h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Amen and hallelujah. Thank you for saying something. It has become so easy to blame cigarettes for everything - have you seen the 'truth' ads that are on American television about every five minutes? - that smokers are scapegoats. It's not the most healthy thing to do, but that doesn't mean it should be banned. If we want to get rid of everything that could potentially be harmful, we should go and shut down all fast-food restaurants first (McDonalds, Burger King, Arby's). People sit in those little booths, eating a Big Mac and fries, practically guaranteeing that they'll have heart disease in the future, but happy and secure in the knowledge that the 'No Smoking' signs are keeping secondhand smoke away. *grr* I don't know the exact statistics (I could probably look it up) but I believe obese people die at a rate similar to, or higher than, that of smokers.

See, I'm this passionate about the subject, and I don't even smoke.

jessie

If I eat a big greasy burger, it's because I want to. You smoke because you want to.
You may not want to suffer the effects of increased cholesterol, and other physical effects of a big greasy burger, and by sitting next to you and tucking in to a nice big heart- attack inducer, you get absolutely none of the grease and fat that is poisoning my system
Now, I may not want to inhale your smoke, including tar, cyanide and various carcinogens, but if you come and sit next to me and light up...

My point is, when I eat a burger, it affects me only. You can get a burger of your own if you like, but if you don't want the grease, you don't get it. When you smoke, it's your choice indeed, but you are removing the freedom of choice from those around you.

Sitting right next to someone in a restaurant and lighting up is rude. Smoking in a crowded enclosed area is rude. Smoking on a street corner, in your home, or in an area where it's expected (like bars and certain restaurants) should not be regarded as a travesty to humankind.

*My* point is, it's a choice. There are lots of things you may not want other people to do. It pisses me off when people who wear excessive perfume stand next to me, because I am allergic to particular types and it makes me cough. But I can't do anything about it. I hate it when people walk their dogs near me, but when this happens, I CROSS THE STREET. I walk away. If someone smokes near you inside a building where it is clearly nonsmoking (hospitals, public buildings like courthouses and libraries, nonsmoking areas of restaurants) then it is perfectly within your rights to politely bring the 'No Smoking' signs to their attention. But on the street, or outdoors? Why is that a problem? I mean, I find it really sad that California has policies of no smoking in all restaurants and bars, and is considered bans on smoking within 25 feet of a public building. They're just setting themselves up for an undermining of power.

Anyway, there goes my superlong post for the day.

jessie