Some of our rights are being taken away every now and then. Slowly but surely, we are losing our rights because some people don't like what others do, especially in California,where you can't smoke in public places and even in your own home if 2nd hand smoke makes its way into the apt. or house next door. Californoia has the worst air qualith in the USA, yet non-smokers think they are breathing fresh air.
120055
This is a symptom of a national disease. That disease is apathy. There is a value assigned to all thing according to rarity. Objects, beauty, the quality of life, even relationships. The more you have of something, or the less you had to work to get it, the less value you attache to it. This isn't a bad thing, it is completely natural. In nature there is competition and typically, the stuff that life needs to continue living, will be the stuff that is hard to find.\nAs a generation of Americans without any great war or great tagedy to scare us into caring about the things we have, we care very little about the luxuries we possess, the freedoms we enjoy, and in turn we run everything we have into the ground. We are apathetic to how our great government is run and don't even pay attension when the corperations take over and start wittleing away our freedoms. We are apethitic to each other and the happiness of our neighbors so we drive like selfish pricks, or we lie, or we otherwise treat eachother like crap. We do this because there has been no hardship big enough in any of our lives to teach us the real value of things. The real value of forming a brotherhood with our fellow Americans and doing good for goodness' sake. Also this process is what allows us to not be interested in how the defination of freedom is being changed. We have freedom taken away bit by bit. In increments so small it looks harmless. But eventualy we will all look up and realize that whatever isn't defined by the law is ilegal. This is fascism. It is a shame. This is a cycle that has been evedent throughout the history of Man. \n1) Things are awefull\n2) War against hardship to make life good\n3) Happiness and prosperity for 3-4 generations\n4) Decline\n5) War, etc.\nThis is sad, but it is the way things work. And it continues to happen because most people don't realize that this is the cycle. And until there is a great catastrophy to make us care about the things we have it will continue to decay.
100072
I do not smoke, but I think that it is one's right to do so! I do agree with banning it from certain places(due to ppl. like me who are allergic!), but if you want to smoke outside...that's your deal!
165239
A good rule of thumb is you have rights to just about any action that doesn't impinge upon the rights of others. Example: you have the right to smoke but not where other people are that don't want to be exposed to second hand smoke, like a restaurant.
138170
They tried the smoking ban by my place.  They said the smoke made the bars smell bad and people were dying from second hand smoke.  They made it out to be this huge deal.  When the ban went through the bars went empty.  3 bars shut down, and there were tons of cigarette butts in the streets.  However, once again the pink lunged turd burglars got there way and they were able to drink their cranberry and vodka drinks.  Now, why doesn't the tobacco company make cigarettes smell good?  Just think of how easier life would be for everyone.  They could smell pretty things as they die.
547815
I think it was a trick question to older people ...for instant one women voted no to both opinion, thinking that she was voting for people to have the right to smoke in certain areas.The wording in the question throwed them off. So yes , I think if they got a petition people would sign it. And yes some would sign it that don't smoke, 2 people I know told me that they didn't want anymore Rights taken away from them.
13552
Definitely should be laws against this! No child should have to breathe in second hand smoke- it's cruel. Parents with any sense wouldn't smoke around their kids.
534247
Maybe you should write about the pollution in big cities instead of second hand smoke.  From what I know, I'm a smoker BTW, air pollution in the bigger cities are far worse the second hand smoke breathing could ever be.  I have seen news reports warning people to stay inactive due to traffic conditions causing a concentration of air pollution at certain times of the day.
452941
all the thumbs downs just prove your point....lol\n\nas long as your not smoking anywhere that is dangerous eg a garage..whats the problem!\n\nMaybe pubs should provide a Smoking room with extractor fans then its your choice if you go in...
