I said banned. Not that I am against personal rights but there is a strong relationship with cancer. An undeniable relationship. It should be banned in the way that public masturbation would be. Fine to do at home (and in your car, let's be honest, it's smoking not actual masturbation). Keep that away from the public!

Why do smokers think it is OK to just toss their cigarette butts anywhere?? on the ground outside stores & restaurants, on someone's lawn as they walk along the sidewalk! OK - rub it out on the ground - but then why not hold on to it until you find a trash can!!

Smokers smoke where ever they want to with no questions. Most building have signs asking people not to smoke near an Entrance and they still do. I have asthma as do many other people, and just smelling from a distance is enough to set of coughing. I have never heard of BBQ causing cancer! Someone who smoke feels entitled to light up regardless of where they are; next to a baby; 10 feet from your door for people that live in a town house or condo or apartment. Smokers almost always throw buts out the car windows or on the ground so others have to pick up after them. Smoking should plain and simply be banned. Smoking is not healthy for anyone!

urocyon wrote:>implying a brief scent of cig would give you cancer
>implying vehicle exhaust isn't a far worse source of lung blackening

Hell, you get more smoke inhalation from having a typical BBQ or bonfire than being out in the open air with someone smoking. You were probably one of those loudly complaining jackasses that deserved that face-full of smoke.

urocyon wrote:>implying a brief scent of cig would give you cancer
>implying vehicle exhaust isn't a far worse source of lung blackening

Hell, you get more smoke inhalation from having a typical BBQ or bonfire than being out in the open air with someone smoking. You were probably one of those loudly complaining jackasses that deserved that face-full of smoke.

Vehicle exhaust isn't a far worse source of lung blackening. Cigarettes are, in fact, the number 1 cause of preventable death in the US and the number one cause of lung cancer. Do a little research genius and please, keep lighting up.

davidlevy wrote:As a tire burner, I'm tired (no pun intended) of being treated as a second-class citizen because of my tire-burning lifestyle. The government needs to stop infringing on my right to burn tires wherever I please (or at least in designated tire-burning areas).

And stop complaining when I drop my smoldering tires on the ground or toss them out the car window. What am I supposed to do with them?

Ha! Remind me not to drive behind you! ;)

Someone added a comment citing the improved health statistics around smoking bans. Maybe we should also ban food in the US. That would probably have the most impact since Americans are obese and obesity seems to lead to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.

windhamnh wrote:I am not a smoker, but infringing upon a person making a personal choice is just plain wrong. Apparently two thirds of the people have forgotten the basis for founding THIS COUNTRY...Life, liberty and the pursuit of personal happiness. It's called FREEDOM people. Please stop trying to take that away.

that, though i would also like to add that the austin ban on smoking in indoor places where people work worked out for this non-smoking musician pretty well.

Vote for Allowed!
I try to smoke every weekend for about 10-12 hours. If I can't meet up with other smokers in public places I wouldn't get to compete in smoking competitions.
Besides, who doesn't love the smell of hickory or mesquite mixed in with the aroma of smoking brisket?

Banned!! When they allow smoking in those places, it is always right outside the door. You either smell the cancer smoke drifting into the building, or you have to walk through a gauntlet of smokers to get through the door.

Disgusting habit.

It should be limited to certain areas. I hate it when I'm walking down the street and someone blows smoke right in front of your face. It makes me cough every time!

I think that arrogant non-smokers should be banned.
Some people complain, even if you are not even smoking. They are often past smokers, who have become smoking I wanted you guys to know I'm ignorants.
It's bad enough you can't smoke inside, you should be able to smoke ANYWHERE outside. It's far less hazardous than smoke from car exhausts, coal plants, and barbecues.

To all the people carrying on about how smoking bans violate their rights...are you kidding me? You have the right to urinate, but you don't get to just piss on people or their property whenever you feel the urge. There are rights and there are rules and both need to be considered when we live in a community.

To the people who are on about exhaust and BBQ smoke being more damaging than cigarettes. You are correct. If a person were to freebase from a car exhaust or stick their head in a BBQ smoker, that would indeed be more problematic. However, we aren't talking about that are we. Clue in.

And to all of the smokers out there, regardless of your vote, please notice the overwhelming theme. Whether people agree with bans or not, we are all extremely tired of the rude, inconsiderate and frankly repulsive behavior demonstrated by an overwhelming majority of smokers. Please spread the word and maybe public opinion will soften up toward smokers in general.

If it is truly deadly politicians should have the guts to make it illegal… but that would p*ss off the manufacturers and also cut tax revenue.

Hey I know, let’s legalize ALL drugs including Crack Cocaine but let’s have designated areas. I like consistency (rolls eyes).

