Smokers – selfish scum or persecuted minority?

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  • SarahCW1979
    SarahCW1979 Posts: 572 Member
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    There is no wrong or right answer to put in here so Ill just post my very humble opinion.
    Yes I am a smoker. No I do not light up in public places because it is now illegal. I also dont like to walk down the street smoking because I dont want to accidentally burn anyone, I have my hands full with the kids etc. I dont smoke in my house, I dont smoke in my car. Just outside my own house. Does that sound like child abuse? No.

    People who say smoking around kids should be considered child abuse are ignorant feckwits. What about the people who overfeed their already chubby kids? Are THEY going to get a tongue lashing from you for 'abusing' their children? What about people who get blind drunk at weekends thus leaving a child essentially unattended? Should THEY be considered abusive?
    And lets not forget the people who drive like maniacs even though they have 'child on board' stickers plastered all over their cars.
    Oh wait.... if they do all those things AND smoke they should probably be shot at dawn right?
  • SueMizZou
    SueMizZou Posts: 146 Member
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    I object to smoking on a number of levels all of which may be selfish.

    I hate cleaning up other people's cigarette butts. If you're going to smoke, don't litter.

    I object to having to pay higher insurance rates because people ignore the obvious health risks and smoke anyway. I don't get it - cancer is an ugly disease that you might get. But it becomes more likely if you smoke. Why do it? The statistics are there.

    I don't mind the smell of smoke while people are smoking but I hate the smell of stale smoke after they're done. The smell of smoke stays in your clothes, hair, in your car and in your home. Yuck.

    It discolors your teeth and leaves a yellow film on everything.

    For the person who said people should be able to smoke in restaurants-- sure, but I won't eat there. There are more nonsmokers than smokers. Do the math.

    You can smoke all you want, for whatever reasons you want, as long as it doesn't intrude on my space and rights.

    I am a former smoker.
  • sheila569
    sheila569 Posts: 269 Member
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    Wow, this was an interesting thread. I'm a non-smoker, always have been. I have asthma caused by second hand smoke... apparently being in a home with three 2-3 pack a day smokers from birth to age 19 was not a good thing for my lungs. But even with all that, I truly don't care if people smoke. If I find myself someplace that there are smokers, I leave. If a guy asks me out and he smokes, I say thanks but no thanks. What people's personal choices are is there business. What you choose to believe medically regarding smoking or second hand smoke is your business too.

    oh and don't bother to challenge my asthma cause and diagnosis... I truly don't care about your opinon or link - I know what 4 doctors over 20 years have told me.
  • Icelandic_Saga
    Icelandic_Saga Posts: 2,926 Member
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    Discuss :explode:

    staying outta this one :noway:

    :laugh: :laugh:
  • Cbarrese86
    Cbarrese86 Posts: 37
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    There is no wrong or right answer to put in here so Ill just post my very humble opinion.
    Yes I am a smoker. No I do not light up in public places because it is now illegal. I also dont like to walk down the street smoking because I dont want to accidentally burn anyone, I have my hands full with the kids etc. I dont smoke in my house, I dont smoke in my car. Just outside my own house. Does that sound like child abuse? No.

    People who say smoking around kids should be considered child abuse are ignorant feckwits. What about the people who overfeed their already chubby kids? Are THEY going to get a tongue lashing from you for 'abusing' their children? What about people who get blind drunk at weekends thus leaving a child essentially unattended? Should THEY be considered abusive?
    And lets not forget the people who drive like maniacs even though they have 'child on board' stickers plastered all over their cars.
    Oh wait.... if they do all those things AND smoke they should probably be shot at dawn right?



    ^^^^^THIS I agree with!^^^^^ I have 2 kids, and I am a smoker, and so is my husband. We don't smoke in the house, in the car, or anywhere around our kids or anyone elses. We have a screened in back porch in the back of our house. That's where we smoke, and the kids know that they aren't allowed to come out while we are smoking. I am chosing to do what I want with my body, and it's my business! And as for child abuse, what about crap like Toddlers and Tiaras? Now that's child abuse!
  • SaraBrown12
    SaraBrown12 Posts: 277 Member
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    There are clear links with smoking and asthma. A friend of mine had severe asthma for 10 years whilst smoking.. When he eventually quit the asthma went poof, just like that. On a long car journey where the driver was chain smoking he had his first asthma attack for 3 years since quitting. Coincidence much?
  • mcgraw0204
    mcgraw0204 Posts: 6
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    Also, members of hospital staff do not in any way shape or form constitute proof of anything.

    This is so very wrong. Hospital staff, particularly doctors and nurses, study the human body and some are very specialized in body organs. They do trials in order to answer questions and some exclusively do research. How can you say it doesn't constitute proof of anything? That statement is just as loaded as, certified mechanics don't know anything about engines.


