I was rather upset when I read in the Herald Democrat that the Texas legislature was considering a bill that would ban smoking in all public places.
I have researched this claim and can find NO representative data or statistics to support these claims. I have been a life-long smoker, and can probably find hundreds more, that have NO trace of any respiratory disease. If all these claims that smoking CAUSES cancer, then why are there smokers that have no history of this disease?
The statistics published by the government and other interested parties have no mention of the thousands of smokers that get no cancers or respiratory diseases. I grew up in a northeast Indiana city in a house with lead plumbing, asbestos insulation on the furnace pipes, and the Wabash Railroad with steam engines a block away. Here I am, 66 years old, and NO troubles. Explain that, Mister Surgeon General.
Comments ... 53 found!
: 5/31/2009
Foist-to FORCE ANOTHER TO ACCEPT especially by stealth or deceit Deceit-the act or practice of deceiving : DECEPTION synonyms DECEPTION, FRAUD, DOUBLE-DEALING, SUBTERFUGE, TRICKERY SUBTERFUGE suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end Sure seems to fit those that do not want to admit the harm of smoking on others and go on blowing their smoke at them and then try to deny or ignore that it can. Then also distract guilt off onto another subject. May have not been the best choice of a word but it will do in my book. Thanks to those who are considerate with their smoking. Need more of you or there wouldn't be a fight over rights.
Anon. 2
Smoking Ban : 5/30/2009
Holy Cow! Can't we all just get along? I smoke, but try not to intentionally do it around anyone that finds it offensive, I ask if smoking bothers them, if they say yes, I don't smoke or I go somewhere else. I use ashtrays and don't throw trash out of my car window. (I saw the tear in the Indian's eye!, heck I'm old) If you are concerned about things that don't bio-degrade, look at dispopsable diapers, but, you are not out complaining about them!!! Chicken!! But...now ear infections and tonsilitis are caused from smoking? Where did you read that? (my grandfather used to blow smoke in my ear when I had an ear ache!) Oh, yeah, "I had a friend who's second cousin was dating a guy that wanted to be a doctor and he told her"(the broken glass theory). Having worked in and around Medicine all my adult life, that is a new one! And, "I get smoke in my car window at a traffic light"? How stupid is that? There's a crank on the door to fix that, or is it a new one with a button you haven't figured out how to use yet!!! I agree with the smoking ban, but, I don't like idiots going overboard, and no, it's not Obama's fault (although we could discuss his programs for days). And, while we are at it, smoking has affected some people's spelling and use of words, obviously. Foisted??? You really showed 'em that time! And, they are already charging large people extra to fly and they (last week) attempted to push a bill in Washington, DC to raise liquor taxes. Hate is such a strong and powerful word. You sure waste a lot of energy hating anything or anyone. I don't drink, but, don't mind if you do, as long as you are sensible, don't throw up on me, wet on me or try to drive drunk. I don't even like the smell on your breath, but, I do not hate those that drink, or write idiotic things on blogs about them. You can't take my freedom away, as some have said, because I am free to smoke anywhere, as long as I am willing to suffer under the law. I am free to do as I please until the time comes for me to pay up. For those that feel all oyur constitutional freedoms are being taken away, get out and vote. I smoked two cigarettes while I wrote this, and they were good ones!!!
Bangkok Doc
To Hate The Cig - Love the Smoker : 5/29/2009
Well you have me pegged all wrong, I'm not a liberal democrat,and if someone disagrees with me no biggie, that makes the world go round... I know how much smoking is hated by non smokers so I try my very best to keep it away from non smokers. Hell I'm a smoker but won't stay in a smoking room at a hotel because they stink! I'd rather stay in a nice smelling room and take my habit outside in the parking lot away from all entrance doors so as not to bother non smokers. But that's just me... I do care about other peoples feelings smoker or not.