Prohibitive laws on this are hypocritical outlaw it or allow it… period!

surfwooder wrote:I strongly feel, smoking should be banned in every public indoor, and outdoor area. Smokers cannot contain themselves to dispose of their waste in a proper disposal receptical. I am currently visiting the Pacific Northwest, near Seattle. While walking the trails near Mt Baker, I found 1000s of smoked butts on the trails, in parking areas, viewpoints. Being from New Orleans, there I find at every turn where people have emptied their cars ashtray on the street. Take a look on Bourbon St. and see the smokers trash everywhere. I think the tax on cigs is far to low all over America. The tax should cover the excess cost of lung disease, cancer, and CLEAN UP of the trash.

I strongly feel that you Liberals shouldn't be allowed to fart in public.
You should all be quarantined together in a fart room and fed Chili beans if yer caught doing it.

Quit grouping cigarette's with other forms of tobacco. My pipe bother's no one in the park and i often get people sitting around because I'm smoking a pipe (it's that or my dashing good looks).

jediokie wrote:Quit grouping cigarette's with other forms of tobacco. My pipe bother's no one in the park and i often get people sitting around because I'm smoking a pipe (it's that or my dashing good looks).

Same here. I don't smoke a pipe often, but I've never had someone complain about the smell. What's your favorite brand of pipe tabac?

My $.02 -

1) Ban - the 1000s of cig butts littering our world and floating down drains to the ocean; we have littering laws for that - but have never personally heard of them being enforced. I can't tell you how many I've seen dumped during commuting to work - sometimes whole ash trays full. Dispose of properly, seriously, else I reserve the right to flick it BACK INTO your car

2) Left Alone - although I seriously dislike breathing in someone else's exhaled smoke (ew.... like breathing in passed gas ....) especially if I am having a meal, it's a matter of respectful coexisting -- I do however reserve the right to carry a gun, water gun that is, to forcefully extinguish poorly mannered smokers - they deserve it. As for banning smoking in restaurants/bars, see #3 below

3) Left Alone - in a cities where smoking is banned in restaurants/bars, a properly licensed tax paying shop owner SHOULD have the right to choose to run the business according to his and his clients' preference. This is Big Bro way overstepping

4) Ban - pretentious, overzealous, self-righteous PEOPLE: usually NON-smokers in this context but we could extend to other intolerant types (religious anyone?)... hmmm does that make me .....never mind

5) Ban - smoking while pregnant. Really, you can't put the c-sticks down for a few months.... "I'm not addicted, I can quit any time I want" ..........riiiiiight - just give the baby nicotine and carbon monoxide by direct injection

6) Left alone w/caveat - And I quote a peer reviewed study finding:
"Vanderbilt University economist Kip Viscusi studied the net costs of smoking-related spending and savings and found that for every pack of cigarettes smoked, the country reaps a net cost savings of 32 cents." One of several economic studies.

If we could JUST get our Congress to spend those tax revenues well ... buncha jackholes they are.

7) Ban - the pain and loss of early death, lost opportunities and lost productivity related to smoking - all well documented.
7a) Early death - how do you replace those ~10 years in the lives of loved ones
7b) Lost Opportunities - what else could have been accomplished in those 10 years
7c) Lost Productivity - I should have the RIGHT as an employer to assess the impact of the smoking habit on productivity, weighted for the other non-smoking time wasting habits of non-smokers, and adjust compensation accordingly.

Ok, maybe $.25

-JNK

bluemilkisback wrote:They should ban it only on windy days.

haha

Really though, I don't think people who are used to the smell realize how awful it is. If we drive past each other in our cars (going opposite directions) down the road and both of our windows are open and you aren't smoking at the moment but you usually smoke in your car, I will smell it. And the smell will be very strong. It's true and it happens often. Maybe if more people realized they wouldn't do it? I'm not sure though.

And can we talk about the litter problem? I'm sure not all smokers do this (and awesome points go to the ones who don't!), but I honestly have never seen one who hasn't thrown their cigarette on the ground about two feet away from a proper receptacle. It's just disgusting.

Well put, thanks

mrsly69 wrote:I couldn't say it better. The government is about control and conformity. It starts with smoking, then it will be speech. Yahoo's, state that is about the general good and well being. But that is a personal choice. I enjoy marajuana, drinking, and cursing. But i know the consequences if I drive drunk or am high and hurt someone I will have to be judged for LAPSE OF GOOD JUDGEMENT.
I don't smoke and hate it. But a person has the right as I should to have an area to pursue their vice. This world can't be designed for a 3 year old. It should be for everyone. Stop with this police state attitude. Individual rights should be protected, both for the minority and majority.

The government is not trying to infringe on your rights, only trying to keep YOU from infringing on other people's. I shouldn't have to breathe cigarette smoke if I don't want to, or risk my health or my kids'. Just like I shouldn't have to die or be horribly injured because YOU had a momentary lack of judgement and chose to drink or get stoned and drive.

Your logic is very selfish.

