people I with mind if I smoke and if they do then I never argue and don't, or I go away from them to smoke.
I think you are thinking about marijuana smokers. It certainly makes me a happy camper when I smoke a jay. :bouncy:
But yes, cigarette smokers are generally nice people.

[LaMeRz]

This is totally logical. Because if someone sitting next to you eats ice cream you will get fat, right? Oh, wait...

Is it ok if we ban idiots. When I hear them talk they give me stress, and from what I hear stress is a killer. But if that happened who else would argue on this thread?

[LaMeRz]

anyways how much government do you people want in your life?

They are telling us how to eat (trans fat) and going to tell us how to enjoy ourselves (cigs)

If someone's smoking is bother you then ask them to stop or move...or god forbid you have to move somewhere else. Although lately solving your own problems seems pretty unAmerican when the government can come bail us out (see what I did there) whenever things are not going our way.

Generally people are pretty polite if they know they are bothering you so don't hesitate to use your sweet sweet influencing skills

and doesn't the government have anything better to do? (Answer is yes, but Voting to simply state that you do not agree with Iran does not count)

[Koggit]

i considered saying this a couple dozen posts ago but decided against it feeling someone else would say it soon enough, but they haven't, so: THIS LAW DOES NOT BAN CIGARETTES. STFU with the ban talk. if you'd click a single link it's stated pretty clearly:

the historic legislation, which gives the Food and Drug Administration unprecedented authority to regulate what goes into tobacco products, to make public the ingredients and to prohibit marketing campaigns geared toward children.

why the hell do you all keep whining about the ban of cigs?



Is it ok if we ban idiots.
if we all vote yes, will you leave?

[Cheapass24]

A.) The indulgences into fatty foods does hurt us all when y'all have heart attacks, can't pay for the medical treatment, go bankrupt (etc...). See how I tied those two topics together?

B.) Several studies have shown that the effects of second hand smoke are greatly over rated. In fact, if you live in a major metro area, you breath in more carcinogens on a typical day than if you were to hang out in a crowded room full of smokers.

studies show that smokers are desperate to make themselves look good and will pull out whatever they can to rationalize their idiotic addiction

[gareman]

studies show that smokers are desperate to make themselves look good and will pull out whatever they can to rationalize their idiotic addiction


You get me, I love making myself look good, because smoking is so cool nowadays.

I wish I could look good in your eyes and have one of those intelligent addictions.

Could you link me to that research study you referenced?

In all seriousness; I smoke. I do it because it gave me a good buzz when I drank and smoked pot, and it was something to do when socializing at parties when I was in my late-teens. In no way find it cool by any stretch of the terms. It smells gross, its horrible for you, its at least an annoyance to people around it and at worst a serious health hazard, its expensive, and its inconvenient.

I support my state's smoking ban (to an extent). I support 10 dollar a pack prices. I support no marketing. I support extra taxation to go to health care.

Its a horrible addiction and its unfortunate that so many people seem to not want to admit that they have no idea what it's like to be addicted to such an addictive unhealthy drug, but instead opt to be judgmental assholes.

[LaMeRz]

if we all vote yes, will you leave?

I want to expand your mind. Who wants to only talk to people they agree with

[Koggit]

I want to expand your mind. Who wants to only talk to people they agree with
but you're arguing in fantasyland, nobody banned cigs

[HowStern]

This is completely and absolutely nuts to me. We have been sold poison for decades now. Finally the government steps in to do something about it(barely). And people are complaining. lololololol.....

Fucking backwards land..."DDIS IS MURKAHH!! I'M FREE TO INHALLLEE ALLLL THE POISONZZ I WANNTT!! IF SUM11 WANTS TO SELL ME POISONS TO BREATHE I CAN PAY MY MONEYS FOR IT AND BLOW THE SECOND HAND POISONS OUT ALLLL AROUND ME! STUPID GUVAHMENT LOOKIN OUT FOR THE WELL BEING OF MYSELF AND OTHERZZ FOR ONCE!"

It's a product being sold to you, not a civil right. Sure you have the right to buy it but only as long as that product is manufactured. You have the right to drink ammonia, do you do that??

[LaMeRz]

but you're arguing in fantasyland, nobody banned cigs

I am more arguing other points in this thread rather than the original article. And they haven't banned cigs yet, but from what I am seeing growing up and living in Southern California I give it 20 years until I gotta check with the state government to wipe my ass. baby steps...baby steps

[UncleBob]

studies show that smokers are desperate to make themselves look good and will pull out whatever they can to rationalize their idiotic addiction

Oddly enough, I don't smoke and think it's a disgusting, filthy habit. But I'd love to read one of those studies. Could you kindly point me toward one?