    No sir, We are not talking about staff that has done any real research. We are talking about someone who works in a hospital and says that ids come in and cant breather because their parents smoke. For one, its total BS. And two, in no universe that Im aware of does that constitute evidence of anything.

    You continually say, "Do some research". Unless you have done the studies yourself, actually set up trials in which you have personally tested individuals that are non-smokers, coming from smoking families and vice-versa, you haven't actually done research yourself. Simply going online, and reading articles posted by groups claiming to have done unbiased studies doesn't constitute actually doing research, you are simply doing the same thing the posters that linked to articles that prove its bad.

    Personally, I am a non-smoker. I don't like being around people that smoke, and will avoid it at all cost. I have asked people that are smoking around my kids, to move to another location, or I moved them personally. I don't see how anyone can possibly think that second hand smoke is safe, common sense tells me that if smoke directly inhaled from the cigaratte is bad for the person doing it, that its just as bad for the person next to him. But hey, thats just me and my opinion, and since I haven't actually done the studies myself....then I can't be sure, nor can I trust anyone else to tell me their studies "PROVE" it. I have to make my own judgement based on what I know.
  • tashjs21
    tashjs21 Posts: 4,584 Member
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    I quit smoking two weeks ago though I miss it dearly. I totally understand when people are aggravated by smoke- thus, why when I lit up it was far from people and in a large, open area no where near doorways or walkways.

    Strolling past a smoker and coughing is absolutely ridiculous, you have plenty of room and are being obnoxious.

    I don't think people should be allowed to own large, useless trucks that pollute the environment due to their moronic design but hey, freedom of choice.


    Agreed on all points.

    There are jerk smokers who don't care/think about the people around them. (but hey, there are jerks in every aspect of life) I smoke off and on (can go months at a time without smoking) but I try to be considerate of other people and not smoke around non-smokers. (unless we are in a bar...then you knowingly came to a place where you knew people were going to be smoking around you)

    It is rather annoying when people point it out to you. I have a friend that constantly "calls me out" on Facebook if I mention being sick..."It's the cigs" :noway:

    To me, that is just rude. I don't point out anyone else's flaws so why point out mine?
  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
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    If you google I am sure you will find the correct position for setting up your chair and desk to avoid back pain and discomfort :) all the other jobs you refer to take pre appropriate action to limit dangers dont they? safety hats, goggles, gloves.
    This did actually have some substance to it.

    I ended up buying a 'kneeling' chair for a previous office job - as yes, actually I was getting a bad back. And no, different seating positions didn't help.
    Wouldn't have worked if I was in a less relaxed hot-desk environment.

    And yes, they 'limit' dangers, don't remove them altogether.
    People know the dangers when they apply for the job and decide if they consider it's worth the risk or not.
    Even if that means having a watress pack up our food and leave a resturant. How fair is that to a 9 year old?
    Sounds rather unfair, but me, I'd blame that on the person taking the kid to a restaurant that allows smoking, rather than the people smoking.
  • travisseger
    travisseger Posts: 271 Member
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    While I am not a smoker, and find find the habit rather distasteful, I am 100% against the government being able to regulate where and when a smoker can light up. Those decisions should be completely up to the individual business owners, and the only time the government should have a say is when it comes to creating the smoking policy on government property. If an individual business decides it wants to permit smoking, as a non-smoker I then have a decision to make whether I will patronize the establishment. If I do not wish to be around second-hand smoke, I should choose not to enter a place that permits smoking. Other non-smokers get upset with my stance on this, but no one is forcing you to enter an establishment against your will to inhale second-hand smoke. Your decision should come down to which you want more - to patronize the business and inhale second-hand smoke, or stay away and enjoy your fresh air. There should be no government involvement at all.

    I do not look down on people who smoke. It's a personal decision and I don't see the need to get myself involved in other people's personal decisions, whether I agree with those decisions or not. As a non-smoker and a father, I do appreciate those smokers who show a little courtesy and do their best not to blow smoke right into my kids faces when out in public, and I find that most smokers are aware of the surroundings and do their best to be courteous. There are those who don't care, and I always exercise my option to distance myself from them if their second-hand smoke is bothering me or I have my kids with me.
  • tashjs21
    tashjs21 Posts: 4,584 Member
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    Discuss :explode:

    everyone wanted smoking highly taxed banned in as many places as possible.

    Now they're highly taxing other things and starting to ban stuff like large sodas in NYC.
    Start taking away one right, and your's is next. hahahahaha suckers. Your double cheeseburgers are next!

    :laugh: I never really thought about the connection but that is hilarious.
  • tashjs21
    tashjs21 Posts: 4,584 Member
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    I had one more thought...my mother has always smoked...I lectured her as a kid and teenager (then picked up the habit myself in my 20's. :embarassed: )

    She KNOWS the dangers. A client of theirs died last week of lung cancer which brought on the lectures and talks from her boss. The thing is...the man that died...was NOT a smoker.

