How can smokers and non-smokers...?

Question

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 without one or the other being segregated?

Answer 1

Okay, I'm an ex-smoker and I know a lot of people say that ex-smokers are even worse, but I don't think I'm the way they say. I smoked for 24 years and tried to stop several times and then finally did about 14 years ago.

Now with that said, I believe that it would be impossible without segregation and that doesn't set well with me. I know, I know many people have already said that they have the right to smoke wherever they want, but because of the harmful affects of direct smoke and second-hand smoke, don't you think we should respect each other equally?

I don't like it when non-smokers and ex-smokers go on with their rantings and ravings. They don't have the right to infringe their beliefs and opinions on you. You already know about the harmful affects of the smoke you breathe in. We shouldn't tell you about something you already know about, period.

I smoked for so long that I just don't like seeing somebody smoking anymore, but that's their choice. The friends I have that smoke understand why I keep a distance of 10 feet away from them. They understand that it's not because of them personally, but only because of the smoke. They respect me for that.

It's about respecting each other even though we don't like what you're doing, because it is your life.

Non and ex-smokers just need to know the distance where smoke won't bother them so much when they converse with their friends that smoke and respect them and it goes the other way.

The thing is there are some smokers who seem not to care and blatantly blow smoke in peoples faces. Those are the smokers who don't have the respect non-smokers deserve. I'm not saying there are a lot of those kind of smokers, but I do know they are around.

I don't miss smoking at all.

Answer 2

The smokers could not smoke while in the company of non-smokers. The non-smokers could leave while the smokers smoke. It's pretty simple.

When I want a smoke, I go outside. If I am around people who I don't know smoke, or around younger kids, I refrain from smoking until I can go somewhere more private.

I love smoking. **** anyone who wants to make it illegal to smoke in public. But I do think smokers should show a little more respect for people who don't smoke. It's not the laws job to stop you from smelling ciggerettes though. thats yours.

Answer 3

Well, they can't, if by "not smoke" you mean "not smell smoke" and by "segregated" you mean "not breathing the same air at the same time." Smoke gets in the air, know what I mean? ;-)

To me, it seems fair for smokers to remove themselves to a reasonable distance (say 20 feet outdoors) from nonsmokers when they need a smoke, or to private property (including private vehicles).... and for non-smokers to curtail all hysterical whining, hypochondriac fears, and fake coughing about getting a little bitty whiff of smoke on the wind from a smoker who's respectfully standing 20 feet away or who is in the next car.

If you're talking about in group meeting situations, it's reasonable for smokers to have to leave the building to smoke, because they are the ones making an objectionable action on purpose. If it's a mixed group and the majority are smokers, meeting outdoors at a place where smoking is legal seems like a decent compromise - since the wind will take most smoke out of nonsmoker faces.

Nonsmokers need to understand that being able to detect cigarette smoke in the air while someone nearby is smoking, is not the same as having one's "right to not smoke" infringed. Not anymore than smelling a fart is having one's right to not eat feces infringed.

Answer 4

The only way to do what you suggest is to create an apparatus that completely isolates a smoker's smoke from the rest of the environment. Seeing that very few smokers would volunteer to put on a diving helmet every time they want to light up, there's really no way to resolve this without segregation, banning cigarettes, or telling nonsmokers to just live with it.

Answer 5

There is really no solution that will allow both rights to be met. The issue of smoking in public places comes down to a smoker's right to smoke versus a non-smoker's right to suffer negative health effects as a result of second-hand smoke.

Answer 6

Before answering, I read many of the other responses. While I agree with some, I definitely disagree with others. I am a smoker, who has engaged the habit for about eleven years. Whether it is a right or a priviledge is debatable. However, it is no different than drinking alcohol, driving one's vehicle, playing golf, etc. (In reference to rights or priviledges) The difference is that we smokers are not only contributing to pollution, but also we are potentially harming the health of those in our immediate radius.

I made a choice to smoke and have always felt that it is strictly my choice. My wife and children do not smoke, so I stay a great distance from them, while "exercising my right", as some like to call it. I do not smoke in our home, and I do not smoke in any vehicles.

When states like NY, CO and WA passed laws banning smoking in all public venues and within certain distances of entrances to them, I was upset. I felt that those governors and state leglislators were out to get us smokers. In the years since though, I have wised up and realised the severity of smoking not only on the practioner, but of those within "harms way". So today, I commend those states and their residents for attempting to lead a healthier lifestyle. I tip my hat to you.

If smoking is a right, then so too is yelling fire in a crowded theater. Both are a form of speech, of which we have freedom, as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Ahh, but yelling fire in a crowded theater is illegal and punishable by fines and imprisonment.

If smoking is a right, then so too is driving a hazardous vehicle. You know one of those ones that is releasing black smoke, has a cracked windshield, bald tires, etc. In most states, things like that will get the owner ticketed.

If smoking is a right, then so too is beating the life out of my children for not cleaning their rooms. Not that I would ever even consider such a heinous act, but it is just another example of how ridiculous some go to make an argument.

As for anyone's rights, you should have paid closer attention in your high school government class (some call it civics). Our Bill of Rights guarantees us the freedom of speech, religion, assembly, right to bear arms, right to wear "I hate Bin Laden" t-shirts, right to . . . . . yeah, you get the idea. BUT, those rights are only in effect so long as they don't infrine upon someone elses rights, they don't incite a riot and they don't threaten the lives of any holders of high office or his / her immediate family. For those who still say that it is a right to smoke anywhere, I challenge you to stand next to the President, who is a non-smoker, blow smoke in his face, and watch the Secret Service "drop your *** like it's hot!" OK, I had to put something cute in there.

Answer 7

They cant. The problem with today's society is that we take our first amendment rights to the max. This means that if I want to exercise my right to smoke then I can do that until it enfringes on your right to not smoke and not be around smoke. The problem is...where is that line that tells us where to stop at the happy medium so that everyone is happy. Most of the time this is a state regulated matter....such as smoking or lack of in restaurants and bars...in some parts of Californina you are not allowed to smoke at all...not in your own house, your own car, outside or anything. It is a totally smoke free part of the state. I think that goes to far but I guess you have to consent to it to live there...so it works out because you waive your right to smoke.

Answer 8

Find people and places that are nuetral. Some places allow it outside as a non smoker I can expect that there will be people who smoke. However I know that people are even trying to change that. Outside is always best. Some are polite enogh to ask even if outside is it ok if I smoke. I always say yes but some well you never know. Asking is always good...

Answer 9

Both have to give a little !!!!!! I'm a smoker.....but......I respect those that don't smoke !! I would never smoke in anyone's vehicle or home ......but they shouldn't have a problem with my stepping outside to smoke if the need arose !!!!!! They wouldn't have to be there with me........just don't complain if I feel the need !!!! It's a nasty habit....but.....there are worse things I could do !!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

I don't think they can but the smoking/nonsmoking sections in restrants and bars is better than the solution they came up with here in Denver. Now no smoking at all in bars or restrants or with in 15 feet of the door. And of course there are those nonsmokers that insist on sitting in the smoking area. It never work the other way around, nonsmokers would never put up with it.