NEXT: NO CIGS IN YOUR CAR

New York Post ^ | 9/22/03 | KENNETH LOVETT

[kattracks]

September 22, 2003 -- ALBANY - Smoking even in the privacy of your own car could be banned under one of at least five state bills introduced in the past year to limit where a person can light up.

From public beaches to carnivals to a person's private vehicle, the legislation would make it more difficult for smokers to take a drag.

[kattracks]

ping

[agitator]

Gauleiter Alexander "Pete" Grannis was also quoted as asking a member of his constituency "Perhaps you have relatives in Ger....New York? Ya?"

[FairOpinion]

This is REAL invasion of privacy.

I never could understand that people scream about the sensible measures needed to catch terrorists and protect us and don't revolt over such total invasions of privacy for absolutely no reason, except because the government wants to do it.

[FairOpinion]

So what do you think about this total invasion of privacy and individual rights by the government?

[EternalVigilance]

It's a crock. Makes me so mad I think I'll go have a smoke...

[honeygrl]

But the sponsors of the bills deny such intent. They said each anti-smoking bill has its own merit, including protecting children, helping New York businesses, and reducing litter.

PLEASE think of the CHILDREN!!!!! /sarcasm

[agitator]

It's much worse than you think.

http://taor.agitator.dynip.com/on_law.htm

[weegee]

Does this nannystate law apply to those who drive open air cars like convertibles?

I can guess that the answer is yes, one of those 5 bills proably cites how it is hazardous to drive with a smoke in one hand (at least part of the time). Don't know if they'll outlaw drive-thru food bags in the front seat though...

[smadurski]

The master plan is to totaly ban smoking. They are doing it in increments first mandatory no smoking in public places then cars then your own home. Perhaps they will pass a law saying you need a govt issued stamp to have cigs but, to get the stamp you must be in possesion of cigs which would be illegal. This is how they made pot illegal. In ten years tobacco will be illegal and pot will be legal if these people have their way. One day a hardened criminal will drive while unbuckled smoking a cig.

[Eastbound]

pUFF

[f.Christian]

Now in the mall, I looked straight ahead at the Chase cash bank, where there were some 100 people cowering; screaming, some hysterically started to run out of the bank and down the hall, as now the mall was rapidly filling up with thick black smoke. I was hanging onto this firefighter for dear life, while telling him, “You cannot go in there - that place is exploding down around our heads!" He looked at me and in the calmest manner said, “Honey it's going to be okay, its my job. You just get out of here." He asked me if I new where the Borders book store was and I said yes, so he said, “Go there and get out as fast as you can”. By this time he had a whole battalion behind him and they went in towards the lobby. I started for the Borders at top speed, while hearing secondary explosions going off above my head, almost like an .08 gage gun or larger. All this made me want to hit the floor and all I could think was, "What in God's name is happening up there?"

I found myself next to a man who is taking out a cigarette, all the time while we both were running. I was thinking, "I could sure use one of those right now!" He tried to light it with very shaky hands at a dead run, when a Port Authority security guard (directing people to safety) said in a very Brooklyn-ish accent, ... “Hey buddy this is a no smoking zone! You can't light that down here!” The man looked back at the guard, aghast, and I'm sure I had the same look on my face! The man said, “You have to be f-ing kidding me! This place is burning down around us, we are all going to die, and by God I am going to have my last cigarette before I go!” I managed at least one laugh that morning, as it was funny as hell, and I wished I could have stopped to get a cigarette from him myself. But the mood quickly turned serious again, as I came upon two portly grandmothers in their late 60's or early 70's; they're holding onto each other, crying, unable to keep up with the mass exodus. The explosions above our heads on the plaza were scaring them and they kept stopping. I grabbed one of their hands and told them to hold on and keep up. Dragging them behind me, I told them to worry about any resulting medical problems later - for now we had to get out of there! I thought to myself, "If I can just get out, we can get to a hospital if someone starts to stroke out."

[gd124]

They'll never ban smoking. They're more addicted to the tax revenue than any smoker is to nicotine.

[BnBlFlag]

And they think there is an underground drug economy. Just wait for this prohibition. I might just have to restart smoking just to spit in theur faces.

[Cvengr]

If elected bodies of men allow, condone or even tolerate this type of legislation, it is merely a matter of time and differing circumstances before they will also attack any other issue which per chance touches upon their personal selves, a scarred conscience, an arrogant self-defensive reaction, seeking to control that which they do not own, but believe will carnally advance their position.

They are the natural man, a soulish brute, lacking more advanced life of the righteous spirit, but instead react to their scarred souls seeking things of arrogance and selfishness.