This is completely and absolutely nuts to me. We have been sold poison for decades now. Finally the government steps in to do something about it(barely). And people are complaining. lololololol.....

Fucking backwards land..."DDIS IS MURKAHH!! I'M FREE TO INHALLLEE ALLLL THE POISONZZ I WANNTT!! IF SUM11 WANTS TO SELL ME POISONS TO BREATHE I CAN PAY MY MONEYS FOR IT AND BLOW THE SECOND HAND POISONS OUT ALLLL AROUND ME! STUPID GUVAHMENT LOOKIN OUT FOR THE WELL BEING OF MYSELF AND OTHERZZ FOR ONCE!"

It's a product being sold to you, not a civil right. Sure you have the right to buy it but only as long as that product is manufactured. You have the right to drink ammonia, do you do that??

Let's replace inhaling the poison with eating the poisons. Same argument, yet so many people have different positions on the two. It's great that the government wants to step in and keep people from smoking because it's bad for them. It's horrible if the government wants to step in and keep people from eating unhealthy foods, even though it is bad for them - making them fat, pathetic slobs that are a waste on society. You know those fat blubber whales that walk down middle of the aisles of the grocery store like they own the place and if you want through, you should have to wait for them - heaven forbid, they move to one side. And the way they feed their children - those kids are going to grow up just as fat and stupid as their parents.*

*By the way, I don't really feel anything like this, but with all the similar bashing going on against one group of people, I figure I'd fit right in taking my misdirected anger out on another group of people.

[gareman]

Oddly enough, I don't smoke and think it's a disgusting, filthy habit. But I'd love to read one of those studies. Could you kindly point me toward one?



Let's replace inhaling the poison with eating the poisons. Same argument, yet so many people have different positions on the two. It's great that the government wants to step in and keep people from smoking because it's bad for them. It's horrible if the government wants to step in and keep people from eating unhealthy foods, even though it is bad for them - making them fat, pathetic slobs that are a waste on society. You know those fat blubber whales that walk down middle of the aisles of the grocery store like they own the place and if you want through, you should have to wait for them - heaven forbid, they move to one side. And the way they feed their children - those kids are going to grow up just as fat and stupid as their parents.*

*By the way, I don't really feel anything like this, but with all the similar bashing going on against one group of people, I figure I'd fit right in taking my misdirected anger out on another group of people.

It's true being fat is no more or less a choice than smoking cigarettes . So for people that are over weight, or pop addicts, or whatever...they could at least understand the struggle one has with putting something unhealthy in their body.

I have no problem with people complaining about smoking in restaurants, public areas, on the sidewalk, and to a lesser extent bars,because it can affect a non-smoker, but to hear all these people demonize smokers and making judgments and personal attacks is rather disheartening.

I think heroin is a nasty habit, but I don't judge heroin addicts as idiots or trying to be trendy based the single fact that they are heroin addicts. I know I am just a few situations and one bad choice away from being where they are. Just as anyone is.

[MSI Magus]

It's true being fat is no more or less a choice than smoking cigarettes . So for people that are over weight, or pop addicts, or whatever...they could at least understand the struggle one has with putting something unhealthy in their body.

I have no problem with people complaining about smoking in restaurants, public areas, on the sidewalk, and to a lesser extent bars,because it can affect a non-smoker, but to hear all these people demonize smokers and making judgments and personal attacks is rather disheartening.

I think heroin is a nasty habit, but I don't judge heroin addicts as idiots or trying to be trendy based the single fact that they are heroin addicts. I know I am just a few situations and one bad choice away from being where they are. Just as anyone is.

Trying to not waste time here today like I did yesterday but ill respond to this since you seem to be a reasonable person and like there has been a misunderstanding. I dont think ALL smokers are assholes and idiots. I do however feel a very good portion of them either are assholes/idiots or their decent people but become AH/Idiots whenever they smoke. I do know smokers that I can respect both as non smokers and smokers. The maintenance guy at our building is a smoker and is slowly becoming a friend of mine...and guess what he insists on smoking outside! You dont even have to ask the guy to not smoke in your house he just automatically goes outside because he says its a filthy habit that others shouldnt have to suffer through. My cousin and her husband are the same way and also refuse to smoke in front of their daughter which again is the right thing to do and I love both of them very much for it.

