Should Public Smoking Be Legal?

[Jack]

Sure, many local laws are passed simply to generate revenue. But these ordinances were put to public vote and passed. If you've got the money to cover the fines, come on out and protest it. Unfortunately, these days trying to drum sympathy for smoking is akin to trying to get your neighbors to accept you sitting on your porch playing with yourself. You may have the right, but it sure is rough trying to exercise it.

[Osborn F Enready]

It is only hard to get support for a right if the people are uneducated, or enemies of American heritage and goals.

You are right, it is hard to get support, and people who look at it like you don't understand the damage you do to the system.

If you do understand, but agree, you are an enemy of the Constitution.

Where do you stand citizen?

[Jack]

Looking at your website, I'm not even sure where you all stand. There's very little spcificity, and a lot of generalization. Do I defend the constitution? Of course. Do I believe anti-smoking laws are hot-button issues? No, and I smoke. So are you moving to New Hampshire soon to live according to your beliefs?

[Osborn F Enready]

Yes, as soon as economically feasible, and family issues are cleared up.

[Flip Jackson]

I agree that if you walk into an establishment that allows smoking, then you have to accept it. By public places, I mean parks, sidewalks, or places that we may need to go. I should be able to walk around outside without having to worry about my health. If anthing I would walk around outside to help my health. Osborn, you are right, businesses should have a place for employees that smoke. Allow I have another issue about how you cannot decide to hire a person based on if they smoke or not. Another topic I guess.

In your house, in your car, in a bar, in a restaurant that allows smoking, fine. But if I can't avoid the smoke, then I am not at fault for the smoke that someone else makes and I inhale. Your rights don't allow you to take my life unwillingly, no matter how slow the process is.

In some instances, I suppose consideration would be more important than legality. Like at once a year events in which people smoke. I wish smoking areas would be required, so that I can enjoy some of these activities without having to deal with smoke.

[belverron]

I'm with Osborn on this one. It was really tempting to disagree simply because of his fondness for the caps lock key, but I didn't give in.

[abub]

Geez, you guys are blowing this issue entirely out of proportion. If you don't like being around smoke, sit in the non-smoking section... and if you're still unhappy, well, you're shit out of luck. I am a smoker, and I am very unhappy with people's aggressive attempts to stop me from enjoying myself while out anywhere besides my home. Also I am unhappy with cigarette taxes in Ohio, as osborn probably is as well. If the state needs more money, who saves the day? The smokers. We're paying entirely too much for tobacco, and now you want to limit where/when we smoke? Give me a break...

[James]

As a Christian and believing that addiction to anything is in way worshipping false idols, I am for banning smoking in all public places.

But, as a North Carolinian, I am all for smoking in public places. :) Our state sure needs that tobacco money, and boy, do people buy it!

Also, in a completely political sense, I'm completely opposed to all attempts at banning smoking in public.

[abub]

... so what exactly do you stand for?

[Punkbuster]

I am not a smoker (cigar once in a while) however if I have put up money for a restaurant and i want people to smoke, then I believe I should have that freedom. Just as those customers have the freedom NOT to go to my restaurant! I remember the long haired hippy type lib back in the 70's singin "sign sign everwhere a sign blockin out the scenery breakin my mind- do this dont do that cant you read the sign"? MOdern libs are in the business of MAKING MORE SIGNS! Through the courts of course- not the electorate

[James]

... so what exactly do you stand for?

If I was put on the spot, I would be against anyone trying to ban public smoking. People have the right to do it, and it's not going to really hurt anyone having to sit in a restaurant for half an hour with people who are smoking.

[Cephus]

I don't necessarily think that smoking in public should be banned, but it should be strongly regulated. If you want to pollute your own lungs, fine, just don't pollute the lungs of those around you. That means respecting others, something that most people seem to have a problem with.

I do think that we need to strengthen enforcement of litter laws for smokers though. Can't tell you how many I see throwing their butts on the ground, out car windows, etc. What, you people don't know where a trash can is?