They have no love for others who might even be like themselves, and hate even moreso those who endure their attacks. They are probably good for nothing, but until the first death are fulfilling some purpose probably unknown to us at present. Perhaps they simply serve to manifest to all human history that complete emptiness is preferable to their chosen path independent of God.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

Given that 'Rats love to focus on minutia like this, no wonder 9/11 happened! Get a life, 'Rats!

[Squantos]

LOL............ I saw a concept car last week that would not let one use the cellular phone or change the tape/CD/station on the stereo unless the vehicle was stopped and transmission in park. Also if the seatbelt wasn't being worn the vehicle could not be shifted out of park. Also the vehicle would go no faster than the federal speed limit. Collision avoidnance braking operational when vehicle was moving faster than 10 mph. Auto dimming bright headlights for environment encountered and approaching vehicles . The vanity mirrors were removed from visors as was the rear view mirror inside , replaced by a LCD screen to preclude the application of makeup, brushing hair or yer basic self lovin mirror licker syndrome.

I suspect the vehicle will never see production as it kills all possibilities for source of local revenue based on BS local laws such as we see on the rise in this story..........Only thing I saw missing was a big clanging bell/siren/flashing light to wake those who travel for 40 miles with their turn signal on. But the designer did jot that note down so blame me if it sees production.

Stay Safe Kattracks !

[mysterio]

I hope that they do just ban it. It didn't work for pot or anything else. That will cut a boatload of money off to the government. I believe neither in democrats nor republicans anymore. They've gutted the Constitution, and it is what they swore to defend. Our rights, freedoms, and civil liberties are all conditional now. Many of the Freepers support anything that is proposed by a conservative republican, even if it is liberal Clinton type policy. Generally, 80 percent of the population supports every piece of legislation that persecutes smokers, and republicans are voting for them, too. Even conservative cities are banning smoking in bars, infringing on property rights. On top of that, cities are taking properties through eminent domain to build strip malls. You are only free if you break the law. The average driver breaks 7 laws just driving to work. I don't call any of this freedom. In 1999, republicans were my hope to protect freedom and individual rights. I will not vote for them again. I'm sorry, President Bush. I voted for you, and I respect you. I think you are a good person. I support freeing Iraq from tyranny. However, I cannot support what you and others in your party are doing to individual liberty. If you want to protect something important, try protecting the Constitution.

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

Sop how much will it take for the People of America to fight back right now its just a cigarette ! of course there is prayer the bible ,God ,Ten Commandments ,Second amendment rights ,property rights just a snip here a snip there over the years they will have us trimmed down to the way we should look one day the very people we used to know as friends will wake up and wonder WOW i used to be able to BBQ on my back porch or yard why am i being arrested for cooking ribs no one told me meat was outlawed.

[Michael81Dus]

Even if I disregard the comparisons between Hitler and democratic politicians of today, I agree that banning smoking in private cars is not a decision that gives people more freedom. I could understand if states decide, that smoking is illegal for drivers, but the other passengers should be allowed to do what they want.

[ctonious]

I never could understand that people scream about the sensible measures needed to catch terrorists and protect us and don't revolt over such total invasions of privacy for absolutely no reason, except because the government wants to do it.

I understand why...as an ex-smoker. Smokers are the most masochistic lot when it comes to their rights. They almost encourage being stepped on. They pay outrageous taxes on tobacco, get shunned and lectured by everybody, and stand outside in sub-zero weather in designated smoking areas - often purposely unsheltered and without any creature comforts.

But they acquiesce to all this because they think "Well...I need to quit anyway...and all this stuff...will make me wanna quit."

[Neanderthal]

Thanks for the link to Tilly's 911 story.

[dorothy]

Even if I disregard the comparisons between Hitler and democratic politicians of today

In this particular case they apply -- Hitler was vehemently anti-smoking, and a vegetarian to boot.

[Reactionary]

"The master plan is to totaly ban smoking."

Yes, the Master Race had the same Master Plan. The glorious Fuhrer hated smoking and drinking. One must be healthy for the good of the Fatherland, you know.

So say the authoritarian American fascists, the liberals.

[Bonaparte]

"Hitler was vehemently anti-smoking, and a vegetarian to boot."

As well as a drug addict who surrounded himself with homosexuals.

[Bonaparte]

fyi

[metesky]

The further purposeful division of society. CWII coming soon.

[bart99]

Perhaps the Legislature in Albany could work up some bills to have the all state agencies actually enforce the fedreal ILLEGAL imigration laws in this country - enfrorcing identification and IMMEDIATE depotation, rather than scheduling a hearing 6 months later. [Damn civil servants - seems they just have a job and work for their pensions (an apology to those who care)].. I'm sure they recognize that terrorism is a real isue today and a little bit more important than smoking legilation.

