Petitioning for the Repeal of the Smoking Ban (Chicago: environment, jobs)

[illini84]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

This issue has been discussued on Pennsylvania, Indiana and Minnesota (that I know of). IMO, the issue is the health of the employees, not the patrons. I would agree that 1 -2 hrs of exposure to a small amt of second hand smoke is not dangerous to one's health (as in the case of a customer). 40 hrs per week, in the case of an employee, is a different story. I think it is a public health issue, and not a "rights" issue.

I agree. Of course, the smokers are going to counter this with "well, bartenders should get a different job then!" Which basically translates to "either find another job or die of selfish peoples' second-hand smoke." Seriously. SOMEBODY has to work these jobs and I'm pretty sure none of them wants to die of second-hand smoke just because a smoker is too lazy to walk outside.

[illini84]

Originally Posted by Greatday

And, what is next? Banning sales of soda in the city? Don't laugh - one city is now trying this.

Or, banning all deep fried foods? Again, don't laugh

Sure, I'd have no problem with either. Some people are just too stupid to figure out on their own that soda, deep-fried foods [and smoking] are terrible for their health.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by illini84

Sure, I'd have no problem with either. Some people are just too stupid to figure out on their own that soda, deep-fried foods [and smoking] are terrible for their health.

So, you think it is governments role to be able to tell you what you can eat and drink?

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

It should not be repealed. Just ammended. There needs to be non-smoking bars and smoking bars. Let people have a choice and freedom.

Well said.

[aragx6]

I'm wondering if many of you defending the rights of restaurant workers have ever spent any time working in a restaurant. I have worked in restaurants in bars and truly every person I have met who works in one of those places is a smoker. This is by no means to say that 100% of them do, but it's clear that middle and lower class people are still far more likely to smoke and also far more likely to work in bars.

I mean really you think they can't protect themselves? That's pretty condescending.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by illini84

Sure, I'd have no problem with either. Some people are just too stupid to figure out on their own that soda, deep-fried foods [and smoking] are terrible for their health.

I think you live in the wrong country. You'd probably have better luck with your views in Saudi Arabia. That's not how America works.

Honestly if people want to kill themselves with cheese puffs or cigarette puffs that's their own damn decision!!!!!!!!

[boris63]

Originally Posted by illini84

Sure, I'd have no problem with either. Some people are just too stupid to figure out on their own that soda, deep-fried foods [and smoking] are terrible for their health.

So people are too stupid to think for themselves, therefore the politicians should do their thinking for them?!! They always know what's best for us don't they?!!

You must really despise the concept of liberty. Is ther any aspect of their own life that you would let thes "stupid" people decide for themselves, or should you and the politicians make "all" their decisions for them?

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by aragx6

I'm wondering if many of you defending the rights of restaurant workers have ever spent any time working in a restaurant. I have worked in restaurants in bars and truly every person I have met who works in one of those places is a smoker. This is by no means to say that 100% of them do, but it's clear that middle and lower class people are still far more likely to smoke and also far more likely to work in bars.

I mean really you think they can't protect themselves? That's pretty condescending.

That may be your experience, but I don't think EVERY restaurant/bar employee is a smoker. And as was brought up on the PA forum, what about the legal liability of an employer knowingly exposing his/her employees to a dangerous substance.

[illini84]

Originally Posted by boris63

So people are too stupid to think for themselves, therefore the politicians should do their thinking for them?!! They always know what's best for us don't they?!!

You must really despise the concept of liberty. Is ther any aspect of their own life that you would let thes "stupid" people decide for themselves, or should you and the politicians make "all" their decisions for them?

No, but I'm not stupid enough to smoke either.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by illini84

Sure, I see your point, but I think the government is simply taking an appropriate step to protect its citizens' health and well-being. How about all of your immediate neighbors put toxic landfills in their backyards? They are rightful property owners, so they should have the right to choose what they want in their backyards. After all, if you don't like toxic landfills, go somewhere else!

There are toxins coming out of cars on every street where people live.