[nmnita]

Originally Posted by dennismpat

I read yesterday in an e-mail newsletter from William Douglass, M.D., that Omaha has the strictest anti-smoking law in the country! In the article, Dr. Douglass mentions that Omaha citizens are actually encouraged to call 911 if they spot any violators of the anti-smoking law. I can just imagine that other crimes will start escalating because the police are too busy catching violators of the no-smoking policies. I wanted to confirm if this is indeed the case, i.e., that the no-smoking policy in Omaha is THAT strict.

By the way, I'm a non-smoker, but feel that if people want to smoke, that's their business.

I agree with you, as if 911 operators don't have anything better to do.. I too am a non smoker, I do not want smoke blown in my face, but as an X smoker I don't think we should take all rights away from them.

Anyone who thinks educated people are more likely to be non smokers need to witness what I did at my granddughters wedding. I was shocked at how many of her sorority sisters, now all college graduates smoke. Maybe not a lot, but they do, especially when they are drinking..

As for bars and restaurants allowing or not allowing smoking, if they are a private business where do their rights come in? Non smokers do not have to frequent smoking establishments, if a business starts to suffer, then the owner may re-consider. I think this entire thing has been carried a bit to far...

[kdbrich]

I'm not a smoker, I don't like smoke, I avoid places where people smoke....but I just can't fathom how I have the right to tell a private business owner that he can't allow people to use a legal product in his establishment.

It's simple really. I just don't go places where it's an issue. The business owner has the choice to make. If he values my business he can do what he needs to do to get it. If he values the smokers' business, he can let them smoke.

[laserdisque]

Originally Posted by kdbrich

I'm not a smoker, I don't like smoke, I avoid places where people smoke....but I just can't fathom how I have the right to tell a private business owner that he can't allow people to use a legal product in his establishment.

It's simple really. I just don't go places where it's an issue. The business owner has the choice to make. If he values my business he can do what he needs to do to get it. If he values the smokers' business, he can let them smoke.

Well said. I agree 100%

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by star_gazer

That was simply the result of one individual's 911 comment... and was blown entirely out of proportion (intended to merely underscore that there was now a law in effect... for anyone who had any doubts).

The thing was thought that the one individual you reference was a government official (City Attorney or the Police Chief, can't remember which)... it wasn't just some individual on the street that made the statement... because of the officialness (is that a word) of the statement is why I think it then made it into the national press....

[therewego]

Maybe some of you smokers have never seen your mother suffer with lung cancer because like many of you she smoked since she was 15 to die from it at the ripe age of 55. That is what keeps me from smoking and never wanting to smoke and I get sad for those of you that puff away...I feel sad for the daughter or son you will be leaving behind because of a choice you made a long time ago that you will not be able to see your grandchildren.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by therewego

Maybe some of you smokers have never seen your mother suffer with lung cancer because like many of you she smoked since she was 15 to die from it at the ripe age of 55. That is what keeps me from smoking and never wanting to smoke and I get sad for those of you that puff away...I feel sad for the daughter or son you will be leaving behind because of a choice you made a long time ago that you will not be able to see your grandchildren.

and my heart goes out to you and your mom plus entire family, but, that does not mean smokers do not have some rights as well as non smokers. Trying to educate young people about the dangers of smoking is a good cause and should be taught in school as well as everywhere else, but unfortunately people have to make their own decisions about what they want to do with their lives. Many people live to be 100 and still smoke, many people die of lung cancer that have never smoked (I had a friend this happened to by the way) You can lecture all you want but for those adults who are still smoking you are probably wasting your breath. (no pun intended) I know you are trying to help but they know the dangers..It is more important to keep young people from starting than try and get smokers who have been smoking for many years to quit. LIke many addictions it isn't as easy as many non smokers may think. I know, I was there. Luckily I am smoke free, I also know I could go back to it tomorrow...Like any addiction you are never 100% cured..

Nita

[thatguy1]

Originally Posted by therewego

Maybe some of you smokers have never seen your mother suffer with lung cancer because like many of you she smoked since she was 15 to die from it at the ripe age of 55. That is what keeps me from smoking and never wanting to smoke and I get sad for those of you that puff away...I feel sad for the daughter or son you will be leaving behind because of a choice you made a long time ago that you will not be able to see your grandchildren.

You also have to imagine how hard it is for someone who has smoked for decades to just up and quit. Smoking addiction is mental, physical, and I guess chemical.

I don't smoke, never have, and never tried it. I know alot of people who do smoke and they would love to quit. It just doesn't happen that way.

[1979]

I don't think this has anything to do with "liberalism", it has to do with people having the right to breath reasonably clean air. Actually, the toughest no smoking laws are in the northeast. You can't smoke in ANY public place, including bars, and beaches.

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by 1979

I don't think this has anything to do with "liberalism", it has to do with people having the right to breath reasonably clean air. Actually, the toughest no smoking laws are in the northeast. You can't smoke in ANY public place, including bars, and beaches.

Actually liberalism is a part of the discussion, as its an aspect of liberilism that places the broader rights of society over the the individual rights of an individual. In this case the broader rights being the healthy air and the individual rights being free trade/commerce - the rights of the business owner. Socialism versus Capitalism - liberilism plays into that push/pull.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by burgerflipper

You also have to imagine how hard it is for someone who has smoked for decades to just up and quit. Smoking addiction is mental, physical, and I guess chemical.

I don't smoke, never have, and never tried it. I know alot of people who do smoke and they would love to quit. It just doesn't happen that way.

you are right, I have read it is the hardest addiction to break for that reasons. Most addictions I have gathered are either physically or mentally addicting, tabacco is both...it is also is harder for women to kick the havit than men.

As for the liberalism, yes, this plays a part. When government starts running our lives and taking away the rights of the individual or start dictating what is good for us and what we can and can not do, it becomes liberalism..

This is not saying those who want everything non smoking are liberals or visa versa, this is saying when government get too involved...

Nita