In just one city, proposed smoking ban lights up debate

A statewide plan affecting bars and eateries elicits opinions among Hampton customers and business owners.

[Captain Yankee]

Let's face it. Smoking's just not cool any more. See a smoker and you see a loser, someone who's in thrall to a horrible addiction.

Even worse -- guys, even the most macho of the NASCAR set, look effeminate when they hold a cigarette. That in itself should be a reason for quitting.

[Unimpressed]

Captain Yankee wrote:

Let's face it. Smoking's just not cool any more. See a smoker and you see a loser, someone who's in thrall to a horrible addiction.
Even worse -- guys, even the most macho of the NASCAR set, look effeminate when they hold a cigarette. That in itself should be a reason for quitting.

Hmmm so being ADDICTED to something makes one a loser? I would say that someone talking trash about someone with a legitimate problem is another sign of a loser too. Funny how that works huh?

[American]

Freedom of choice.... if we lose that, America will become the next socialist state.

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

Thomas Jefferson

[stop]

Smoking is for losers nothing more than drug addicts.

[stop]

get over it the bans will happen losers.

[Unimpressed]

stop wrote:

Smoking is for losers nothing more than drug addicts.

You are cordially invited to kiss my loser @$$

[Podd Talin]

stop wrote:

Smoking is for losers nothing more than drug addicts.

I couldn't agree more. Barack Obama is a perfect example.

[American]

stop wrote:

get over it the bans will happen losers.

You have such a small mind, There is more to this than to smoke or not to smoke....did you even read the story?

[Sexist Pig]

Unimpressed wrote:

<quoted text>
Hmmm so being ADDICTED to something makes one a loser? I would say that someone talking trash about someone with a legitimate problem is another sign of a loser too. Funny how that works huh?

I'm addicted to sex.

[Gammler]

American wrote:

Freedom of choice.... if we lose that, America will become the next socialist state.
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
Thomas Jefferson

Economics is about distribution of what goods and services a society has. Socialism is an economic theory whereby the government owns the major means of production.

Freedom of choice is about individual rights. Who is advocating banning the right to smoke absolutely - making tobacco illegal? I haven't seen that on any thread in Topix.

You are arguing apples and oranges.

[What]

I do not understand. Why do we need the government regulating bars and resturants? Why can't a place make a decision for themselves? I frequent smoking and non smoking resturants. I do not believe I will die from second hand smoke. Find out who supports these studies on second hand smoke. What about our so called fresh air outside? Is this harmful these days?

[Im stupid and so are you]

Captain Yankee wrote:

Let's face it. Smoking's just not cool any more. See a smoker and you see a loser, someone who's in thrall to a horrible addiction.
Even worse -- guys, even the most macho of the NASCAR set, look effeminate when they hold a cigarette. That in itself should be a reason for quitting.

Nascar just can't win for losing. First they were sponsored by a tobacco giant, then smoking became taboo. Now they're sponsored by a cellphone company while more and more people agree that cellphones and cars don't mix. The only solution: Toilet paper. People will always like toilet paper.

[stop]

Those addicted minds just cant see it teathered and loyal to the weed,losers.

[Smokey]

The owners of the the bar should be able to make a decision on smoking. If smoking is sohorrible then customers will not frequent the place. The market not the government should decide. Just because I don't smoke doesn't give me the right to tell a businessman how to run his business. There are plenty of places I don't go because they are too smokey. Why should I have the right to infringe on someone else's right? What will happen to places like cigar bars under this ruling? Thats a perfectly legitimate ype of business that will cease to exist under this proposal. In reality how many non-smokers would ever go into a cigar shop? As I said before this is not a decision for politicians, it's meant to be made by customers.

[Robert]

Addiction to cigarettes is the toughest to quit! i wish everyone luck who is trying to quit. there is a new way to try and quit smoking and they are called electronic cigarettes. for more info about electronic cigarettes you can go here and click "More Information About Electronic Cigarettes"
www.invisismoke.com

[NN Mom]

Sexist Pig wrote:

<quoted text>I'm addicted to sex.

With yourself?

[NN Mom]

People should be able to go to a bar and smoke. IMO, if a restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, they should be non-smoking, and a place that does serve alcohol should have the choice to allow smoking. The only reason I say that is because I would REALLLLY like to eat at Cr@cker Barrel without smelling cigarette smoke.

[Jrh8er]

American wrote:

Freedom of choice.... if we lose that, America will become the next socialist state.
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
Thomas Jefferson

Why do you smokers have to pollute, everything, why do you throw the butt out the window? Is it so hard just to use your ashtray in your car?

[DHM]

NN Mom wrote:

People should be able to go to a bar and smoke. IMO, if a restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, they should be non-smoking, and a place that does serve alcohol should have the choice to allow smoking. The only reason I say that is because I would REALLLLY like to eat at Cr@cker Barrel without smelling cigarette smoke.

I agree - my theory is that if one addictive and far more crippling vice is served (alcohol)- then smoking should be allowed as well. Bars specifically. I think it would be fair for restaurants that also serve as after dinner night clubs could allow smoking after 9pm or 10pm, as long as there is adequate ventilation. I think that's fair and a legitimate compromise. As a smoker myself, I don't like eating in smokey air either.

[DHM]

Jrh8er wrote:

<quoted text>
Why do you smokers have to pollute, everything, why do you throw the butt out the window? Is it so hard just to use your ashtray in your car?

I have a "butt" cup in my car that snuffs out the smoke when I dump it in. No, not all smokers throw their butts out the window, as they shouldn't.