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I agree with others that there are already enough penalties for smoking, but I think that what all the replies (rebuttals) to the OP come down to is this: Where should government draw the line between one's personal rights and the rights of others?
To be clear, I don't smoke and I HATE it when others do so around me because it gives me a headache and makes me nauseous BUT if smoking can be claimed as "assault", then what about "assaulting" others with loud music (or talking), or driving too slowly on the highway, not, or not keeping one's lawn in pristine condition, or even "just" being rude? Where would it end?
It ends where it begins, when people play God they exhibit intolerance.
A man without vices is just as lacking in virtues, A. Lincoln.
With the increasing research and studies over the years that prove that it has negative health effects, why has our society as a whole, not adopted the mindset that it should be considered as such?
If you want to charge someone with assault, what about the inconsiderate drivers with the base bumping so loud it shakes the windows of nearby cars? You can get a ticket for that in some places.
I smoked for a lot of years back when I was self-destructive. It's still legal. I don't like to smell it but it's a free country. In a crowd there will be smokers.
partially off topic: One of ur townships just held a meeting on fines for MJ possession. Lets say that the "townies" are Hip to rescinding any fines imposed. They want to give the MJ smokers a chance, to welcome them and to ultimately get a state Bill passed so we can start growing the wretched stuff and filling the senators coffers. I am bias on this topic and listened to a township supervisors ...who said it best: "I was voted in to uphold the regulations as they stand, to not intercede on state level laws"- "so anyone wishing to turn the other way on an item that is STILL Illegal to be in possession of , please do the community and Re-think your definition of ILLEGAL substance. -The room got quiet after that....Unless they were each stoned
ANyways this ties into the "smoking" portion because well...its a type of leaf that is smoked more often around kids to the point that even that generation has a Who cares attitude...
This concept of fining is all well and good for the ultimate goal. Where it has veered off path is with the pendulum now swinging the other way. Our township has indeed fined and even imprisoned a few citizens when they were in their car smoking with kids buckled in.
The simple fact is this. Smokers are America's piggy bank. Need a new road? Add another penny to every pack of cigarettes sold. Need a new arena? Add another 5 cents to each pack.
Also why should I (full disclosure I quit 5yrs ago) be "charged" with assault because the wind changed direction?
I remember when I smoked I did everything I could to stay away from people. I swear the smoke was a magnet. I could be standing in another zip code and that was the very spot someone needed (read: wanted) to walk.
I think the only thing society has left to do to smokers is imprison them. If that doesn't work, then that's what the death penalty is for. Why stop at assault? Let's charge smokers with attempted 2nd degree murder. That will fix the problem.
Frankly, the average smoker has been humiliated, taxed, and ostracized to the limit. They have had people cross entire parking lots to where they cower behind the dumpsters in puddles of urine as it pours rain upon them just for a smoke, and then have to endure that person giving them holy righteous hell for smoking. This is not an exaggeration, ask any smoker. They have been yelled at for lighting up in wide open spaces 100 yards from another person. They have been fired by jobs, they have been left by lovers. Their pack-a-day habit runs them close to $300 a month, with most of it going to the government.
How about this? Do you own a car? Don't you realize you pump far more poison into the air on a typical day than a smoker ever will in his short, miserable, pariah life? We have to breathe that air, you know.
The taxes on tobacco is a scam, it goes down the Gvmnt drain.
They get little from me .
I roll my own, 1 lb of tobacco costs $14. Thats a BIG bag , it produces well over 1000 cigs.
They are getting less in tax revenue and believe smokers are quitting, they are wrong, they screwed themselves. Typical stupid Gvmnt.
The taxes on tobacco is a scam, it goes down the Gvmnt drain.
They get little from me .
I roll my own, 1 lb of tobacco costs $14. Thats a BIG bag , it produces well over 1000 cigs.
They are getting less in tax revenue and believe smokers are quitting, they are wrong, they screwed themselves. Typical stupid Gvmnt.
What if I fart and it smells. Then it's assault right?? I'm guessing the OP is a liberal from California or other liberal crap hole.
I mean... I'm pretty ****ing liberal... The OP is wrong for non-partisan reasons.
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