Land of the Oppressed

[KennyKenCan]

I can not believe how petty the people of this country have become.<br /><br />Here in NY, on July 24, 2003, it will become illegal to smoke a cigarette in public, as in anywhere outside of your home!<br /><br />Who asked for this law?<br /><br />I'll tell you who, the BLEEDING HEART LIBRALS!!!<br /><br />Since when has it become the governments business to interfere with the people of this country?<br /><br />I'll tell you...when they found that there was MONEY TO BE MADE !!<br /><br />According to the Constitution of the United States, government cannot enact laws that oppress the citizens, especially when it is based on false information, (three independant studies by UCLA, UMass, and the University of Wisconsen, have been completed proving that second hand smoke is not a hazard to anyone, except those who suffer from Asthma, in which the effects of second hand smoke would only cause MINOR irritation to Asthma sufferers if they are in a area with concentraated smoke for more than 3 days) or regulate the daily lives of it's citizens!<br /><br />Not only will it be illegal to smoke in public, they already have a $5 per tax on cigarettes!<br /><br />Right now a pack of cigarettes cost $8.75.<br /><br />So what the government is saying is that its OK to buy cigarettes and pay them the $5 tax, but you can't smoke them!<br /><br /> THAT IS CALLED OPPRESSION!!!!!!!! <br /><br />On top of that, the cowards of NY are afraid to oppose this law because they are afraid that the government will just tax their properties if they show that they are opposed to this legislation!<br /><br />Why is the State Legislators allowed to pass laws without the approval of its citizens?<br /><br />This is an item which should have been put on a general election ballot, so that the citizens can decide?<br /><br />But no...<br /><br />The State has aready stated publicly that if it were put up to a general election, it would be defeated, that is why the Legislators had to act on behalf of it's citizens...to protect the citizen's from themselves!!<br /><br />This is FREEDOM, I think not!!<br /><br />This is a decision that the citizens need to make, not the 4 BLEEDING HEART LIBRALS who proposed the Bill against the other 3.5 million people of this state!!<br /><br />Now, it's not just about smoking, here in NY there is a ban from driving while using your cell phone.<br /><br />The reason for the State Legislators to pass this law is the fact that the fine for driving while talking on a cell phone is $150 plus a $75 surcharge.<br /><br />That's $225!!!<br /><br />A speeding ticket or running a red light fine here is $50, plus a $25 surcharge, for a total of $75!<br /><br />Why is it, the fine for talking on the phone is $225, while a violation that is more likly to be deadly is only $75?<br /><br />Talking on the phone is responsible for 0.7% of all accidents, and 0.15% are fatal, yet running a red light or speeding is responsible for 22% of all accidents, and 15% of them are fatal, yet the fine for speeding is only $75!<br /><br />Can you say OPPRESION!!<br /><br />Sorry, just venting, because the destruction of the country I love is soon at hand.<br /><br />Kenny

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

Venting is a good thing.<br />So is quiting smoking.

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

Nosleep,<br /><br />I'm not a smoker!<br /><br />I just find it unreal that laws are passed in the name of MAKING MONEY !<br /><br />The government is not suppose to be in the business of making profits!<br /><br />Kenny

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

more PC crud Kenny... something politicians can do<br />that won't PO too many folks. makes it look like<br />they are "actually" doing something. car emissions<br />affect us way more, but we like to drive big gas<br />guzzlin' V8's and to go against the majority just<br />ain't somethin a "career" pol. is gonna do.<br />get real!<br />M.Y.

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

So then mellow, it is OK for the politicians to violate our constitutional rights?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

So I guess if I come to the big apple, I would see people hiding in the alleys with look outs so they could smoke?<br /><br />That is sad.<br /><br />Why don't they come up with a hepa filter you could wear to catch all the smoke?<br /><br />That way someone else could make money from smokers also.<br /><br />Oh yea, the state could then charge you a $2.00 tax for each replacement filter you had to buy, which BTW, would only be good for 2 packs smokes.

