That smoking ban and what I have to say about it.
It is a sticky thing, because yes, essentially we are "taking away people's rights". And I surely wouldn't like it if I were a smoker, or if they were trying to take away my right to drink Stoli in a bar. And the law we've passed is REALLY extreme, to be sure.
However, it is absolutely true that smokers cause non-smokers health problems, even though I'm sure they don't want to/mean to. And for that, I think it’s a good thing.
Selfishly, this law will make it much easier for me to go to live shows, to go drinking, dancing, etc. and not have to worry about taking an emergency toke on my inhaler or getting a closed-up throat and itchy eyes, or coughing up a lung, etc. And coming home from a night out not having my clothes and hair reek of smoke? Excellent.
That said: I apologize to all my smoking friends. I definitely think you have rights too, and I understand your right to be pissed off. I don’t want you to have to trek 25 feet away from the building, outside in the cold, to have a smoke -- especially when we're all out together having a good time. My fondest wish is that you would just quit, but I know that’s easier said than done.
So, I’m half for/half against it. I wish it hadn’t passed so extremely, and that outside areas were still designated as okay, or that they could somehow make the smoking/non-smoking sections work out without the smoke drifting over to the non-smoking people.
But alas. Changes! What can you do?
However, it is absolutely true that smokers cause non-smokers health problems, even though I'm sure they don't want to/mean to. And for that, I think it’s a good thing.
Selfishly, this law will make it much easier for me to go to live shows, to go drinking, dancing, etc. and not have to worry about taking an emergency toke on my inhaler or getting a closed-up throat and itchy eyes, or coughing up a lung, etc. And coming home from a night out not having my clothes and hair reek of smoke? Excellent.
That said: I apologize to all my smoking friends. I definitely think you have rights too, and I understand your right to be pissed off. I don’t want you to have to trek 25 feet away from the building, outside in the cold, to have a smoke -- especially when we're all out together having a good time. My fondest wish is that you would just quit, but I know that’s easier said than done.
So, I’m half for/half against it. I wish it hadn’t passed so extremely, and that outside areas were still designated as okay, or that they could somehow make the smoking/non-smoking sections work out without the smoke drifting over to the non-smoking people.
But alas. Changes! What can you do?