Random Rant: Nothing Personal

[rgraham666]

<shrug> Possibly. But since when is cancer the only measurement of health risk? That's just plain dumb.

Passive smoking forced me to quit my coffee shop job. The smoke triggered my astmatic tendencies. Shortness of breath, fucked up vocal cords, red eyes, fatigue, and so on. Period.

It's not a case of personal taste. I love the smell of tobacco. But it still makes me, and many more like me, ill. Period.

And I don't smoke in the presence of people like you, erise. It's a simple matter of courtesy.

For people for whom it is just a matter of taste, I will try to avoid offending their delicate sensibilities.

But I would like to be able to smoke in public. A pipe after a meal is a lovely complement. It wouldn't be difficult to accommodate people like myself.

But as the person who started this thread demonstrated, many people believe there should be no compromise, none at all, ever.

(Shrugs) Many people need something to hate. I just happen to be on the receiving end of their addiction. And make no mistake, hatred and its close cousin anger, are addictions. The only two socially acceptable ones from my observations.

 

[amicus]

Erise...nicely said and point well taken.

Many people have allergies to many different things; it would be difficult to legislate against pollen, animal dander and my ditzy daughter follows me around with a spray bottle of Febreeze for the always present tobacco odor on my clothing.

The point not being a personal reaction to a particular substance or even some restrictions on smokers when a hazzard is present. Few will light up around a flammable or combustible substance.

Government has no Constitutionally imbedded right to ban cocaine, heroin, morphine, marijuana or any substance.

Now if a group of folks desire to amend the Constitution to read: "Government has the right to ban or enforce the personal diet and or habits of each citizen without regard to preference..." If you can get that amendment approved by the States, then you can change the Constitution.

As it is now, the Courts bypass the law and make their own legislation, be it tobacco usage or abortion.

I do not grant government, nor any group nor even you, my friend, to dictate my personal choice of a recreational drug.

I continuously and consistently advocate individual personal freedom of choice in the manner and style by which we live our lives.

I do not want government to be concerned with my education or my retirement benefits. I do not want government telling me if I can use tobacco products or when and where I can exercise that freedom.

Now, I think this is a rather simple advocacy and I am amazed that so many otherwise well educated writers here at Lit, go ballistic whenever I speak of the individuals constitutionally protected right to choose how one lives a life.

Amicus

 

[Guest]

. . .I continuously and consistently advocate individual personal freedom of choice in the manner and style by which we live our lives.

Now, I think this is a rather simple advocacy and I am amazed that so many otherwise well educated writers here at Lit, go ballistic whenever I speak of the individuals constitutionally protected right to choose how one lives a life. . .

Amicus

That would be how men live their lives, wouldn't it, ami?

Because you do seem to have a few personal choices on what freedoms women should be allowed and the manner and style in which women live their lives.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Sarahh and amicus...

BEATRICE

I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior
Benedick: nobody marks you.

BENEDICK

What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?

BEATRICE

Is it possible disdain should die while she hath
such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick?
Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come
in her presence.

BENEDICK

Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I
am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I
would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard
heart; for, truly, I love none.

BEATRICE

A dear happiness to women: they would else have
been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God
and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that: I
had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man
swear he loves me.

BENEDICK

God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some
gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate
scratched face.

BEATRICE

Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such
a face as yours were.

BENEDICK

Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher.

BEATRICE

A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours.

BENEDICK

I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and
so good a continuer. But keep your way, i' God's
name; I have done.

Just thought I'd point out how familiar your argument sounded.



Q_C

 

[Quiet_Cool]

As far as the actual topic at hand, truth be told, neither side is right (yeah, I say that a lot; don't worry, I won't be quoting "The Big Lebowski" this time). Problem is, there's no real happy medium. People want to be allowed to do everything without restriction, non-smokers without having to breath in the smoke, while smokers want to "right" to smoke wherever.

I will quote (or paraphrase, as my quote may not be perfectly remembered) Sam Eliot in "Tombstone."

"We're not saying you can't own a gun, we're not even sying you can't carry a gun. We're just saying you can't carry a gun in town."

Let the businesses decide on their own if they want to allow smoking inside. Outside, like Rob (I believe it was rob) pointed out, there're already so many pollutants there's no sense in limiting just smoking. As for littering... isn't it already illegal, regardless of what you throw on the ground?

Personally, I see both sides. I only smoke when I drink, meaning in bars or in similar places where it's not restricted. I can live without smoking in a restaraunt, since others may not like it or want to be exposed to it, and more importantly, I don't own the damned restaraunt to decide who should or should not frequent the place. It's one thing to require certain safe ventilation standards for such places, but to say that no business can have smoking, especially bars... That's pushing it a bit. But hey, I live in a rural area. It's not much of an issue out here.