Me too
Smoking Ban Controversy : 5/29/2009
I am still seeing smokers in total denial. They will not admit they could be harming someone. They will not believe they can be causing someone to have a breathing problem. Smoke can stop up your sinuses to the point you can't breath through your nose which kills the taste of your food you paid to eat in peace as well as the breathing difficulty. You won't believe it can make the lungs hurt. This has nothing to do with hating smokers from most of us but simply the right not to be affected adversely or, for some even dangerously, by your preference to smoke. It is your habit not ours. Quit trying to redirect the issue away from the harm you can cause and admit you only care not to have yourself inconvenienced in smoking where others can come to harm. Stop trying to place blame elsewhere or direct attention to other bad habits that do not directly or indirectly affect YOUR ability to breathe.
Anon.
To: Me too : 5/29/2009
There you go with all of that "hate" talk again. I have you picked as a liberal democrat, right? I'm sure you won't admit it if you are (I wouldn't either). Like our new administration, anytime ANYONE disagrees with you on ANYTHING, you start the "they are filled with hate" garbage. And yes, we all probably have (or have had) bad habits in our life, but I don't go around pushing them on unwilling victims. As far as your last comment, if you would go smoke where "no one was watching" we would have no problem at all with that!
Hate The Cig - Love the Smoker
smokers : 5/29/2009
I feel the hate non smokers have against the smokers! but quit all the name calling and holier than thou attitudes... Grow up people! If we were talking say about obese people would you be on here calling 'em pigs? Everybody has some disgusting habit, smokers are seen doing theirs! What do you do when YOU think nobody is watching????
Me too
banning smoking : 5/27/2009
I wish they would ban smoking in public. I have a granddaughter that has asthma and a son who has had a transplant and neither of them need to be around the smoke that floats every where in the air when you smoke. It is not a social thing anymore it is a health risk. I am an ex-smoker and i am probably the worst critic you will have, but i didn't quit smoking to have my body smell like smoke. My children would have people ask them at school if they smoked, because their hair and clothes smelled like they did. Even when you have a smoking and non-smoking section, it floats around and you still come out smelling like a smoke stack. I would perfer to taste the food instead of tasting the food that tastes like smoke. I hate getting cleaned up and going out to a nice place and smell the stinch. I have breathed the smoke off of someone's body just by being near them. It is not a healthy situation. It is putting my family in danger of being sick and even if you don't smoke around someone you still reap the effects of the smoke. I also reap the effects of people smoking stopped at a traffic light, because their smoke travels to my car. You have my vote to stop smoking in public. And I wish we would vote on these kind of things, because I believe it would win.
Ex-smoker
SMOKING : 5/26/2009
It is so RIDICULOUS that someone would actually think that they would have a legitimate argument against the smoking ban. Surely, you people MUST be joking. . . . .
FLY
Your freedom ends : 5/26/2009
Your freedom ends at the end of your nose. When your smoke goes up someone elses nose then you are trespassing on that person's space. Kill yourself in private.
Sick of your smoke
Be for real : 5/26/2009
No law can ban people from doing what they want to do. why do you think the jails are full
observer
Ban Smoking : 5/26/2009
RIGHT ON TO THESE Peoples Comments (YKUDT, dle, Banning smoking IS the answer! Non Smoker and proud of it) Yeah for non-smoking establishments. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT UP WITH OTHER PEOPLES FILTHY HABITS......TAKE IT OUTSIDE (AWAY FROM THE DOOR of course..IT'S JUST COMMON COURTESY NOT JUST COMMON SENSE. That is why the Government has to tell us what to do because we are too Stupid to know what we should be doing....use you heads people or lose them.
Hate Smokers Too
Irony : 5/25/2009
@ k It's sad, most of the people here who would outright ban people from smoking in public would also fight to keep cancer causing fluoride in their water. Also I'm sure they had their children vaccinated with cancer and autism causing vaccines. Just keep drinking the fluoride laced kool aid and taking your forced vaccines and the government will make sure you are safe... ...not, you'll get cancer.
outraged
smoking ban : 5/24/2009
i think everything will be super as long as we keep taking our vaccines and drinking our fluroide> nothin to worry about.
k
smokers : 5/24/2009
I see the smokers are still crying about their rights to smoke but do not explain why it is okay to harm someone with their smoke. As Anon said, they are in deep denial and won't admit they could be harming others. They don't care as long as they can continue with their nasty, stinky, Health Hazardous! habit.