[Wolfie]

"It's government coming in pretty strong on people's lives and choices."

That's government for ya.

[Wolfie]

The master plan is to totally ban smoking

"When we look down the road, I would say 10, 15, 20 years from now, in a gradual fashion, smoking will probably be outlawed in the United States."
Tom Constantine
Administrator of the DEA
in an interview with ABC TV network, 1998

[Wolfie]

They'll never ban smoking. They're more addicted to the tax revenue than any smoker is to nicotine.

At a certain point, the increase in governmental power, coupled with the potential new funding for enforcement, will outstrip the tax revenue. Prohibition is a $40 billion dollar annual windfall to the government, and adding tobacco to the list will bring in a whole lot more.

[TankerKC]

They said each anti-smoking bill has its own merit, including protecting children, helping New York businesses, and reducing litter.

Well, why not one BIG bill requiring that we all be wrapped in non-flammable safety orbs and fed government approved nourishment through our veins.

One point for smokers: throwing a cigarette butt down IS littering. I see butts flicked out the window and dropped at store entrances everyday by folks I’m sure don’t think they are littering.

[nothingnew]

PUFF!

FMCDH

[Alberta's Child]

I never could understand that people scream about the sensible measures needed to catch terrorists and protect us and don't revolt over such total invasions of privacy for absolutely no reason, except because the government wants to do it.

Good point. In fact, I said back in 2002 that as far as I was concerned, this so-called "war on terror" was officially over when the New York City council passed its smoking ban. For the life of me, I could not understand why "second-hand smoke" in bars and restaurants was such a pressing concern in a city that had lost 2,500+ people in terror attacks only a few months earlier.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

bump for later

[SheLion]

This is a bunch of BS! Like Audrey said: it IS about back dooring a segment of people who use a legal product.

I'd like to see a complete ban on tobacco. Then we will see which end is UP! That's for sure!

[SheLion]

They'll never ban smoking. They're more addicted to the tax revenue than any smoker is to nicotine.

You've got THAT right!

[lodwick]

Excellent post - thanks.

[Dazedcat]

This is a New York story. It's not only democrats who are sponsoring and endorsing this mindset. Republican majority leader Joe Bruno endorsed the last smoking ban for restaurants and bars........and from what I've been told made damn sure other Republicans voted for it as well.

Maybe where you live it's different, but in New York you can't tell the players without a scorecard. Rats or Reps, makes very little difference. Prohibiting smoking in your own home will be next on the agenda......and there IS an agenda, believe me.

[Gabz]

I could understand if states decide, that smoking is illegal for drivers, but the other passengers should be allowed to do what they want.

All passengers must be buckled up, not just the driver, and if they're not, the driver gets the citation. A back seat passenger can not drink a beer in the car, and the driver can be ticketed for that as well.

Cut me a break - these "I know what's best for you because I'm the government" feel good laws have gotten WAY WAY out of line.

[Wolfie]

Like Audrey said: it IS about back dooring a segment of people who use a legal product.

I think its safe to say at this point that tobacco is a quasi-legal product. Legal in some instances, illegal in others.

[FreedomPoster]

Heck, I don't smoke, and it makes me want to go out and have a smoke . . . .

[FreedomPoster]

>>Prohibiting smoking in your own home will be next on the agenda......and there IS an agenda, believe me.

Hasn't NY already done that, or tried to do that, for people living in multi-family dwellings (apartments and condos)?

[EternalVigilance]

LOL...I know what you mean. ;-)

[Noachian]

Suppose lawmakers get to the point where they're able to ban smoking in a person's home. What does this do for lawyers?

It gives lawyers a precedent to work with in future cases involving personal libeties.

There are all sorts of things that can be deemed "dangerous for children" around the average home, and if lawyers can get into your home and personal life by using the smoking precedents it'll be used for something else.

Once lawyers get a precedent to work with there's no telling where they'll go with it.

[StriperSniper]

CWII coming soon.

One can only hope.

Is it time? Morally, yes. Absolutely. If you do it, and if there’s a heaven, I hope you get a good seat. But if you pot a bureaucrat figuring it’ll light some fire under the cold, dead butts of a complacent nation … good luck.

[steve50]

They'll never ban smoking. They're more addicted to the tax revenue than any smoker is to nicotine.

They decided there was more money and power to be made running the illegal drug market than in taxing the drugs. I'm sure they can run both sides of tobacco prohibition as easily.

[SheLion]

They decided there was more money and power to be made running the illegal drug market than in taxing the drugs. I'm sure they can run both sides of tobacco prohibition as easily.

heh!

[Scenic Sounds]

LOL. Some things are more fun when they're illegal. ;-)