"We have a right to smoke" - Since smoking is legal (assuming you are over 18), you sure do have a right to smoke. But you do not have a right to smoke in a bar or restaurant. You have a right to not wear a shirt, or shoes, but not in a restaurant. You have a right to masturbate, but not in a restaurant. This may be a crude point, but look at the facts...
| Smoking | Masturbation | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal? | Yes | Yes |
| Enjoyable? | Yes | Yes |
| Vulgar? | To some | To some |
| Harms others? | YES | usually not |
So, I believe it would be more appropriate to allow masturbation in public before smoking in public.
"Next, they will be taking away our right to smoke in our homes" - I don't allow people to smoke in my home. But I will stand in a protest line with you if they try to impose a ban on smoking in your private home. That is a completely different thing.
"I am addicted to smoking, it is a hardship to not smoke in public" - Hmm, if they told me I couldn't have coffee at work, I'd be very grumpy. However, you can chew nicotine gum or chew tobacco instead. You don't like that idea? Too bad. The harm you do to others by smoking is far worse than the inconvenience you suffer by having to seek alternative fixes.
That really burns my butt.
BrianM
MikeB
Posts
3 comments:
I think the more common and legitimate argument is a restaurant complaining that they should have the option to allow smoking, and then if you don't like that you can go to a different restaurant. Basically, instead of saying you must have a shirt and shoes to eat here, they are saying you must be ok with people smoking and causing harm and discomfort to you. What if someone wanted to invite a few smokers to their private house for a party? What if they want to serve food and charge for it at this party? I think some argue that this scenario is essentially a restaurant. I support the ban, I'm just noting this alternative as devil's advocate.
This post was really funny Brian. You should send it into the Bucks County Courier Times (only because it wouldn't have much relevance where you live).
I'm still waiting & hoping the ban will pass in PA.
It only took the wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia three more years to decide to ban smoking in restaurants. Better late than never, I suppose.
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