Q_C

 

[Guest]

Just thought I'd point out how familiar your argument sounded.



Q_C

Ah, but that opinion implies that amicus owns wit.

 

[amicus]

"Quiet_Cool
Learning to Fly"

If that be true, then may I wish you quick success in your quest for a pilot's license. Twas a thing I always wanted to do. Good on you!


Thank you for the Shakespeare reference and for your well reasoned response on the smoking issue, a pleasure to read.

There is another side to the male/female antagonism, almost paradoxical, but fairly commonplace.

I have known personally and observed others, who pick and peck and challenge and rebutt and in general, overall express complete disdain for a member of the opposite sex.

Lo and behold, the next thing you know, they are bedded down, making the beast with two backs and squeaking up a storm.

I would not suggest such a thing would occur in this environment, with onlooking lurkers galore; but sometimes I slip up and grant grudging admiration to the persistence and dogged defense of a mantra that cannot be defended.

But a lack of wit, is something I am rarely accused of and I do recall a few who continue to curse, but admit to a smile or even a chuckle from my efforts to entertain the hundering third of lefties that infest the area.


ta ta...


amicus...

 

[cloudy]

"Quiet_Cool
Learning to Fly"

If that be true, then may I wish you quick success in your quest for a pilot's license. Twas a thing I always wanted to do. Good on you!


Thank you for the Shakespeare reference and for your well reasoned response on the smoking issue, a pleasure to read.

There is another side to the male/female antagonism, almost paradoxical, but fairly commonplace.

I have known personally and observed others, who pick and peck and challenge and rebutt and in general, overall express complete disdain for a member of the opposite sex.

Lo and behold, the next thing you know, they are bedded down, making the beast with two backs and squeaking up a storm.

I would not suggest such a thing would occur in this environment, with onlooking lurkers galore; but sometimes I slip up and grant grudging admiration to the persistence and dogged defense of a mantra that cannot be defended.

But a lack of wit, is something I am rarely accused of and I do recall a few who continue to curse, but admit to a smile or even a chuckle from my efforts to entertain the hundering third of lefties that infest the area.


ta ta...


amicus...

I still think you're just trying to get mine and Sarahh's attention.

Rather like hair-pulling in the playground.....

 

[Guest]

I still think you're just trying to get mine and Sarahh's attention.

Rather like hair-pulling in the playground.....

Yes.

I'm expecting to see a frog soon.

 

[Liar]

Yes.

I'm expecting to see a frog soon.

They're jumping out of his mouth at regular intervals.

 

[Liar]

The thing about smoking-bans is simple IMO. In reasturants and bars, it's a question of the working environment of the staff. It's a condition that would never be accepted in, for instance, an office.

A regularily smoked-up restaurant also makes it impossible for many people to not only apply for jobs there, but also to visit it. I guess you in that case could classify allergies as a disability, and we don't discriminate against people with disabilities. Over-sensitivity to tobacco smoke is a very common disability. Moreso than impaired hearing or sight, for instance.

Public outdoor areas? That seems a bit steep for me. Local bans on places with low air-flow could be sensible, but a general ban? If I walk around town yelling profanities at the top of my lungs, there are laws that can be applied (disturbing of peace, something like that). Same thing if I walk around blowing smoke in people's faces (by malice or ignorance). Common sense should apply, and be enough.

 

[sweetnpetite]

I randomly smoke beedies and cloves... But regular cigs smell like shit- and make my throat hurt...


I have no idea why people are so stupid to get addicted to those things.

Fucking morons... Act like they're fucking powerfull n shit, when they can't even quit.

my boyfriend sais that smoking shows weakness.

but then he's addicted to caffiene.

 

[sweetnpetite]

I wonder if people who smoke in public think it's ok to breatfeed in public?

 

[oggbashan]

I wonder if people who smoke in public think it's ok to breastfeed in public?

Yes. Why not? But a considerate smoker should stay well clear of the breastfeeder and baby.

The UK Government has just made a real mess of legislation to ban smoking in pubs and bars.

According to them, if the premises serves food at any time during the day then smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises, even in an environment-controlled smoking area, at any time during that day.

But what they haven't made clear is what is 'food'. Apparently if the food is supplied at room temperature e.g. crisps, chocolate, nuts then it isn't 'food' and smoking can be permitted. If the food is chilled or heated then it is 'food' and smoking is not permitted.

Publicans are considering whether to stop serving 'food' or to serve 'food' that isn't 'food' by the Government's definition or to ban smoking. So far it seems that buying 'food' in a public house North of Watford may become impossible and smoking in a public house South of Watford may be banned.