All of those saying Banned... If you live in the United States, you must have forgotten what Freedom stands for. If that is the case lets start taking away a little from everyone.

Those saying the second hand smoke is killing you, Get back into your bubble.

I myself am a smoker. I do so mostly at work. (Outside) and at home. (Outside)

I do not smoke inside, I do not smoke in my car. I am respectful of those around me. If someone is standing in an area where I am getting ready to smoke, I will ask them if they mind. If they do mind I will find another location. Some of you make it sound like catching a whiff of the smoke will kill you instantly. I will continue to smoke, I enjoy it. I do not complain about much. But when others soul purpose seems to be taking away others choices... it really pisses me off.

I don't smoke, but did for 30 years. I think you should be able to smoke outside. It doesn't bother me to walk past someone smoking! If it bothers you, you are the one with major mental issues! Get over it or move to somewhere they limit everything in your life! Make a choice, liberty or government control over everything!

OK... I read some of the complaints about smoking and ...really??? you smelled it from another car in traffic? Oh my Goodness!!! Bad smells are illegal? I would like to complain about the paper mills then which stink up 280 and the gas/sewage release stations...??? that make everyone driving by want to puke! If bad smells should be illegal, anybody who eats onion or garlic needs to get fined! They all offend me daily!

windhamnh wrote:I am not a smoker, but infringing upon a person making a personal choice is just plain wrong. Apparently two thirds of the people have forgotten the basis for founding THIS COUNTRY...Life, liberty and the pursuit of personal happiness. It's called FREEDOM people. Please stop trying to take that away.

I am with this guy. I absolutely hate the smell of cigarette smoke, but a large fraction of you people want to revoke the rights of a person simply because you don't like it. It is ignorant and ridiculous.

DiGiTyDarKMaN wrote:All of those saying Banned... If you live in the United States, you must have forgotten what Freedom stands for. If that is the case lets start taking away a little from everyone.

Those saying the second hand smoke is killing you, Get back into your bubble.

I myself am a smoker. I do so mostly at work. (Outside) and at home. (Outside)

I do not smoke inside, I do not smoke in my car. I am respectful of those around me. If someone is standing in an area where I am getting ready to smoke, I will ask them if they mind. If they do mind I will find another location. Some of you make it sound like catching a whiff of the smoke will kill you instantly. I will continue to smoke, I enjoy it. I do not complain about much. But when others soul purpose seems to be taking away others choices... it really pisses me off.

So what you're saying is that I shouldn't have the right to stop you from smoking (and I shouldn't, obviously), but you DO have the right to impose your cigarette smoke on me?

There are two things about smoking that bother me. The first, and biggest, is the LITTER. In a climate where it snows in the winter, lots of smokers toss their butts into the snow. And then spring shows up, the snow melts, green creeps back into the world, and thousands of cigarette butts line the ground. It's disgusting. If smokers were more courteous about their trash, I think people would be easier on them.

The other thing that bothers me, and this is more common in winter, is when smokers take a last puff outside, rush inside, and exhale their smoke indoors. Their coats reek of the stuff, and they bring that smell with them for some time. It's not a world-ender, but I think that if I farted, and it smelled terrible, every 60-90 minutes, people would be upset with me, even though my gas hasn't been proven to cause cancer (yet).

You people are awful. Smokers are good people. I'll survive some secondhand smoke, who gives a damn. YOLO.

urocyon wrote:>implying a brief scent of cig would give you cancer
>implying vehicle exhaust isn't a far worse source of lung blackening

Hell, you get more smoke inhalation from having a typical BBQ or bonfire than being out in the open air with someone smoking. You were probably one of those loudly complaining jackasses that deserved that face-full of smoke.

Are you really trying to imply that car exhaust and smoke off of a barbecue are as bad or worse for people than cigarette smoke? You are obviously clueless and a smoker. Tell you what, before you open your mouth about things your obviously biased AND uninformed about why don't you take a few minutes and do some google searches about the chemicals in cigarette smoke.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/ETS

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/secondhand-smoke/CC00023

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/TobaccoCancer/secondhand-smoke

All 3 sources say that's its terrible for people. All 3 sources are well known with a good reputation in the scientific community.

On topic: If it were up to me Smoking would be made completely illegal. Honestly, if not for the fact that its a major tax revenue source I have no doubt that it would be illegal. Stuff is terrible, smells like ass, makes people who smoke it smell like a rotting heap of garbage, and is responsible for more yearly deaths than drunk driving. Get a clue sheople.

windhamnh wrote:I am not a smoker, but infringing upon a person making a personal choice is just plain wrong. Apparently two thirds of the people have forgotten the basis for founding THIS COUNTRY...Life, liberty and the pursuit of personal happiness. It's called FREEDOM people. Please stop trying to take that away.