So again I think there is a misunderstanding. I think few of us here think all smokers are assholes, we just tend to get heated because far too many smokers are indeed assholes. I feel bad for people like you that want to quit, I really do and it gives me a respect for you I didnt have before not just because your trying to quit but because your admitting the downsides to the hobby. I almost said the same of Obama earlier but I knew the jackasses here would just think I was just saying that because he is a liberal. Anyone that wants to quit smoking has my respect, I understand how hard it must be. Thats exactly most of the people here's problem, they cant admit the faults to the things they care for. It doesn't matter if its UncleBobs political rhetoric or Lamez or whatever his name is and how his smoking effects other people. If conservative ideology states that government shouldn't have the right to tread on a mans personal freedom, you would think it would also state that no man has right to piss on another mans freedom either.

[perdition(troy]

This is completely and absolutely nuts to me. We have been sold poison for decades now. Finally the government steps in to do something about it(barely). And people are complaining. lololololol.....

And alcohol isn't a poison?

[mykevermin]

Legally, no. Unless it's traditional absinthe.

[Ruined]

This is totally logical. Because if someone sitting next to you eats ice cream you will get fat, right? Oh, wait...

You are not going to die from the occasional smoker sitting next to you and blowing smoke in your face, either.

I don't really smoke, I have a cigar once every few months during celebrations. But I think people should have this freedom to smoke without having to pay $10+ for a pack of cigs thanks to gov't restrictions.

[depascal22]

But if someone blows ice cream breath in your face, you don't get sick. I can get physcially ill if someone blows cigarette smoke in my face even when I used to smoke.

And to people that want to quit, just do it. Cold turkey is the way to go. Living in New York got me to quit because of the super high prices but I didn't use Nicorrette or any of the other crap that they try to get you to replace your habit with. You gotta say enough is enough and just put it down.

Again, this is a case of the government cracking down because smokers wouldn't. Maybe if non-smokers didn't have to live in a smoky haze for so long, they wouldn't be so anxious to crack down on it now. But no, everyone had to keep chain smoking in restaurants and other crowded areas. You continue to smoke in apartments (not a private property issue since you don't actually own them) and force your neighbors to just deal with the smoke. Why should non-smokers have to live with that stench?

[MSI Magus]

You are not going to die from the occasional smoker sitting next to you and blowing smoke in your face, either.

I don't really smoke, I have a cigar once every few months during celebrations. But I think people should have this freedom to smoke without having to pay $10+ for a pack of cigs thanks to gov't restrictions.

Like I said earlier even if I dont die I get physically ill when I am around smoke and so does my fiancee. Not to mention that again people that smoke often do so in front of their kids meaning their exposed every day constantly.

[depascal22]

That's another thing that smokers can only blame themselves for. It's your personal right to smoke but what about the kid's right to not be around it? It always seemed very selfish to sit there and smoke around kids.

[UncleBob]

Again, this is a case of the government cracking down because smokers wouldn't. Maybe if non-smokers didn't have to live in a smoky haze for so long, they wouldn't be so anxious to crack down on it now. But no, everyone had to keep chain smoking in restaurants and other crowded areas. You continue to smoke in apartments (not a private property issue since you don't actually own them) and force your neighbors to just deal with the smoke. Why should non-smokers have to live with that stench?

If the owner of the restaurant or apartment is okay with smoking on his/her private property, then it should be allowed. If the owner is not okay, then they should be allowed to ban smoking in his/her private property and enforce it by asking those who light up to stop, leave or call the cops on them.

[HowStern]

You are not going to die from the occasional smoker sitting next to you and blowing smoke in your face, either.


My concern is with kids who grow up with parents who smoke. They live their entire lives breathing the stuff in. Also, asthmatics and people allergic to smoke.

@UncleBob, I'm for the banning of trans fat as well. I don't think people should be allowed to eat that. It drives up med costs for everyone. Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S.

@Perdition, Alcohol is, indeed, poison. It doesn't contain as harsh a list of ingredients as cigarettes (http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/nicotineinhaler/a/cigingredients.htm) though. That link contains 3 pages of cigarette additives.

While these ingredients are approved as additives for foods, they were not tested by burning them, and it is the burning of many of these substances which changes their properties, often for the worse. Over 4000 chemical compounds are created by burning a cigarette, many of which are toxic and/or carcinogenic. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide (http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/nicotineinhaler/a/cyanide.htm) and ammonia are all present in cigarette smoke. Forty-three known carcinogens are in mainstream smoke, sidestream smoke, or both.

As for the legality of alcohol..I honestly don't understand why it's legal when marijuana isn't. It's clearly caused more deaths and ruined more lives on top of being physically addictive.

[depascal22]

If the owner of the restaurant or apartment is okay with smoking on his/her private property, then it should be allowed. If the owner is not okay, then they should be allowed to ban smoking in his/her private property and enforce it by asking those who light up to stop, leave or call the cops on them.