Anyone for a salad and a stogie?

Og

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

The problem with having a smoking area in a restuarant is that the smell and smoke still drifts to the non-smoking side in a lot of cases. I can tell someone is smoking from several feet away because my eyes start burning and I immediately get a headache.

The only restaurant that has done a good job of keeping the smoke out of the non-smoking area here (and I don't know if they have vents on the smoking side to help with that) is Applebees. Smoking on one side, non on the other and the huge bar separating them. There, I never get bothered by it. Any other restuarant in town I get the headache and burning eyes. (I think maybe McDonald's is the only place here that is totally non-smoking.)

 

[rgraham666]

Great.

Just what I fucking needed.

Yet more people deciding I'm not fit to be around.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

Great.

Just what I fucking needed.

Yet more people deciding I'm not fit to be around.

No one is aiming anything at you personally Rob. I was simply trying to point out that there are health reasons for making restaurants smoke free. I wasn't applying that to anything else. I can be around a smoker who is not smoking at that very minute. I just can't be around them when they are lit up without paying for it.

You should know by now that you are much loved here.

 

[Guest]

Great.

Just what I fucking needed.

Yet more people deciding I'm not fit to be around.

Oooh, Rob.

I'd like to be around you. Wrapped around you.

 

[rgraham666]

Oooh, Rob.

I'd like to be around you. Wrapped around you.

That should keep me awake tonight, for good reasons.

I think I'll open my own restaurant, with my own policy.

"If you used something with an internal combustion engine to get here, you're not welcome. I hate how you poison my air and make me sick."

 

[dr_mabeuse]

I think they should ban smoking in bars. I think they should ban liquor too, which is far worse for you than second-hand smoke.

We should get rid of sugar too, which causes type II diabetes and obesity, and caffeine, which has been implicated in hypertension and even some cancers.

Then we can all sit around and drink water and eat raw spinach and enjoy ourselves. It won't be fun, but it'll be safe.

 

[rgraham666]

I think they should ban smoking in bars. I think they should ban liquor too, which is far worse for you than second-hand smoke.

We should get rid of sugar too, which causes type II diabetes and obesity, and caffeine, which has been implicated in hypertension and even some cancers.

Then we can all sit around and drink water and eat raw spinach and enjoy ourselves. It won't be fun, but it'll be safe.

I'm now thinking of the business opportunities such a world would offer.

Think we've got it bad now that coke, heroin and pot are illegal? You ain't seen nothin' yet.

 

[Liar]

I think they should ban smoking in bars. I think they should ban liquor too, which is far worse for you than second-hand smoke.

Second-hand drunks?

 

[yui]

cha cha cha...

Gotta say, that made me laugh out loud.

Personally, I see both sides. I only smoke when I drink, meaning in bars or in similar places where it's not restricted.

Q_C

This is me. But sometimes, I think I smoke in an alcohol/club environment out of self-defense; the smoke doesn't bother me if I'm smoking sort of thing. Of course, I might just like the woozy feeling.

Also, I'm like Liar in that certain perfumes make me miserable. Anything by Calvin Klein makes my eyes bleed. And Kass, health problems to a "significant population" seems kind of arbitrary if I'm one of those people, eh?

… caffeine, which has been implicated in hypertension and even some cancers.

I am so screwed.

 

[Lucifer_Carroll]

Hmm, taking notes.. Right, as I don't smoke, I need to immediately prosecute everyone who does, steal their children, rape their womenfolk, and raze their villages, sacrificing their goats to my non-smoking god.


Good, all set now. I am sorely embarrassed for my error in past actions. Before as a non-smoker, I merely didn't pay any attention. If there was a business too inundated with drunks or smokers to the point I couldn't stand it, I took my patronage elsewhere. When the pot smokers below me began their nightly lightup, I shut my windows.

Same for the noise polluters and all that.

If they can handle my insane babbling, the myriad of swear words that emit out my orifice on a regular interval, my quotations of Swift in the presence of Christian Camp kiddies, my blasting of music at 3:00 am (I wear headphones but I still get complaints from time to time :shrug and my sometimes off-the-wall garb, then I likely owe them the same consideration. Likely if I had some condition like asthma in which my life would be threatened by air pollutants, I would feel differently, but I don't so there we go.



Of course, now that you set me on the "correct" path of what those bastardly non-smokers are like, I'll be forced to sharpen my axe and viking costume (gotta look sharp (good god the pun)).

 

[Guest]

...myriad of swear words that emit out my orifice ...

which orifice?

sorry but when i got to this part of your post, i had to stop and think ....