    So it isn't so cut and dry and yes it ups your risk factor but smoking isn't the only way to get cancer.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
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    Can't stand when people smoke in front of kids. It should be a form of child abuse, if not attempted murder. Makes me sick to think any PARENT would put there child in harms way.

    Can't stand it when people believe lies...
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
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    MDWilliams1857, No studies done?...Really?....Where do you come from!!! Do some research pal!!! Give your kids a chance!! Stop smoking!!
    the U.S. Surgeon General's own study showed that it would take the equivalent of 50 cigarettes being smoked in a 5 square foot room before the air actually becomes toxic. (which, BTW, would be practically impossible)

    You should actually read the research rather than the "news" article about the study.
  • moosegt35
    moosegt35 Posts: 1,296 Member
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    I dont smoke but I find all the anti smoking crap to be over the top. Here in Ohio smoking is banned in all public places which is crazy. If I own a business, it should be my choice as to whether or not I allow smoking in my establishment. If someone wants to eat at my restaurant but doesnt like all the smoke, guess what? They can go eat somewhere else. No one is making them eat there. You have to make a choice. Either my food is so good that you will put up with the smoke, or you can go eat else where. Pretty simple. Here in the town I live in I have seen businesses go out of business due to the smoking ban. Bowling allies are getting crushed. Smokers are not going to spend their money at a place, spend 4-5 hours there and not be able to smoke. Also, the whole argument that smokers cost us money in healthcare is also false. Smokers die younger, thats a fact. Therefore, they save us money in the long run. What ever happen to personal choices and personal responsibility? Whatever happen to a property owners right to decide what they are going to allow on their own property? The nanny state is out of control. And there is no shortage of people that think that anything they dont like should be banned. Its crazy.

    So, smokers should have the right to smoke, but non-smokers shouldn't have the right to be in public wothout being forced to smoke? Makes sense. And as far as smokers not costing us more in health care, well to put it nicely, you have no earthly idea what you are talking about.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
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    Although you should feel bad when you see a child sitting in your establishment.

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

    That's a rehash of propaganda, not a scientific study at all.
  • moomaq
    moomaq Posts: 24 Member
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    Can't stand when people smoke in front of kids. It should be a form of child abuse, if not attempted murder. Makes me sick to think any PARENT would put there child in harms way.

    Get over yourself, do you class people who j walk, eat burgers, drink shugary drinks, alchol , hold a sisors in an unsafe fasion in front of children, child abusers? attempted murderers?

    eh i didnt thinks so
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
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    Bill Hicks said it best..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9ySCcnoo3c

    Love me some Bill Hicks! :smooched:
  • moosegt35
    moosegt35 Posts: 1,296 Member
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    I'd like to enjoy a meal without inhaling a cancerous toxin!!


    Ok, so then eat somewhere that doesnt allow smoking. There were non smoking places long before smoking was banned. What gives you the right to tell me that your right to eat my food supercedes my right to make the rules for my estabishment? I would like to enjoy a meal without hearing kids whine and cry. I would like to enjoy a meal without the person next to me being covered in tattoos.

    neither one of those things you would "like" to do affect your health, smoking and breathing in smoke do. At least make your arguments make a little bit of sense.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
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    I dont smoke but I find all the anti smoking crap to be over the top. Here in Ohio smoking is banned in all public places which is crazy. If I own a business, it should be my choice as to whether or not I allow smoking in my establishment. If someone wants to eat at my restaurant but doesnt like all the smoke, guess what? They can go eat somewhere else. No one is making them eat there. You have to make a choice. Either my food is so good that you will put up with the smoke, or you can go eat else where. Pretty simple. Here in the town I live in I have seen businesses go out of business due to the smoking ban. Bowling allies are getting crushed. Smokers are not going to spend their money at a place, spend 4-5 hours there and not be able to smoke. Also, the whole argument that smokers cost us money in healthcare is also false. Smokers die younger, thats a fact. Therefore, they save us money in the long run. What ever happen to personal choices and personal responsibility? Whatever happen to a property owners right to decide what they are going to allow on their own property? The nanny state is out of control. And there is no shortage of people that think that anything they dont like should be banned. Its crazy.

    So, smokers should have the right to smoke, but non-smokers shouldn't have the right to be in public wothout being forced to smoke? Makes sense. And as far as smokers not costing us more in health care, well to put it nicely, you have no earthly idea what you are talking about.

    What makes sense is for everyone to make their own choices. Most restaurants have went smoke-free because their customers demanded it, not because the government forced the issue. Consumers have power. Use your power as a consumer without resorting to the gunpoint of a government thug.

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