That's how the state of Indiana treats it and it works out OK. I'm just glad they finally got rid of the smoking sections and just turned into smoking or non-smoking. It was always a little amusing when a smoking section consisted of a rope or four foot partition.

Don't forget that many (if not most) restaurant owners don't own the buildings they operate out of. Technically, it's not their private property then.

[UncleBob]

@UncleBob, I'm for the banning of trans fat as well. I don't think people should be allowed to eat that. It drives up med costs for everyone. Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S.

But they're sooo tasty.... :(

[UncleBob]

That's how the state of Indiana treats it and it works out OK. I'm just glad they finally got rid of the smoking sections and just turned into smoking or non-smoking. It was always a little amusing when a smoking section consisted of a rope or four foot partition.

Don't forget that many (if not most) restaurant owners don't own the buildings they operate out of. Technically, it's not their private property then.

Then, of course, it would be up to the owner and the person renting the building to come to an agreement as to how the building will be used and how much the person renting it wants to pay for that use.

Unfortunately, I live in Illinois, where our wonderful imperial Chicago government leaders have banned smoking in *all* businesses (Except, I believe, Cigar bars...). I don't smoke, and I find the smell horrible, so I do have to admit, part of me likes it. However, the part of me that screams like a little child "It's my property, I can do what I want!" wins.

[xycury]

If the owner of the restaurant or apartment is okay with smoking on his/her private property, then it should be allowed. If the owner is not okay, then they should be allowed to ban smoking in his/her private property and enforce it by asking those who light up to stop, leave or call the cops on them.

What about co-workers?

Are they required to smoke then to be employed?

Isn't that discriminatory?

I have no beef with people smoking... But smelling it, breathing the same air causes serious issues with lungs.

Private property sure, but if any spillith over to another than no. Grant Cigar Bars access.

[depascal22]

Then, of course, it would be up to the owner and the person renting the building to come to an agreement as to how the building will be used and how much the person renting it wants to pay for that use.

Unfortunately, I live in Illinois, where our wonderful imperial Chicago government leaders have banned smoking in *all* businesses (Except, I believe, Cigar bars...). I don't smoke, and I find the smell horrible, so I do have to admit, part of me likes it. However, the part of me that screams like a little child "It's my property, I can do what I want!" wins.

Imperial? Did the city put up a wall to keep those dirty Wisconsinites out? Did they send ships to colonize the western shore of Michigan? I lived in Southern Illinois for five years and I loved when conservatives would rail against those dirty liberal Chicago politicians. Funny that they didn't have a thing to say when their kid paid next to nothing to go to one of the best state run universities in the nation. They didn't say anything when they had a higher minimum wage.

Back on topic, property owners love this new bill. It means they get back rentals that don't reek of smoke. It's hard to rent out commercial real estate and even harder when it absolutely reeks of smoke. Apartment owners have tried banning smoking in their buildings but, from reading stories in this thread, it doesn't work. Eviction isn't easy and usually only happens when people don't pay.

And HowStern said it best. What about the employees? Do they not have any rights? It's not like anyone can just quit a job these days.

[gareman]

That's another thing that smokers can only blame themselves for. It's your personal right to smoke but what about the kid's right to not be around it? It always seemed very selfish to sit there and smoke around kids.


Not to bring up the same counterargument over and over, but can't the same be said about people who eat unhealthy foods and feed it to their kids every single day?

[MSI Magus]

Not to bring up the same counterargument over and over, but can't the same be said about people who eat unhealthy foods and feed it to their kids every single day?

Yes that is true....but again its not an automatic. Unless someone really goes out of their way and only smokes outside when their kids are not around their kids are constantly exposed to it. The reverse with food is that what you eat doesnt go in your kids. I went from 350 pounds to 200 and now im back at 260 and working to get down to 200. Food has always been a struggle of mine and probably always will be, but if I ever had kids id never let them get very heavy. I bet id even trim down myself because I know they would need me thin both to do things with them and to be able to live a long life to be there for them.

Edit - Also kids can make the right chocies for themselves. Yes much of it is to blame on the parents who set them down the wrong path, but a child can still ultimately decide I want healthy food, a child cant decide I dont want this second hand smoke around me.

[Koggit]

the health risks associated with second-hand smoke are dubious, imo it's more just that it's unpleasant

the kids dont typically hate eating that unhealthy food

if a parent constantly fed their kids unhealthy food that the kid didn't like, then yeah, i think that's pretty mean of the parent.. unless it was the only thing they could afford or something.

[DarkNessBear]

Dang smokers, stop complaining. It would be like if it was trendy to rub shit all over yourself - you smell like shit! And people would be pissed to be around you. And you'd see government banning people from rubbing shit on themselves and you have to hear all of them whine, "BUT BUT rubbing shit on myself doesnt hurt anyone else!" Yea, but you smell like shit!