Anon. 2
Freedom : 5/24/2009
free to let you smoke...free to let me breathe easily! Both of my parents smoked in the house and car when I was a child, now I am still suffering from the sinus problems it gave me. I had constant ear infections and tonsilitis also caused by the smoke. My mom still smokes, and I don't fault her for that or anyone else who smokes, but I should also have the freedom to breathe air that doesn't make me ill. The street goes both ways!
just a girl
To: Another Smoker : 5/24/2009
You say, in regards to drug use and drunk driving, "why isn't the law more strict about these"? Have you read the article about the crack down on drunk driving this weekend? I am not sure how much stricter they could be other than to ban alcohol sales altogether (which is fine by me - I don't drink anyway)!! I do not smoke either but I will reiterate hat has been said here in that it is NONE of the government's business in matters like this. The government (and their "leader" Obama) need to BUTT OUT of our lives!!
Liberty For ALL
thank you : 5/23/2009
thank you for holding your breath while i smoke....this is a free country!!!
smokers
Banning Smoking : 5/23/2009
Some of you seem to think this is all about Obama and his administration. This is not a new law! Many cities in Texas already have this 'smoking ban' in public areas. There are some states that already ban smoking in any public area. Sherman banned smoking in malls years ago! We already have restaurants that do not allow smoking inside. I am a smoker myself and as long as I can continue to smoke outside, I am happy. I would prefer restaurants to have a smoking area outside than none at all. The weather in Texas is normally good enough to sit outside!! As for the comment about 'throwing our butts on the ground', I personally do not like seeing anyone do this. Anymore than I like seeing people throw trash out their car windows. I use one of the car ashtrays that can be carried. Even when camping, I do not throw my butts on the ground. BUT, places do need to make ashtrays more accessible, then maybe all us smokers will be more willing to use them. I also agree there are more serious situations to worry about, such as the drug use, drunk driving, etc. Why isn't the law more strict about these?
Another smoker
: 5/23/2009
4KCA8 - you stated, "stop lumping everyone as a total slob" ----------- couple of things: *** I did not call everyone that smoked a total slob, didn't even use the word slob. This is "your perception" that you took from what I wrote. What I wrote is "my perception" of how smokers affect people. *** If you will remember, I do not smoke YET I believe you should have the right to. I just don't want your smoke in my lungs. Easy and understandable. I believe the govt should lay off telling what we can and can't do. and smokervilles is just a joke... it wouldn't work anyways, it would always have a level orange air quality and the epa would put their nose into. :D
YKUDT
Whos in charge? : 5/22/2009
Why not let the establishment decide? Do we want to have smokers or not? It is their property...right? Shouldn't they have the say, then the customers decide if they want to go or not, maybe its the crowd they want to draw in, or maybe they want the non smoking crowd, but it should be up to them how they run thier business!!
Business owner
Evidence is in the doctor bills : 5/22/2009
I lost both of my parents to diseases resulting directly from smoking. As a child, I had ear infections often. Now it has been stated by the medical profession that these infections are more prevalent in children whose parents smoke. I hope the ban reaches EVERY public place. You may have smoked all your life. I don't want you to smoke all my life away.
Quit 29 years ago and lovin' it!
Any Corrections? : 5/22/2009
The End: Ii do paint a bleak picture for America with the socialist Obama at the wheel. The sad part is it's all true and this is just the tip of the iceberg. However, I noticed you (nor anyone else) made any attempt to correct me on anything. Again, if I have something incorrect here someone please correct me because I don't think I do. Back to the smoking thing, why is it always non-smokers complaining? Use you head, why do you think? Because we don't want to smell your stench when we sit down and eat or walk into a store to shop. Go outside and pollute yourself and your family. If StRiDeR has smoked since he was 6 years-old, I can visualize the kind of family that he came from so I do not put much credibility in anything he says. What kind of parents let a 6 year-old kid smoke???
I Robot
Banning Smoking : 5/22/2009
I had smoked for over 30 years. When they went up this year, I took a good look at the ole budget. I made a choice, as is the right of every American to do. What has happened to the pursuit of happiness and freedom?? Why arent they taking away the car and license of the drunk driver at the first offense, so they won't kill someone or themselves? Why isn't more governmental support going to stopping the drugs being pushed on our children? These kill quicker! I feel great that I quit, but it's not my place to want to make everyone quit doing something they choose to do. Just think, it's just like the huge crusade to stop coffee drinking and eating eggs cause someone said coffee caused cancer and eggs will give you a heart attack! I'd rather crusade against Bank executives who wreck the bottom line then quit in six months and get a $3M severance payment for doing a bad job. What's up with that????
