State-wide smoking ban (HB 670/SB 355) (Austin, Post: city hall, hotel, to buy)

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by HtownLove

oh everyone knows it a disgusting habit, and most smokers just wanna validation of their habit

I expect better out of you, HT. How many here who have argued against a smoking ban in terms of this law presented, are smokers? Validation of WHAT habit if we no longer have the "habit"?

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by ObamaRama

If smoking really were socially acceptable we wouldn't be having this discussion.

See my post concerning social pressures and its benefit to a free society. I put faith in it. You don't...even though you will use it as propoganda cover.

[DerekTant]

It is difficult for me to see fellow Texans who have no problem with a runaway, regulation-crazy government. People who are willing to feed money we don't have into money-wasting machine that makes decisions it has business making. People who are willing to let the government exercise more and more control over every aspect of our daily lives.

I see an evil, money-wasting, freedom-destroying monster, and others see a concerned, protective parent. The mob mentality of "let's just ban it" or "they should just make it illegal" is dangerous. Over government was never meant to exercise this much control over us.

Soon, I won't be able to have a burger because the government says it's too bad for me. I won't be able to have a pipe or cigar in my own home because the government says it's bad for my child. This is where we are headed. Correction: This is where we have been headed. We get closer to it every time we allow the government to take a little bit of freedom away.

Now, off my soapbox. Time to watch sitcoms.

[TexasHorseLady]

Yep, better watch 'em quick, before someone decides they aren't good for you and you shouldn't be allowed to make the decision to watch them!

[DerekTant]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Yep, better watch 'em quick, before someone decides they aren't good for you and you shouldn't be allowed to make the decision to watch them!

I am so happy I am free to rot my own brain.

[getmeoutofhere]

I am highly amused by the people who are mistaking banning something for making it illegal to do in certain places. Typical overreaction.

There is no "right to smoke". But there is a right for the government to regulate public health.

[TexasHorseLady]

I am less than amused by someone who wants to legislatively impose his own preferences on the rest of the population rather than taking responsibility for his own actions by not patronizing private businesses that allow smoking - who wants Mommy and Daddy to do it for him. Now, that kind of attitude is REALLY dangerous to our health and everything else.

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by getmeoutofhere

I am highly amused by the people who are mistaking banning something for making it illegal to do in certain places. Typical overreaction.

There is no "right to smoke". But there is a right for the government to regulate public health.

There is no "right" to tell someone they can't smoke or allow it on their own property. Until tobacco becomes illegal, then that is that. Is that what you are pushing for? If so, just say so.

Regulate public health? C'mon, GMOH...are you that big a whiner? Cant you make choices for yourself? Why cant you just avoid places that allow smoking?

[HtownLove]

Originally Posted by TexasReb

I expect better out of you, HT. How many here who have argued against a smoking ban in terms of this law presented, are smokers? Validation of WHAT habit if we no longer have the "habit"?

It does not apply to non smokers.

Originally Posted by getmeoutofhere

I am highly amused by the people who are mistaking banning something for making it illegal to do in certain places. Typical overreaction.
There is no "right to smoke". But there is a right for the government to regulate public health.

yeah, it is a typical overreaction

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by HtownLove

It does not apply to non smokers.

yeah, it is a typical overreaction

You still don't answer the simple question, HT. What is the problem with business owners making their own decisions about whether or not to allow (or disallow) smoking on their own premises? Why can't you (or me or anyone else), just choose to go elsewhere if we don't like to be around smoking and smokers?

That seems a very fair and simple and direct question. But no one wants to answer it. What right do "you" have to tell someone else what they can or can't allow so long as it is legal and you don't have to be subjected to it if you don't want to be? I don't understand....