Iowa Smoking Ban takes it in the shorts! (work, business)

[pepe1]

Really? Is it too much to ask of smokers to take there cancer sticks outside when at public places?

It's never the black and white subject that some of you would like to make when it comes to government and individual property rights. When ever an individual is doing something on private property that has definite negative impacts to others, government bodies should step in and address and mitigate the nuiscance - particularily when there is a clear majority that opposes the nuiscance. It's democracy at it's best if you ask me!

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by pepe1

Really? Is it too much to ask of smokers to take there cancer sticks outside when at public places?

It's never the black and white subject that some of you would like to make when it comes to government and individual property rights. When ever an individual is doing something on private property that has definite negative impacts to others, government bodies should step in and address and mitigate the nuiscance - particularily when there is a clear majority that opposes the nuiscance. It's democracy at it's best if you ask me!

But you MUST ask whats next? Dont feed you kids food with fat in it? Cant let your kids read Harry Potter because they might investigate witchcraft? If your argument is that it is ok to ban certain things because they may harm others then you are opening up a can of worms. Are you going to ban unprotected sex because it may spread STD/AIDS? Are you going to ban giving a child an F in math because it may hurt their feelings? All i am saying is tread lightly.

[fenix]

Originally Posted by Capt. Dan

But you MUST ask whats next? Dont feed you kids food with fat in it? Cant let your kids read Harry Potter because they might investigate witchcraft? If your argument is that it is ok to ban certain things because they may harm others then you are opening up a can of worms. Are you going to ban unprotected sex because it may spread STD/AIDS? Are you going to ban giving a child an F in math because it may hurt their feelings? All i am saying is tread lightly.

Come on man, what kind of argument is this? Ever heard of America's child obesity epidemic? The majority of children don't understand the consequences of eating unhealthy; it absolutely should be the job of the parents or guardians to set a positive example and educate them on this (good fats vs. bad fats etc.). So yeah, don't feed your kids food with fat in it! That statement undermines your argument - smokers understand the consequences and are making a conscious choice.

And the Harry Potter example? Poor analogy because the outcome is chance; they may or may not investigate witchcraft - and depending on who you talk to this is either an immoral thing or an opportunity for creative expression. Last I heard, the studies were pretty clear on the dangers of second hand smoking.

And ban unprotected sex? Takes two to tango right? The second hand smoker hasn't made the same commitment.

I understand the point you're trying to make, but some things are necessary for societal progression. I do take issue with those that argue that it is always a slippery slope. Ethically, everybody has some responsibility to make things better, and in this case by better I mean healthier.

[Tek_Freek]

Originally Posted by Capt. Dan

But you MUST ask whats next? Dont feed you kids food with fat in it? Cant let your kids read Harry Potter because they might investigate witchcraft? If your argument is that it is ok to ban certain things because they may harm others then you are opening up a can of worms. Are you going to ban unprotected sex because it may spread STD/AIDS? Are you going to ban giving a child an F in math because it may hurt their feelings? All i am saying is tread lightly.

No-basis arguments:

Your fat kid doesn't impinge on my health. If you want to feed them to the point of a massive heart attack that's your problem, doesn't affect my health or my life in any way.

Harry Potter? What, exactly, is the life-threatening possibility if this book is banned? Certain rights are removed if it is, but it has nothing to do with my ending up with Emphysema because some idiot can't control an urge. The most this cause does is highlight the ignorance of a portion of our population.

Unprotected sex? We're talking about procreation here. How in God's name does that equate with some addicts inability to control himself?

As for banning F's in school, have you heard about "No Child Left Behind"? We may not be banning F's, but we are banning intelligent children from getting a decent education. Again, what exactly is the health risk here? Am I going to get lung cancer if Billy "My parents don't care as long as I leave them alone" flunks a class? Perhaps a better solution would be to sterilize the morons so Billy never becomes a problem to society.

The restaurants I frequent have been busier since they went no smoking. There was a lull for a while because the "If I can't smoke I won't come" crowd split (A good thing - they smell terrible) but when word got out business ended up better than before. Now there's a viable argument for the ban.

[wineflight]

Not that y'all care but, Austin is rockin an rollin since our no smoking ban...years ago. We're live music capitol and our famous sixth street and SXSW is stronger than ever. Sure, there will people huffin and puffin right outside the door...but the inside sure is nice to be able to breath. And the bands and talent sure appreciate it a whole lot more being able to breath through a night of singing, pickin' and grinning. It works!! Go Lance. ;-)

[LPerkins33]

Originally Posted by Capt. Dan

I would like to commend you on your vocabulary. Cursing always makes a debate so much more interesting. You sound like an 8 year old who has been listening to his drunk uncle!

Get over yourself, I said one "curse word" that is said on network television, boo hoo.

Don't even give me that potty mouth crap, I guarantee you swear in every day conversation whether you want to admit it or not.

And your whole schpeel about "WHAT'S NEXT?!" is nothing more than "OMG THE SKY IS FALLING!" a simple smoking ban does not and will not lead to other rights being taken away. That whole argument is so played out I can't help to chuckle at it and imagine the people who rant about "WHATS NEXT?!" wearing tin foil hats around the house.

[Capt. Dan]

Youre really a CLOSET LIBERAL because youre willing to let the government rule and regulate you. Dont be ashamed Perkins, shout it buddy!! VOTE FOR OBAMA!! Now doesnt that feel better?

[LPerkins33]

Originally Posted by Capt. Dan

Youre really a CLOSET LIBERAL because youre willing to let the government rule and regulate you. Dont be ashamed Perkins, shout it buddy!! VOTE FOR OBAMA!! Now doesnt that feel better?

Ohhhh I see, you're one of those ultra conservatives that think religion should be taught in public schools and that the earth is only 4,000 years old. Next you're going to tell me that just b/c someone has a different opinion then you that they are wrong and an idiot. Your type of conservatives are just as bad as the Jane Fonda liberals. I wouldn't be surprised if you were a bigot as well.

And just to let you know I don't plan on voting for anyone this year, no one is worth my vote and McCain is basically a democrat.

[Capt. Dan]

Youre right! I hate all Tibetan, left handed,midget goat herders!

[zz4guy]

I think this thread is great... showing everybody else what a bunch of fascists nazis live here!!

Capt Dan you are right. Once they successfully ban a legal activity on PRIVATE property there is no stopping what's next.

LPerkins - I believe you when you say you didn't vote for Culver. He is a right winger compared to you!!

I don't see why all you non-smokers have a right to be in some restaraunt and tell everybody who smokes to get the hell out. You simply don't have to show up. I completely agree with the ban on public property; we all have to go to the DOT once and a while.

Could we not just make a law that requires bar owners to put a sign outside so people can be warned before you step inside?