Wild Child of the 70's
The end is coming : 5/21/2009
The End. I Robot is pretty much correct. Only someone without much life experience or thinks his Democratic party is the same one of forty or more years ago is mistaken. This administration is dangerous. From small sneaky takeovers come major takeovers and loss of liberty. Everyone should be vigilant and pay more attention to what is being done to our nation and our freedoms and do some honest homework. There are a lot of blogs and news media out there where you can read more than one side of an issue. You should read some of both. There are some fairly educated opinions out there that do not come from politicians that can be eye openers. This was off topic and I apologize.
Anon.
why? : 5/21/2009
why is it always non-smokers complaining? maybe us smokers should object to the non(ies) not smoking! and god said..."light 'em up if ya got 'em!" is it smoking or is one of the above a OCD can't stand litter freak? im 64, smoked since age 6. no cigarette related med. problems, lung capacity of 80%, contribute the lost 20% to working all my life breathing industrial fumes and waste diesel from buses and jets....not to mention the oil from the 1st. gulf war oil fields burning. it's still up there ya know...
StRiDeR
to: YKUDT : 5/21/2009
Stop lumping everyone as a total slob..............
4KCA8
YKUDT : 5/21/2009
YKUDT, you brought up a good point. 'containers of sand for your ashes and buts every 10 feet'. Have you every noticed HOW MANY CIGARETTE BUTTS ARE ON THE GROUND, no matter how many butt trays are provided, smokers would rather put there butts on the ground. These things don't just go away you know. It has been studied and it can take from 18 months up to 10 - 15 years for a cigarette butt to biodegrade. And they (smokers) don't care; they continue to put the butts on the ground.
Non
Banning smoking not the answer : 5/21/2009
See a pulmonary specialist??? that will soon be not available to you or anyone with the socialized medicine that is at your door and mine too so get ready. You won't even be able to get in to see any doctor even with cash up front.
barb
The end is coming : 5/21/2009
I Robot, my God you paint a bleak picture with all your Obama projections. I don't think you are going to make it.
The end
Freedom : 5/21/2009
I believe in the freedom of choice. *I choose NOT to be a smoker*. I also believe is someone else wants to smoke, they should have that choice. But when you smoke in public areas expecially closed buildings and doorways, you are imposing your choice on others. Smokers have been for years. It is only fair to say, smoke if you want, absolutely your choice; but you have to do it away from the public. You can use your car, your house, your yard, designated smoking areas, homes of friends that smoke; whereever you can find that another human being who had just as right NOT to inhale your smoke is not. This isn't a new ban to most towns just the smaller less updated ones. Hey maybe you guys can create a Smokersville.... have cigarette machines on all the corners and containers of sand for your ashes and buts every 10 feet. A big sign that states, this town is a designated smokers town, like it or leave it. Then you can have all the latest pulmonary specialist open up practices there. just an idea.... I promise not to invade your space with good clean air. Oh come on now that was funny... I see you smiling!
YKUDT
Government Control : 5/21/2009
First of all, I do NOT smoke and I do not like smoking around me. However, the government controlling our lives is even worse, much worse. Obama and his administration are creating a culture of dependency in this country and it is by NO accident. If he is allowed to continue, Obama will almost single-handedly take away every freedom that we currently enjoy. If you disagree, that's fine but please tell me where I am wrong with what I am about to say: Obama wants (and/or is taking) control of the banking industry, the healthcare industry, the auto industry, education, etc. He wants to take away our guns and other constitutional rights and make us a weak, defenseless society (i.e. more government power), he wanted to release photos of tortured terrorist who want us all dead at the expense of our soldiers (he only pulled back on this when all three generals asked him to), and so forth. The list is very long and again, we are fast becoming a government dependent society. Those of you who are lazy and don't care as long as your government check comes on Friday beware! You will no longer have the freedom to do or say what you want after the fallout from this administration! Even worse, what do you think the terrorists will do to us when we are a weak, defenseless society? We are making ourselves ripe for their picking! Get ready for it - it's coming!
