Freeper Smokers: Please Help

me ^ | March 8, 2003 | me

[Im4Starr]

I'm putting together anything and everything I can get my hands on to stop the smoking nazi's from continuing to vilify smokers. I'm looking for articles, images, documentation, etc.

A futile effort, perhaps, but I don't want to be silent on this issue.

[Im4Starr]

Some talking points already being bandied about:
Freedom
Taxation without representation
No unity in this community
Hitler & the Weimar Republic's smoking bans
Hitler, Franco & Mussolini were non-smokers
Roosevelt, Stalin & Churchill were smokers
George Burns: born in 1896 died in 1996. While in his 80's or 90's, was asked what his doctor thought about George Burns smoking. His response: "I don't know, he's dead."
What about tolerance and acceptance of people's differences? And the people's right to choose?

As always, any help is greatly appreciated.

[Im4Starr]

Almost forgot: the bans usually read like this:
"Smoking is not permitted in bars, restaurants, etc."

If the word 'smoking' was substituted with other words like: African Americans, Jews, gays, or any other group, it would immediately be discrimination...ie: "Jews are not permitted in restaurants, bars, etc.".

[Hell to pay]

Read this thread and click on Shelion's profile, she has some great links from her Freeper homepage. Max McGarrity and Just another Joe do also.

[alisasny]

I am a smoker and I am afraid its too late. They got us and we didnt fight back.

I also believe the anti smoking campaign was a successful attempt and practice for the anti gun movement!

[buffer]

Here's a good link!


http://www.cato.org/pubs/regulation/regv21n4/lies.pdf

[DumpsterDiver]

WARNING: If you fear 2nd-hand smoke please hold your breath 'cause I'm puffin' away as I type this. :-)

You could check out the threads on the puff_list. (The puff_list is for articles that discuss smoking issues as well as the smokers lounge.)

[Im4Starr]

Wow...these resources are fantastic. Thank you all for your help!

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

While I understand what you are saying, your smoke interferes with other people. I don't like the government banning smoking in all restaurants, however, I can't say that I'm going to miss the smoke in my face as I try to eat a good meal.

[Im4Starr]

I don't like it when people wear too much cologne or too much perfume, so I know for me, I try to avoid places where an people are prone to that sort of thing. I don't expect people to accommodate me just because I don't like it. But that's just me.:)

It's the same idea with a vegetarian going to a steakhouse and expecting everyone else in the place not to order a nice rare porterhouse because the vegetarian finds it offensive.

[McGruff]

Try this:

http://www.smokersclub.com/newsltr.htm

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Well, I don't think you get it. Smoke permeates the air much more than cologne or perfume, but more importantly, cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens. Why not just quite smoking. Life is short enough as it is.

[Im4Starr]

You know, I didn't start this thread to get into a smoking debate. However, I'd be happy to debate this issue with you in a separate thread, which you are free to start.

[Im4Starr]

Or, perhaps, you may find alternate points of view in the sources cited by other freepers in this thread.

[Stevieboy]

Well, I don't think you get it.

Correction: it is you who doesn't get it. Just avoid smokey areas and your problem is solved.

This issue is not about smoking: it's about what level of control we wish to grant others.

[McGruff]

Go here and scroll down to the Links to Smokers' Rights Sites section.

[Morgan in Denver]

No, I think it is you who is not getting it. I'm not supporting smoking but I DO support the right of a person to smoke if they so desire. It is unconscionable to think we, as a society, are now telling business establishments what to do in this area. No person who believes in freedom could actually support such an idea.

I suggest smokers start endorsing the altering other behavior as well, as long as this continues. For example, people should not be allowed to water or snow ski. After all, skiing results in injuries that we all have to pay for so it should be banned. Rock climbing and bicycle riding as well. There is no reason everyone in society should be forced to pay for medical costs resulting from these dangerous, and avoidable, activities. Certainly, perfume, cologne and after shave lotions should all be banned as well because there are people allergic to them. Peanuts are no longer served on airlines because a few people cannot tolerate being around them. I see no reason to not ban peanut butter all together as well. Nobody should be subjected to foul smelling peanut butter. Popcorn! Some idiot in an office makes a bag and one can smell that stuff throughout the office. That popcorn smell is virtually everywhere. Ban it.

[Stevieboy]

Amen! Well said.

[Max McGarrity]

Welcome to the battle to preserve private property rights, individual liberties and anti-nannyism. We fight because our only other alternative is to bow to the tyrants. That's just unacceptable. Check out FORCES for links to a vast amount of information.

[xp38]

I'm not sure saying Stalin was a smoker is a plus. Otherwise a good list.

[Max McGarrity]

While I understand what you are saying, your smoke interferes with other people. I don't like the government banning smoking in all restaurants, however, I can't say that I'm going to miss the smoke in my face as I try to eat a good meal.

Peace, we understand what you're saying as well. There's no reason you should EVER be exposed to tobacco smoke against your will. There should be plenty of restaurants/bars, etc. that cater to the smokefree and a representative number that cater to smokers. That way, ALL citizens are accommodated and no one's rights are trampled.

Let the free market work--that's the American Way.