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G_Whiz · 05-02-2003, 12:46 PM

This subject always seems to stir up the emotions. It doesn't matter whether it is here at TFP or at my work.

OK, my history... I had my first cigarette when I was 10. I started smoking full time when I was in college. I don't even remember how long I smoked, but I tried to quit 3 times before it stuck (I am only counting the times that I managed to quit for 6 months or more). It's now been over 20 years since I've had a cigarette.

In a broad sense, I can see both perspectives in the arguments about smoking. What it comes down to for me is the public health issues. It is pretty clear now that smoking doesn't just impact the smoker. It has similar and dramatic impacts on those who have to deal with the second-hand smoke. When people who haven't smoked end up with smoking-related conditions and become a burden on the medical system, something needs to be done. So I support actions that protect the general public from second-hand smoke.

My opinion about this means that I condone government intervention on the subject. One comment above was that business owners should have the right to make that choice on their own. But when that choice also means they are choosing for their employees and customers, I disagree. Customers may choose to walk away, but employees cannot always make that decision based on economics. I know too many waitresses who never smoked themselves, but got lung cancer and enphazema and attribute it to their work. Their point is always that they needed the job, so they put up with the smoke. I don't believe that you have the right to smoke in a public place unless everyone there is able to make the same choices.

So, as far as I am concerned, smoke 'em if you got 'em (or can afford them), but do it away from people who don't choose to smoke or to breath in your smoke.

05-02-2003, 12:46 PM	#29 (permalink)
G_Whiz Junkie Location: Northern California	This subject always seems to stir up the emotions. It doesn't matter whether it is here at TFP or at my work. OK, my history... I had my first cigarette when I was 10. I started smoking full time when I was in college. I don't even remember how long I smoked, but I tried to quit 3 times before it stuck (I am only counting the times that I managed to quit for 6 months or more). It's now been over 20 years since I've had a cigarette. In a broad sense, I can see both perspectives in the arguments about smoking. What it comes down to for me is the public health issues. It is pretty clear now that smoking doesn't just impact the smoker. It has similar and dramatic impacts on those who have to deal with the second-hand smoke. When people who haven't smoked end up with smoking-related conditions and become a burden on the medical system, something needs to be done. So I support actions that protect the general public from second-hand smoke. My opinion about this means that I condone government intervention on the subject. One comment above was that business owners should have the right to make that choice on their own. But when that choice also means they are choosing for their employees and customers, I disagree. Customers may choose to walk away, but employees cannot always make that decision based on economics. I know too many waitresses who never smoked themselves, but got lung cancer and enphazema and attribute it to their work. Their point is always that they needed the job, so they put up with the smoke. I don't believe that you have the right to smoke in a public place unless everyone there is able to make the same choices. So, as far as I am concerned, smoke 'em if you got 'em (or can afford them), but do it away from people who don't choose to smoke or to breath in your smoke. __________________ If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?