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

Hello Ken,<br />I must disagree with you here. The study of the effects of second hand smoke varies depending on who does the study. I have seen where they say it is worse to breathe the second hand smoke, and I have read where it is not as bad to breathe the second hand smoke.<br /><br />I don't really care what anyone says, I hate to breathe any of that crap! <br /><br />I don't care for laws that are just made to protect me;....Seat belt laws....Wearing blaze orange during hunting season, ect, because if I don't follow those laws, then I am JUST hurting myself, not anyone around me, But I would be all for banning smoking in public. I ate at a restaurant the other day, and the smoking and non-smoking section was seperated by a 2' aisle! Thats just stupid. I especially like the irresponsible parents that smoke with their children in the car, and the windows are rolled up! Those kids have no choice but to breathe that foul air. Thats a shame.<br /><br />I sure don't believe that the second hand smoke is "harmless", as you have stated, or the independent researchers have stated. I would say that inhaling any kind of smoke is not the best idea.<br /><br />How would you like it if I chewed Redman, and spit on you each time I needed to spit?.......I don't think you would like it, and I don't like to breathe the smokers second hand smoke either, I don't care if it dangerous or not, I don't want to breathe it. Its nasty, it stinks, and I personally think its stupid.........think about it, you inhale smoke, and blow it back out........yipeee, that sounds like fun.<br /><br />This has nothing to do with liberals. Line the Liberal Democrats up at the firing range for all I care.........But let me say something, The title of your post disgusts me....."USA, LAND OF THE OPPRESSED, HOME OF THE COWARDS", That, my friend, is uncalled for. There are too many men and women that have died for this country for you to say that. I assure you that, you, nor I , or anyone else could ever repay them for their sacrifices. (Read 12 footers little paragraph in his signature).<br /> <br /> If you don't like this great country you live in, then M O V E!<br /><br />Just my 2 cents worth.<br /><br /> Have a nice day

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

Hey.. I think your on to something SBN.<br />Remember the "cones of silence", they had on Get<br />smart, the TV show. They could be mass produced<br />with a hepa filter on them, and no one would be<br />bothered, you could probably even shower while<br />smoking..

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

I am working on a prototype as you read this.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

Nobody is trying to stop you from smoking. Its just where you smoke.<br /><br />When they tell you you can't smoke in your home, car, RV or boat, I will support smokers rights. <br /><br />I believe people should be able to smoke, and the court settlements against tobacco companies are wrong. Its 2003 and people have known for more than 40 years the dangers of smoking. It is their choice.<br /><br />Having said that:<br />I grew up with parents that were chain smokers. None of my brothers or sister ever developed the habit.. My mon quit cold turkey after a hospital test indicated she here acute shortness of breath was due ot smoking. My dad wasn't so lucky, and died of heart attack due to his 3 pack a day habit. He was only 63.<br /><br />Califiornia passed a similar law about 7 years ago. Il ike it. Its nice going into a restaurant or bar and not coming out reeking of smoke. Smokers can still smoke in outdoor areas of restaurants.<br /><br />I do think that in small neighborhood bars, the bars owners should be allowed to choose smoking or non smoking. There are bars over here that do that and the officials look the other way if nobody complains. There were complaints at first, but they dropped off after a few months.<br /><br />What smokers don't realize is that more than 2/3 of the population in states such as NY or CA do not smoke, and have the right to breath and work in an environment that is smoke free.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

In Canada there are people at work trying to stop<br />people from being able to smoke in public outdoor<br />places. If they have there way, soon you may only<br />be able to smoke in the privacy of your own home.<br />Providing that no one else like children live <br />there.<br />I am not against smokers ,I were one.

 

[flashback]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

kenny, just because you live in NY , don't think that the rest of the country is that way.. you folks from NY seem to have this illusion that just because you think it is, it is, that's just not true.;l;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

KennyKenCan and all of the others, myself included...<br /><br /> Politicians ... We voted for em', left or right, it don't matter, their ALL thieves who are just in it for the $money$... They don't really give a damn about you or I, including our president.... We allowed it to happen... Nobody to blame but ourselves... <br /><br />We have the power to kick em'out next time around... Don't just ask for it, DEMAND some term limits and campaign finance limits, or reform, or whatever to keep the big boys with the deep pockets from $buying$ influence...