So by your reasoning I should be allowed to snort coke while driving to work? Smoke pot at school so long as I am not in the building? Shoot up in public so long as I dispose of the needle safely? Its FREEDOM right? I should be able to do that stuff cause it makes me personally happy?

wmaincmt wrote:I think MOST (not all of you)have a very low opinion of smokers and a very high one of yourselves (not all of you). Judgmental is a word that comes to mind. I'm sure (not all of you) have no problem driving your SUVs, cramming crap food like Mc D's in your mouth and down your kids throats. Smoking is a choice and yes sometimes an addiction. It doesn't make us bad people so Start Trolling for Urchins.

Me driving my SUV doesn't give you cancer. Me eating McDonalds food doesn't give you cancer. Me feeding my kids McDonalds food doesn't give you cancer. Hell, none of those things even affect you in the slightest. But when I walk out of a store and get a facefull of filth... yeah, that affects me.

keh5 wrote:you're gonna get cancer from a car before a cigar... so poop...

Well if you believe that I'll sell you this super rare one of a kind dime that's worth a billion dollars for 20 bucks.

eotc wrote:First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Its okay, the only reason they didn't come for you first was because you were paying most of their paychecks due to the huge taxes on tobacco product. And even if they did come for you first, no one would have stopped them, they would have thrown a party.

ChronoSquall14 wrote:So what you're saying is that I shouldn't have the right to stop you from smoking (and I shouldn't, obviously), but you DO have the right to impose your cigarette smoke on me?

There are two things about smoking that bother me. The first, and biggest, is the LITTER. In a climate where it snows in the winter, lots of smokers toss their butts into the snow. And then spring shows up, the snow melts, green creeps back into the world, and thousands of cigarette butts line the ground. It's disgusting. If smokers were more courteous about their trash, I think people would be easier on them.

The other thing that bothers me, and this is more common in winter, is when smokers take a last puff outside, rush inside, and exhale their smoke indoors. Their coats reek of the stuff, and they bring that smell with them for some time. It's not a world-ender, but I think that if I farted, and it smelled terrible, every 60-90 minutes, people would be upset with me, even though my gas hasn't been proven to cause cancer (yet).

I agree completely, and you bring up another good point.

If smoking is something that is so important for you to do that you are willing to go outside in sub zero temperatures just to smoke a cigarette.... It should click that there is something seriously wrong with it.

I will stop smoking whenever and wherever I like when you nasty-ass gum chewers are legislated against equally. Seriously, that is the most disgusting habit. People throw down their used filthy wads anywhere they are and the smell, OH MY GOD, it is sickening.

I don't smoke but i drink.

I can't drink in the park across the street, and my drinking doesn't affect anyone (unless i get too drunk to calmly walk back home).

So, frankly, no sympathy for the smokers who want to stink up the place.

Nayr0313 wrote:They should ban it for the following reason:

"Overall, American, Canadian, and European cities that have implemented smoking bans had an average of 17 percent fewer heart attacks in the first year, compared with communities who had not taken such measures."

So we should allow current scientific studies be the rule of law on every aspect of how we live?

Be careful what you wish for since sooner or later it will impose upon you!

jodermann wrote:Newsflash: Pot is dramatically healthier than tobacco, and the two shouldn't even be compared.

Newsflash: Pot is just as unhealthy as tobacco.

LIVE FREE OR DIE

windhamnh wrote:I am not a smoker, but infringing upon a person making a personal choice is just plain wrong. Apparently two thirds of the people have forgotten the basis for founding THIS COUNTRY...Life, liberty and the pursuit of personal happiness. It's called FREEDOM people. Please stop trying to take that away.

I agree 100%. As an ex smoker...yeah I'm one of those. Anyone should have the right to do as they please to themselves, smoking is a personal choice. It would be nice if no one smoked around entry and exit doors tho. I really do not miss smelling like an ashtray.

Ban cars. the exhaust is the same class of carcinogen as second hand smoke. when walking/riding bike i get exposed to far more of that than smoke!

Let's ban: Pot, peanuts, cars, wars, cigs of course, fast food, sugar drinks, perfume, other illegal drugs, extreme sports, pesticides, horrible parents, felons, petrol, meat eating, and of course the list goes on. Live life's journey, because it ends in death for all of us. It's unavoidable. BTW So is smoke.

Makes you horrible people. draining our healthcare systems for yourself and for the others affected by 2nd hand smoke. Rude people who throw their butts out the windows of cars, all over the beach. No respect for yourself, others or the enviroment.

wmaincmt wrote:I think MOST (not all of you)have a very low opinion of smokers and a very high one of yourselves (not all of you). Judgmental is a word that comes to mind. I'm sure (not all of you) have no problem driving your SUVs, cramming crap food like Mc D's in your mouth and down your kids throats. Smoking is a choice and yes sometimes an addiction. It doesn't make us bad people so Start Trolling for Urchins.