First off, sorry I haven’t written in a while.
I’m still in the same spot as last time I wrote. No smoking on my own. Usually have one after practice or if I go to the bar. Social smoker extraordinaire.
So while I now consider myself a partial non-smoker, I’m kind of annoyed about a potential smoking ban I recently learned of at a meeting. I’m not peeved about the ban itself — that’s a good and reasonable thing, since no one should have to breathe second-hand smoke— but about the lack of smokers’ rights.
I may have my info wrong, but it sounds like they won’t even be able to smoke in their cars once this ban is implemented. I’m sorry, but if I’m sitting in my car — not that I do this anymore — I should be able to pollute the air within, Right? It’s my personal space. I paid for it. I’m sure others feel the same way.
One argument against the ban suggested that if smoking should be prohibited, so should fatty foods. But second-hand smoke travels through the air, permeates an environment whether or not you can smell it. Calories don’t work that way (Duh).
One part of the potential ban also calls it tobacco-free not smoke-free. Meaning that someone who chews tobacco could get in trouble. Don’t get me wrong. Chewing is terribly gross, but how does that impact others? It doesn’t travel like second-hand smoke. It’s more akin to those fatty foods.
My point in these two cases — car smoking and tobacco-chewing — while kind of yucky, don’t seem to present a public health issue. So why are they being included?
Ok, you made a point about being able to sit in your car and smoke and pollute the air within… i am good with that. But when i pull up to a stop light and i have my windows down enjoying the nice coastal air… and i suddenly get a wiff of cig smoke due to some inconsiderate person smoking in their car with their windows down and their cig hanging out the window… thats where i feel it is wrong. I dont have a choice to avoid the stink. I am allergic to the smoke and it causes me to HAVE to use an inhaler. Why should i have to use an inhaler (that costs me money to purchase- along with the doctors visits to get the prescription) because of someone elses habit?
Now, in regards to the chewing – its not that big of a problem – but… when you go to take a drink from the water fountain and some inconsiderate guy or gal (since both do it these days) has spit their chew in it – it is not a site that is kind to the eyes. Or when you are walking along and step in their chew pile.
What it is… is a few inconsiderate people have ruined it for all.
Since I quit smoking I surf the net for other people’s quit smoking stories. I have your blog bookmarked and I check it often. The state of North Carolina starts a smoking ban Jan 1. Imagine that. Ground zero for big tobacco. I am still pulling for you.
I don’t think you can be allergic to smoke. Perhaps you are more sensitive because of your preexisting condition. Anyway, inhaling smoke is a bad thing for all humans, is it not?
I’m just saying, that if a person wants to pollute themselves, sit in a closed car smoking, they should be able to. It’s a personal freedom.
Same deal with chewing. Yes, people should be more considerate. But they aren’t in most things, so why this?
Well i need a refund from my doctor if you say that a person can not be allergic to cig smoke. I have been set up on inhalers and i see a lung doctor – and they also say that i need to avoid areas where smoking occurs or i will be in need of the inhaler. I have never smoked – and they say my lungs are healthy – i just suffer from coughing bouts from the cig smoke if get heavy doses of it. I work at a place that people migrate around the front doors to smoke – and that is just not fair for me… or others that do not want to smell it. Yes, if a person wants to smoke in their closed up car – or in their home – or away from public doorways – im good with that. Everyone has a habit of some sort – i just wish i did not have to participate in others habits.
Oh, please! I’ve heard the “I’m allergic to smoke” line so often that I think I’m about to gag. I especially love it when someone talks about getting a whiff of cigarette smoke while sitting in traffic. Pray tell, do you even have a clue regarding what comes out of the tail end of your auto? Frankly, especially since I don’t own a car, and since it’s all about health (yeah, right), I think I should take your attitude – I shouldn’t have to breathe the fumes your car exhausts (since I’m “allergic” to car exhausts) and the government should ban all cars. If you can’t find yourself agreeing with such ideas, you might just be a hypocrite…
I have never smoked nor do I ever intend to smoke. However, I have been exposed to the effects of smoking most of my life. I lost my mother recently to cigarettes. She was my best friend. I miss her every day. I am really proud and excited when I hear that people want to quit. I am now on a mission to enlighten people on the devastating effects of smoking and help them to attain freedom from the addiction of smoking; however, I agree with you on the fact that the government is getting way to involved in all of this. I do; however, agree with loventhecoast about people smoking while they drive. I don’t know how many times I have been in that same position. Smoke, unfortunately for smokers, does travel long distances and no matter how careful they are it still causes those around them to breathe second-hand smoke. I hope you continue to quit completely for you and everyone around you. Good Luck and God Bless.