I don't see why it's silly to ban outdoor smoking. I think it SHOULD be banned, especially on public property. There are MANY reasons for this:
a) Greater air quality overall in the long run. Yes, there are other major pollutants, but slowing or stopping any of them over time can help.
b) Less litter on the ground all over the place
c) May persuade more people to quit an unhealthy habit.
d) Isn't particularly different from open bottle laws in many places. Just because you're smoking a cigarette doesn't mean I'll get cancer? Fair enough! Just becuase I'm walking down the street drinking a beer doesn't mean I'm drunk and/or disorderly. *shrug*
e) It's a PUBLIC place. You're not supposed to do things that interupt the enjoyment, peace and happiness of those around you. You can't walk around outside YELLING, because it's a nuisance. It doesn't HURT you, but it's illegal because it's a disruption. I think cigarette smoke is a disruption. I don't like walking through a cloud of it. And, it DOES hurt you more than someone making a commotion. *shrug*
f) What are the good, valid reasons NOT to ban all public smoking, even outdoors? I don't get it? Personal liberties? You can't DRINK in most places. You can't be naked in public. Why is smoking somehow a protected right? Oh yeah... it's NOT!
|