149942
I would but NO. And why? By keeping it illegal I think they are just trying to make a private thing. Ya know, people complain about the second hand smoke from cigs could you imagine the mass witch fest that would go on because of that & the fact o contact buzzes. Then wht about the job market? Don't already have enough problems with drunk driving too? It does sound great but the reality is just to impracticle. Maybe you are fine & still live life happily but many others would not. I just say becareful when you have it in tow & I do what you like in private. I've seriously thought about it.... More than once. The cops really don't bother anyone, people are just gonna be at the wrong place at the wrong time & catch the heat. That's just life. Most smokers aren't really winning at the game of life, really most of them aren't.... I guess there's just some it works for & say cool!
391329
I am no smoker but if someone likes to smoke then that is their business, so long as they don't blow smoke over everyone else that doesn't.....let's see the idiots in Government concentrate on something more important such as Britains overpopulation problem for instance....This is never mentioned of course since they are shit scared of loosing votes......but it will at some stage however, return to bite them up the ass.
317647
the lowest legal age for tobacco is 16 in alaska. the cop can take it away. he probobly gave a choice of fine or forfeiture. the damned 'forbidden fruit' scenario. we're always going to seek what we cant have. in other parts of the world ive been to im shocked at how young people get into things. but then, its not (drugs, drink, tobacco, ect) popular because its not restricted. my truck for instance, the envy of all who are without one. i couldnt wait to get old enough to drive legally. now, i can drive anywhere but choose not to because its no big deal & am sick of driving every damn day.
474572
ever notice that hardcore non-smokers never complain about industrial smokestacks, car exhaust fumes, diesel fumes, or cow farts!  not the smoke from a stove or fireplace.  not the local chicken processing plant or the paper mill??  just about the rights of a smoker.  we're in training by our government & a few "i think i'm perfect" people.  kinda' like Pavlov's dog.
159727
Wow...I didn't know about the kids in the car thing, and I live in CA and smoke.\n\nI rarely smoke in my own car if there's a non smoker in there, and I never do with kids.\n\nAs far as anywhere else, unless I am outside, I always ask 1st...I never just assume I can smoke anywhere.
521486
Until we pass a law in this country that infringes upon a smokers freedom to smoke, you have no right to do anything....violent or otherwise, to a smoker on the street.  In public, people are allowed to do certain things.  You are no better and no worse.  I am sure you have some habits I would like to do something about...walking too slow, spitting, dragging your feet, not looking where you are going.  But I don't have the right to trip you because of it, do I?  This is still America and a democracy.  Talk to your elected officials in your town and state about your concersn.  That is the only legit way to attempt to protect yourself from smoke.  Meantime, maybe you should also be worrying about the environmental pollution that is affecting your lungs as well.  Keep your hands to yourself in the meantime.  Unless you want to be harrassed right back.
582213
i hope so,,, it bothers me as well since my nighbors downstairs smoke.... there is talk into banning smoking in appartments\n\nKetty.... its easy i'm upstairs. smoke travels UP. when they are out on there balcony there smoke travels UP to mine.    simple. plain and simple. \n\nanyways i just finished reading an article, they want to ban smoking compleatly in Santa cruz. they already banned it from the beach and public parks. there is also a  small town somewere in california where its compleatly banned. \n\nthere is also people wanting to ban smoking in casinos in vegas.,,.. now to me thats just CRAZY all the casinos i been to have very good venting.
189432
Nonsmokers have some serious issues with "control" when they start talking about not smoking outside. Just walk around the smoker huddled next to the ash can, it's really not that difficult. If he's not huddled next to the ash can do that silly fake cough thing, that will show him. Sigh.
52053
Of course they do.  It is their property.  Anyway, no one has a right to pollute someeone else's air.\n\nAs a result of non-smoking workplaces, smokers now pollute the areas outside the doors - cigarette butts everywhere.  It especially upsets me when it is outside the doors of a hospital or any other public building that everyone has to use.\n\nHas anyone ever had the driver in front of you throw a cigarette butt out the window and it comes back and lands on or in your car?  I have!  Gross and inconsiderate!\n\nI guess you can tell which side I'm on!   I object to having to deal with the smoke and cigarette butts of others, both indoors and outdoors.\n\nWith all that said, I do realize that it is a very tough habit to kick.