All smokers smell like shit all the time and blow clouds of shit everywhere they go.

P.S. You smell like shit.

[Darrith]

I kinda groan when I see people flicking butts off their balcony into the grass or out their car window onto the street, but what really gets to me is the smell.

My ex bf was a smoker and I think many are oblivious (immune?) to their own smell. They may have a good 10 minutes of freshness after their morning shower, but after they light that first cigarette, forget it. Their clothes stink, their hands stink even after they wash them and their breath stinks even after they brush their teeth. I used to roll over onto the other pillows in bed and be assaulted by the smell of smoke, and my ex was a very hygienic person otherwise. My cat stinks when people who smoke pet her. I tell them not to if I see them smoking because she doesn't want to smell that shit either.

Anyone should have the right to smoke obviously if they're capable of being considerate. That means don't do it in an enclosed space when you have an atmosphere one billion times the size of my lungs to blow your smoke into. I have a lot of friends & family who smoke, and besides the smell I'm cool with it if they're considerate. They will tell you they do not, but they do stink.

Even with all that ranting though, I can't say I'd never be with another smoker; I'm not perfect either and I certainly understand the power of addiction. I've also met some wonderful, good people who happened to smoke.

Oh yeah, and smoking in an automobile with a child with no windows rolled down merits a punch in the face.

[UncleBob]

As someone who works in retail, I run into a lot of customers that stink - some that just down right reek. Perhaps the government should start up a program that requires individuals to bathe on a regular basis and use government approved soaps.

And to those defending the choice to eat unhealthy - as was discussed in another topic - some people are just too damn stupid to know what healthy choices are - they know fast food is "cheap, easy and tastes good". Perhaps we need the government to ban fast food so stupid people aren't tempted by bad choices.

[MSI Magus]

As someone who works in retail, I run into a lot of customers that stink - some that just down right reek. Perhaps the government should start up a program that requires individuals to bathe on a regular basis and use government approved soaps.

And to those defending the choice to eat unhealthy - as was discussed in another topic - some people are just too damn stupid to know what healthy choices are - they know fast food is "cheap, easy and tastes good". Perhaps we need the government to ban fast food so stupid people aren't tempted by bad choices.

OOO while their at it can they ban stupid conservatives that think that every little thing the government does is a ban on some non existent personal freedom? I am constantly being stresed out by my liberty being pissed on by conservatives whining all the time that every damn thing that's done is a ban(when its clearly not) of some freedom, so ya that would really work out swell for me.

[UncleBob]

OOO while their at it can they ban stupid conservatives that think that every little thing the government does is a ban on some non existent personal freedom? I am constantly being stresed out by my liberty being pissed on by conservatives whining all the time that every damn thing that's done is a ban(when its clearly not) of some freedom, so ya that would really work out swell for me.

Fine - how about "highly regulate fast food" - happy?

[xycury]

Fine - how about "highly regulate fast food" - happy?

Haven't they already done that with Trans Fat?


There are already business rules for wearing too much cologne or perfume because people might get an adverse allergic reaction.

I get the same with smoke. I visit the in-laws and am not currently fighting off a sinus infection.

I think this comes down to, smoke as much as you want, but as soon as it treads on me, it's not ok.

[VipFREAK]

One thing I gotta say... Smokers seem a shit load less gross after being around someone that like Chewing Tobacco...

Next on the list:

Salt
Cursing
Implementing the 3 sea shells

Demolition Man is coming true

lol, like Jolietjake I'll be ok too.

So long as we have more than Taco Bell as a dining option, i'll be ok.

[Koggit]

i'd rather live with a smoker, but i'd rather be in public with someone who chews tobacco

most smokers smell pretty terrible.. in small classes (<40 desks) you can often smell smokers as soon as they sit down.. i've actually switched desks on occasion when a smoker sits near me

[VipFREAK]

I guess I've gotten used to smokers (or... I haven't encountered as bad a smoker as u have so far...) since most of my family did it thoughout my childhood and now my dumbarse friends do it. Still smell (if any) can be washed out via shower and laundry. This chewing tobacoo crap gets spread by careless ass spitting everywhere and you pick that shit up along with all the other shit thoughout the day and then track it all over the inside of your house. Fucking discusting...

[opterasis]

This makes you the minority then. Just drive around and watch all the jackasses smoking in their car with kids in the back seat...


This is the biggest reason I'd be okay with any sort of smoking ban. You don't give a shit about your health? That's fine, but making your kids inhale it, not fine.