I Robot
barb : 5/20/2009
What's next?? It always has to start somewhere. Next it will be monitoring your obesity and everything you eat including the car you drive and the energy you use in your own home!
Barb
Banning smoking not the answer : 5/20/2009
Just a thought..........did anyone ever google Hitlers NO SMOKING POLICY?
Barb
banning smoking : 5/20/2009
If we're going to talk about repulsive smells and allergies lets go ahead and ban cologne too. Seriously!
kelly
Banning smoking not the answer : 5/20/2009
From personal experience I know that smokers are in very deep denial about the effects of smoking on others believing that it is not harming anyone else. They believe it is their right to force second hand smoke on others as long as they are addicted to cigarettes. And many don't care if they blow it straight at someone else. As for the extra tax on cigarettes we need to beware. As an example of punishing someone for a bad habit or something not liked we are in danger in a lot of areas. What if they start taxing eye color or height? Sound ridiculous? Maybe not so very far fetched. Politicians are always looking for new ways and excuses to raise taxes.
Anon.
Ban Smoking : 5/20/2009
They are not taking smoking away from you. You just can’t do it in my face.
dle
sorry clarence : 5/20/2009
sorry clarence, i hope smoking gets banned in all public places, not just restaurants. regardless of your misguided beliefs, smoking is a halth hazard and secondhand smoke is both offensive and dangerous. even if it were not unhealthy, which it is, you dont have the right to make others around you stink by inflicting your smelly habit on them. as for your claim to no ill effects, you are very lucky sir if that claim is even true. i suspect you have issues that you aren't aware of. i knew a girl once who swallowed some broken glass and wasn't even cut from it, but she didn't go around saying it was ok to swallow broken glass. use your head clarence.
common sense
Are You Serious?? : 5/20/2009
Is Mr. Mueller serious about this? Is he so 'in the dark' as to really believe that there are no adverse health effects from habitual cigarette smoking? Wow! This guy can't be all there! I smoked for many years and believe that he does have the right to smoke if he choose but he does NOT have the right to force it on others. I don't even believe that he should be taxed excessively for it but still, he doesn't have the right to force it on others! As for the restaurants, get real! There may be some exceptions, but most any restaurant's business would increase with a smoking ban! Whether you like it or accept it or whatever Mr. Mueller, the vast majority of Americans do NOT smoke and prefer it that way! I also agree with taxing the fat people if they tax smokers. It's all about self discipline and control which most Americans no longer have.
The Truth
Banning Smoking : 5/19/2009
Banning smoking is just one more right that is being taken away from US citizens. My question is where does it end? They already took prayer out of school, they push abortion down our throats, they push their socialist believes in our face and eventually all our rights here in the great USA will be gone. Wake up America; where does it stop? It's not just about smoking, its just another way for the socialists to push their agenda through. I don't smoke but everytime I smell someones smoke in public I smell FREEDOM. Soon that freedom will be gone if people don't wake up. I don't drink either but again when I see others having a drink I see Freedom. I say wake up before they tell you and your kiddos how to dress, what you can and can't eat and drink, or what you are allowed to say to someone. Oh I forgot they are already working on that one!
lyn
Banning smoking IS the answer! : 5/19/2009
Banning smoking IS the answer!
Banning smoking IS the answer!
SMOKING IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH : 5/19/2009
Just because you are 66 years old and no troubles. Does not mean you won’t later on in life. And really when was the last time you had an x-ray/CT of you lungs. The disease could be there. It has been proven over and over that SMOKING IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. If you smokers want to smoke, go for it, but not around me, thank you very much.
non smoker
Ban them all : 5/19/2009
I know one restaurant that stopped having smokers and the business has increased by leaps and bounds. Yeah for non-smoking establishments. There are more none smokers that would love to be able to go into a place and eat with out smelling that nasty cigarette smell. Smokers have had free rain for a long time, now it is the turn of the non-smokers to have a little clean air. Ban them all. Smoker go away, we don’t want you here.
