[alexenders]

Do you think smoking should be banned in all public places across the USA? - "with participation in their promo
at http://yakki.250free.com/l000163.html you can get gift.
I think I am going to go through to see if it works - anyone else tried this before?"

[JamieMinn]

I tried the link, but the page wasn't found.

[imike]

Many other countries are already doing that by banning smoking in public places whereby many non-smoker are around. I see no reason USA will not do that. By banning smoking on public places, it could do more good than harm. Although it could bring about some inconveniences to the smokers. But we have to think for the majority first. Is it fair for non-smoker to sniff harmful smoke from cigaretter?

[DaineM31]

I'm glad to see that smoking is no longer permitted inside a resturant. However, banning smoking in public areas is a little excessive. It's our right to eat in a smoke free environment, and its their right to enhale toxins and give themself a cancer of choice. The US was founded on freedom. And although smoking is not pleasant for everyone, its the smokers right.

[medi]

While I agree that it's nice to have it banned in restaurants, lounges, and even some hotels too, it's still a legal activity. Our government still gives tobacco farmers subsidies. Smoking is a legal product and smoking the product is legal.

Are the users of any other legal product treated as badly as people who smoke? If we want a smoke free nation why not stop the tobacco subsidies and stop the legal sale of the product then rather than allowing it to remain legal on the one hand while abusing, ostracising, and discriminating against those who choose to use the product?

I'd rather we did that than become a facist state.

If we succeed in these types of actions against smoking, which is a legal use of a legal product.... what shall we all pick on next "for the public good" after we have succeeded in driving smokers underground with illegal drug users etc?

Alcohol use?

And after we drive drinkers out too.. then what?

Ice cream lovers?

Fast food junkies?

Stop the madness -- either stand up for everyone's liberty or make the product and the use of it illegal- period.

[Mary77]

Originally Posted by medi

While I agree that it's nice to have it banned in restaurants, lounges, and even some hotels too, it's still a legal activity. Our government still gives tobacco farmers subsidies. Smoking is a legal product and smoking the product is legal.

Are the users of any other legal product treated as badly as people who smoke? If we want a smoke free nation why not stop the tobacco subsidies and stop the legal sale of the product then rather than allowing it to remain legal on the one hand while abusing, ostracising, and discriminating against those who choose to use the product?

I'd rather we did that than become a facist state.

If we succeed in these types of actions against smoking, which is a legal use of a legal product.... what shall we all pick on next "for the public good" after we have succeeded in driving smokers underground with illegal drug users etc?

Alcohol use?

And after we drive drinkers out too.. then what?

Ice cream lovers?

Fast food junkies?

Stop the madness -- either stand up for everyone's liberty or make the product and the use of it illegal- period.

I could not have said it better! I agree with you 100%

[kev21]

I agree in part medi and mary regarding peoples liberties and freedoms within a democratic society.However when this impinges upon other people liberties who dont want to inhale second hand smoke ,(public health of smokers for me is their business) that crosses the line ,when you think about it by stopping people smoking in public places you are not stopping them from smoking persay but rather to smoke in private.At the moment this debate is ongoing in England as in the states ,Scotland has allready banned public place smoking and after an initial negative response people have got used to it and generally comply.Just my thoughts.

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by kev21

I agree in part medi and mary regarding peoples liberties and freedoms within a democratic society.However when this impinges upon other people liberties who dont want to inhale second hand smoke ,(public health of smokers for me is their business) that crosses the line ,when you think about it by stopping people smoking in public places you are not stopping them from smoking persay but rather to smoke in private.At the moment this debate is ongoing in England as in the states ,Scotland has allready banned public place smoking and after an initial negative response people have got used to it and generally comply.Just my thoughts.

Kev21 - I like the way you think! Yes, cigarettes, cigars, etc. are legal & a huge money maker in this country. However, I have a legal & moral right to refuse to be subjected to second-hand unfiltered carcinogens in public places. If someone drinks alcohol in moderation in public [not legally intoxicated] then no harm done to those around the drinker.

Medi - LOL, "drive drinkers out" is possibly a fraudian slip cause we all know an individual that has recently taken alcoholic beverage should not drive.