Once the attack on smoking rights wins a victory, who is to say that other things that people enjoy are safe?

Question

Everyone is so hard on smoking, because they say it causes cancer, but there isn't a single document that can prove a causation. It is not cause and effect, it is an increase in likely hood. I am not say8ing that smoking is good for you, because I am not a complete idiot, but if bans can be put on tobacco, a crop that helped found this nation, can caffine (another addictive substance) or cheeseburgers ( killing us slowly) going to be next on the list of disgusting habits? I am just tired of feeling like I have leaprcy standing out side in a samll roped of area having everyone who walks by tell me how I am going to die. Where are my rights? I think people should be more worried about how much cancer inducing polutants pour out of industrial areas and affecting people around the world, instead of my one tiny cigarrete that only affects the people within fifteen feet of me. I don't know. What do you all think?

Answer 1

I think that you and I should start a pro smoking forum! I 110% agree with you! I am a smoker, and I am not ashamed of that fact. It is a conscious decision. I am also a coffee drinker (not that wimpy decaf stuff, either), love my Mt. Dew, and enjoy a good greasy cheesburger as much as anyone (although I have had to cut back for cholesterol reasons).

It is absolutely ridiculous. My cigarette smoke is a danger, but the rattletrap old pickup belching smoke down the street is fine. How many people have been involved in auto accidents because one of the drivers was under the influence of tobacco?

They want to, and in many places have, ban smoking in public places. I have no problem if it is a place where small children are present. But would it not be more fair and equitable to allow business owners to decide? Yes, if they decided to allow smoking then the waitresses and bartenders would be subjected to a workplace where people smoke, but since you have to be an adult to work in these places, don't you think that if they don't want to work there, they could work at an establishment that does not allow smoking?????

For those who tell you that you are going to die, agree with them. It is inevitable, after all. And you have just as much chance of being hit by a bus tomorrow as dying of lung cancer in 20 years or so.

What about alcholism? Anybody seen someone drink themselves to death? I have. It's not pretty. And don't give me that crap that your having a drink doesn't affect me. One question -- ever been around a drunk without bad breath????? Much more offensive than cigarette smoke!

And don't even get me started on the women (and men) who think that perfume, aftershave or cologne need to be applied a half a bottle at a time! That is a danger to the health of all!

I think government needs to get its nose out of my life. I already pay more taxes on my pack of cigarettes (by average) than any drunk pays on 5 cases of beer!

If you don't like my smoke, don't frequent businesses that allow me to smoke. I won't be offended. But your fake coughing, snide comments, fanning your hands, and in general being rude will and do offend me. Cigarettes are legal in all 50 states for those over 18. Live with it. But let the business owners of this country decide what they want their patrons to do or not do. Isn't it called "free enterprise" not "government subsidized enterprise"?

You have at least one person who agrees with you -- what say we both have another cigarette?????

Answer 2

This is a follow the money question. Cigarettes are not safe. In fact if any other consumer product had the same effect on the human body, It would be pulled from the shelves. The right combination of lobbyists and tax revenue is keeping cigarettes legal.

What would we all do without cigarettes? one may ask.

I guess people will just take fresh air breaks at work.

I do.

Answer 3

I agree with you - if it's not illegal then f*** off. What many seem not to realize that the taxes paid by smokers on every pack of smokes helps their state and country function and that there are still 2 states in the union (VA and NC) that rely HEAVILY on tobacco farming for their tax revenue. As a smoker, I undertand I'm literally killing myself - and my response is always "we all die - at least I'll know why." Smug and cynical, yes, but true nonetheless. I think if it's still legal (and it always will be - too much $$$ at stake) then too bad. Move to Europe and see how you like it - they smoke like, umm, chimmneys.

Answer 4

I have to agree with you, it seems that as public opinion for an idea or a belief increases the civil liberties for the minority seems to decrease. For now these infringements have been limited, however I do fear the influence that special interest groups may have on our governments towards basic human rights, free choice, and religious issues. This topic has some very scary possibilities.

Answer 5

What ecoli infecting the spinach of the health nuts, maybe they shpuld close all bars because of the alchoholics...I'm with ya sister. Maybe we should close gyms and health clubs because people take steroids and work out and die from cancer induced by those drugs and growth hormones. How much does the government want to protect us from ourselves. Apperently we are free to do whatever we want unless some one else decides it is bad for us.

Answer 6

I agree with you, and (although do not smoke) will vote against the anti-smoking laws, if the owner of the place wants no smoking then they can say that. If you want to kill your self I think it is your right. I am afraid of a future where we are limited in the public and privet.
Aslong as you are not blowing smoke in peoples faces I saw it is ok. No one needs to live past 80, what are they goig to do then? hope for death...

Answer 7

I agree smoking is bad for your health but people have been smoking for many many years. As adults we have the right to do what we want as long as it doesn't affect others.
I would like to see a tax as great on beer as there is on cigarrettes and then you would hear people gripe. The revenue from such a beer tax would be very helpful.

Answer 8

The insurance companies give businesses a break if you don't smoke in their establishment. That's what it's all about. The government wants to take away our rights.

There are more harmful chemicals in the walls of buildings than there are from cigarette smoke.

You don't see them touching alcohol, do you? More people are killed by drunken drivers than by cigarette smoke.

Answer 9

My siblings smoke, whereas I don't. I still visit them, eat with them, and I don't grumble or gripe. It's the priveledge of every smoker to smoke just as it's the priveledge of every non-smoker to not smoke.

However, and I've had no answer to this as yet, how can smokers and non-smokers exercise their rights to smoke and not smoke, respectively, without infringing on each others rights in each others company?

BTW, when I go to my favorite restaurant, Louie's in LaPorte, IN, I smoke in the smoking section, though I don't smoke. Go figure!

Answer 10

One thing at a time, dear!

First smoking. Next, trans-fat. MSG will be next. And beef, don't forget beef! We'll be getting to that soon too!

After that, we'll be outlawing obesity - all the fat people will have to pay an additional tax for extra weight they carry!

Soon we'll all be beautiful, sexy, thin, and healthy - and there's nothing you can do about it....muwhaahahaha