Non Smoker and proud of it
fascism : 5/19/2009
Smoking is healthier than fascism.
tyranny crusher
Just rediculous : 5/19/2009
Well I think they should ban overeating in public, drinking alcohol in public, too if they ban smoking. I can not count the number of time I have seen people get in a car after oviuously having to much to drink thats offecting our public by putting them in danger. Over eaters eventually have health problems which in turn cause the rise in healthcare and insurance which is affecting all of us. And smoking well it causes all of the above including a car accident depending if you drop a hot ash on you. But the list go's on and on with banning things in public From cell phones to cigerettes. Everybody has their own veiws on these things if it affects you or not if your a drinker you sure dont want it banned, If your a smoker you dont want it banned, If you like to eat then you dont want it banned, If you are a cell phone user no banning. So where do we come to a happy medium?
Neutralbehaviour
: 5/19/2009
Your time will come Clarence I am an ex-smoker and find the "old shtray" smell that you have quite offensive not to mention the nasty look of those rotted teeth in your mouth, may be you should post a picture. Why are there so many smokers that have no health issues? One because a lot of them don't go to the doctor regulary and others are like the drunk drivers on the road who have done it for years and never had a wreck. I believe you have the right to smoke but others have the right not to have to put up with it.
vv7p2
Banning Smoking : 5/19/2009
If smoking in public places is such a 'discomfort' for all you non-smokers, then why do so many of you sit in 'smoking' areas?? Just to have something to complain about??? Seriously!!!! As a smoker myself, I do not eat in restaurants that do not have smoking sections. This is my choice and my privledge as an American! When smoking is banned in all public places, then I am sure the owners of these establishments will see the effect of loss clientele. JMO, this is another way for the government to control our lives!
Proud to be a smoker
smoking ban : 5/18/2009
the bill is in the senate, if they pass it, there will be changes even in grayson and fannin counties, shame the county or at least sherman, denison and bonham do not have the good sense to ban public smoking. If smoking is allowed in the county or city, it should be posted on city-county line. TJM
zfz5m
: 5/18/2009
Overweight people aren't harming others........
whatever
Ban Smoking Tax Overweight : 5/17/2009
How very nice that you are so slim you can arrogantly put down the overweight. This has nothing to do with smoking in public places. It is trying to misdirect attention from the real problem. I am an ex-smoker and still live with shame for the smoke I foisted on others without giving them a thought. Second hand smoke is unhealthy. And yes people can be very allergic to it. I am allergic now so I know it for a fact. It also stinks badly and it leaves a nasty sticky yellowish tar on everything.
Anon.
Smoking : 5/17/2009
I agree with Slim; I think that fat people should also be taxed, then maybe they would stop consuming greasy, fried fast food so much.In a restaurant, I'd rather sit next to a smoker than someone who is ove-eating; it's disgusting!
Non-smoker/non-over-eater
Are you kidding me??? : 5/17/2009
I shouldn't have to take the chance of getting lung cancer or any other cancer just because you want to smoke a cigarette. Do it in your own home instead of exposing innocent children in public. Too bad, so sad....A lot of people are allergic to the smoke. Have some respect. I think it is sad that you can't make it a few hours, until you get home, for a cigarette......And you may not have trouble, but for all you know, you have caused others trouble. Oh well, I don't feel sorry for you.
MW
smoker : 5/17/2009
I smoke but I don't like to eat in a smoking area,or inside it makes me smell.Don't be stupid any thing that you in hale with a temp of fire cant be good.Consider others smoke'em if you got em.Just don't tax me because I do, unless your going to tax fat people for eating to much.
SLIM
Smoking : 5/16/2009
Good for you. However, although you may smoke if you desire, I would prefer you didn't do it around me. Therefore one of us is going to have to give up something. Of course you are going to expect me to allow others to do their smoking where ever they like and I should avoid those places. I do that now. If enough people that feel as I do avoid those places then they probably will no longer be in business due to lack of customers. So far statistics show that banning smoking in public places has had little impact on business. Most people support the ban and will frequent the places that follow the want of the most people. You do as you please but obey the law. You might even live to be 66.
Non smoking taxpayer
LOCAL AND WIRE 
