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Originally Posted by KMA
Anyhow, my egg comment isn't to disprove anything scientific, it is just to show that science isn't the be all and end all of society. Scientists can put out bogus information just as easily as I can. Plus, it is very easy to make a study prove what you want it to prove--it just depends on how you handle your "victims".
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Sure. But, that science also happens to line up with common sense.
We know air pollution kills, from many other studies. Second hand smoke is local air polution. It seems common sense that second hand smoke kills.
We know smoking kills. Second hand smoke is the same shit, most of it unfiltered.
We know smoke irritates your lungs. Things that our body is irritated by tend to cause harm.
In addition to all of the studies out there, there is common sense backing it. No, there won't be a 100% proof that second hand smoke causes death.
But, it seems there is a large scientific consensus. So, should we ban second hand smoke?
Well, lets examine the cost.
The economic harm seems minimal, and the economic benefits seem large. It seems to be an anti-social act that poisons people who aren't involved in it, so there is even a moral arguement.
Workplace safety is within the traditional bounds of government, so this isn't extending government authority into new areas.
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Originally Posted by flstf
Some people want to ban smoking and some people want to ban alcohol (again).
If people don't want to be around smoke then don't go to establishments that permit smoking.
If people don't want to be around alcohol then don't go to establishments that permit drinking.
These are both legal substances and no one is forcing you to go to places that permit the consumption of them and we should not force businesses to change their policy just to accommodate you. Just go someplace else.
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If second hand smoke wasn't a form of assult, you would have a point.
By your reconing, bars should be able to declair themselves 'open brawl zones'. Employers should be able to demand that employees have sex with them to keep their jobs.
I mean, sex is legal. As is boxing.
The legality of the substance is fine. Feel free to consume the substance so long as you harm nobody else.
If you drink and drive, you are endangering other people. You should be thrown in jail and have some sense beaten into you.
If you smoke in an enclosed common area, you are endangering other people.
And guess what? Smoking won't be as legal tommorrow as it is today. If your morality is based off the letter of the law, then that should solve the conundrum for you. =p~