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

Amen brother Kenny! Ahmen. Our freedoms have been erroding down the slippery slope of the paternalistic liberals. Isn't it funny that the only "choice" they are for are sexual in nature? Everything else they want to control. Tell you to behave the way THEY THINK YOU SHOULD!<br /><br />Let me tell you something, American Citizens who own restaraunts and bars HAVE A RIGHT to allow people to smoke if they choose. Just like people can CHOOSE to go to a non-smoking restaraunt if it bothers them! FREEDOM PF CHOICE IS WHAT THIS COUNTRY IS ALL ABOUT! WAKE UP OR YOU'LL BE NEXT!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

I just wanted to add, that as of Jan.23,of this year I quit the smokes after 34 years of them.<br /><br />I now can go into anyplace and the smoke don't bother me.<br /><br />Is it bad for you? YES<br />Is it bad for me? Maybe<br /><br />But as was said earlier, go somewhere they don't allow smoking if it bothers you that much.<br /><br />This is just my honest opinion.<br /><br />As far as not being able to smoke outside, that kinda pushes it a little.<br /><br />Look at all the polution by the big oil companies, power plants etc. not the least, automobiles.

 

[magster65]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

In the region I live it's been illegal to smoke indoors (in a public place) for a couple years now. Honestly, as a non-smoker, I'm glad it's like that. I can go to the pub for a beer and not have to come home and have a shower from the stink. Go outside and smoke, it'll help air out your clothes and you won't reek (as much). I don't understand why smoking outdoors would bother anyone though.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

magster65 it's not about smoking. It's about freedom. It all comes down to who's ox is being goared.<br /><br />I don't hink people should be allowed to waste fosil fuel with big gas guzzzling boats. We should pass a law outlawing recreational power boating. <br /><br />I don't like the way power boats pollute lakes. We should outlaw power boating on all lakes. <br /><br />I don't like drinking alcohol. it leads to a lot of deaths each year from DUI and health related issues. We should outlaw it.<br /><br />See where it all leads? It is a slippery slope. Don't kid yourself into thinking the above are extreme because they are not. The left is already busy deamonizing people who drive SUVs. Today John Doe tomorrow magster65<br /><br />It should be up to the pub owner not politicians if people can smoke in HIS ESTABLISHMENT. If you want to go to a non-smoking Pub that is your right. Just like you have the right to open a Pub and make it non-smoking if YOU CHOOSE. History shows freedom is often lost to well intentioned people who think they are doing the right thing.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

Deciding if you want a life with or without smoke is a personal matter.<br /><br />Just not if you are a non-smoker next to a smoking smoker. Then it is not for you to decide.<br /><br />Environment: Being one of the worlds biggest energy consumers (per head), the US will sooner or later have to change attitude.

 

[rudeafrican]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

Here in South Africa our laws changed a few years ago, not allowing smoking in indoors puplic places. Restaurants were forced to create a patitioned smoking area with seperate airconditioning and floor to ceiling glass partitions. This arrangement is now working very well and it is a pleasure to take the family to a family restaurant and not have to breathe someone else's secondhand smoke.<br /><br />The argument that it should be up to the establishment owner to decide if they are going to allow smoking, does not hold water. Before our laws came into effect 3 years ago, the desicion was left up to the owner. I have NEVER found a pub or restaurant that asks patrons not to smoke.<br /><br />As for the studies that revealed that secondhand smoke is not dangerous, what about my burning and watering eyes, coughing etc? The name of the tune depends one who pays the fidler.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Land of the Oppressed

This is not about smoking. This is about freedom. Freedom of choice and private property. It is about the founding principals of this country.<br /><br />In a bar that allows smoking you as a non-smoker choose to be next to the smoker. The government has no right to tell people they can't allow legal behavior on private property. You have no right to force your views oabout smoking on that pub owner or his patrons. That's where the line is drawn. <br /><br />Sooner or later the facist libs will get around to a freedom you cherish and by then it will be too late. Preserving freedom of choice is in every persons enlightened self interest.