Michigan lawmakers vote in favor of smoking ban

[Billy Bob]

If you don't want to be around smoke sit your a $$ at home, nobody wants to be around you, can we get you banned

[Smoke Free]

-LMS- wrote:

<quoted text>
You feel you are gaining freedom. Because you do not smoke so you are "free" to be in a smoke-free establishment. That's great for you. But the FACT still remains that the govt is taking away rights and freedoms of individuals to choose to something legal. This has nothing to do with being a smoker or not. That is what you antis are not getting. This isn't about smoking. This has everything to do with the govt infringing on individuals personal liberties. We are losing our rights as people to make choices for ourselves. Since I am guessing that you are either a senior citizen or close to it, I will laugh when the govt decides that it is too dangerous for someone 60 years or older to drive so they automatically lose their driving rights whether they have ever been in an accident or not. This is the direction we are going. Oh, and you may lose your right to eat red meat because it has many negative health effects. You may lose your right to take your dog for a walk because someone's dog 50 miles away bit someone when they took it for a walk. Are you getting the point yet?
(By the way, I don't think 60 is old but I was trying to make a comparison of losing rights). I keep trying to find a comparison that the antis will finally get. Still working on it.

And that's exactly why I VOTE. If I don't like something or feel strong about an issue I get involved and I VOTE.
I don't look at it as losing rights but gaining a safer, healthier and nicer America. Is that a wrong thing???

Smoke all you want just keep it away from me and my family. It's your habit, not mine!!!

[Bobbiez]

fluteman greg wrote:

<quoted text>Just STFU. I personally know many Vets and 90% of them smoke. I play cards with them every Friday night. Besides being a nazi pig, you're apparently now a liar. You do not speak for all of the Vets. Not even close.
Wake up and see that you are right????? Put the meth pipe down. YOU ARE THE FARTHEST THING FROM BEING RIGHT. You should move to Cuba since you do not respect freedom.

Go fluteman!!! Except the antis can't move to Cuba...even they wouldn't want the Nazi Nanny club there.

[fluteman greg]

Bobbiez wrote:

<quoted text>
Go fluteman!!! Except the antis can't move to Cuba...even they wouldn't want the Nazi Nanny club there.

Good point.

[turdface]

Smoke Free wrote:

<quoted text>
You're obviously too F'n blind to see the REAL REASONS. Maybe you can't handle the truth? Hopefully you boozo's will wake-up and realize maybe, just maybe I'M RIGHT.
Today's Vets DON'T want to be around smoke, until you F'n boozo's figure that out your membership will keep declining unless your state decides the smoking restrictions for you.
With smoking vets trying to solve the problem is like putting the FOX in charge of the hen house.
You are too blind or stubborn to see the light.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I knew it, spotted you right off. You are definitely a tutu fruit. Let me guess, IF you were ever even in the Military you were on permanent latrine duty right?
Let me use my favorite line here for folks like you.
Hey, the space ship has landed, your ride is here.

PS Hey Dufuss, I don't smoke and know of very very few that do but we are not out trying to legislate away the rights of others partaking of a legal act. Anybody that served should know better. We served to protect and maintain freedom.

[fluteman greg]

turdface wrote:

<quoted text>
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I knew it, spotted you right off. You are definitely a tutu fruit. Let me guess, IF you were ever even in the Military you were on permanent latrine duty right?
Let me use my favorite line here for folks like you.
Hey, the space ship has landed, your ride is here.
PS Hey Dufuss, I don't smoke and know of very very few that do but we are not out trying to legislate away the rights of others partaking of a legal act. Anybody that served should know better. We served to protect and maintain freedom.

In your experience very few vets smoked? Wow. I guess it must be geographically based because the VAST majority of veterans where I live smoke. Maybe I was too hard on the nutjob then wrt vets who smoked. But I'm glad to hear another vet let that guy know vets shouldn't be taking pleasure in stripping away individual freedoms or any freedom for that matter. Nice post.

[turdface]

fluteman greg wrote:

<quoted text>In your experience very few vets smoked? Wow. I guess it must be geographically based because the VAST majority of veterans where I live smoke. Maybe I was too hard on the nutjob then wrt vets who smoked. But I'm glad to hear another vet let that guy know vets shouldn't be taking pleasure in stripping away individual freedoms or any freedom for that matter. Nice post.

Thanks Greg and your post was right on also IMHO.
I go to many different (VFW) posts in the area (SW Mich) and yes there is smoking in the club rooms of many but nothing offensive to me and there are always tables without ashtrays for those not wanting to smoke. Also there are many HD air filtration systems going and newer units appearing now that do a great job of filtering the air. I rarely see anyone smoking during a meeting and most are annouced as no smoking and definitely no drinking during meetings. There will always be someone p*ss**g and moaning though. Those would be the NAZIS.
If he would attend a meeting once in a while maybe the higher ups would have taken him more seriously and not laughed at him. Just a thought.

[Sheri]

Smoke Free wrote:

<quoted text>
Maryland went totally smoke free in Bars, restaurants, public or private in February. WE LOVE IT!!!
I've talked to bartenders that love it and can't believe it but business is actually doing better.
They love going home not all stuffed up and not stinking of smoke.
I've talked to owners who wish they went smoke free years ago but understand they couldn't because everyone wasn't on a level playing field. Most are very happy with the smoke free atmosphere.
I've talked to waitresses that say tips are way up even considering the recession.
They are pissed at the Restaurant Association for scaring them before the smoking restrictions took effect that there would be layoffs and non-smokers were bad tippers. The RA couldn't have been more WRONG!!! RA equals Big Tobacco.
WE LOVE IT HERE IN MARYLAND, I thank our politicians for finally doing something SMART.

Was this one of the guys you talked to?
KEYMAR — Tim Brandenburg proclaims his dislike for Gov. Martin O’Malley and the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act on the sign for his bar the Crossroads Inn.

The sign reads:“Impeach O’Malley No smoking No business.”

“The state doesn’t know what they’re doing to us; they are killing us,” Brandenburg said.

The Clean Indoor Air Act, which went into effect Feb. 1, made it illegal for bars and restaurants to allow smoking on their premises.

Brandenburg claims he has lost at least 65 percent of his business because people can no longer smoke in his establishment. Instead, patrons cross the border into Pennsylvania, which is 10 minutes from his location.

Brandenburg has already picked up an application for a waiver that would let him legally allow smoking at the bar.

Restaurants and bars that have had at least a 15 percent decrease in gross sales of food and beverages since the ban was enacted are eligible to apply for a waiver, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

An application for a waiver may not be submitted until April 1, because business owners have to show two months of documentation.

Each local health department’s health officer is given the authority to grant waivers to businesses in their jurisdictions.http://www.carro llcounty.com/articles/2008/03/ 21/news/local_news/newsstory1. txt

[Sheri]

Smoke Free wrote:

<quoted text>
Maryland went totally smoke free in Bars, restaurants, public or private in February. WE LOVE IT!!!
I've talked to bartenders that love it and can't believe it but business is actually doing better.
They love going home not all stuffed up and not stinking of smoke.
I've talked to owners who wish they went smoke free years ago but understand they couldn't because everyone wasn't on a level playing field. Most are very happy with the smoke free atmosphere.
I've talked to waitresses that say tips are way up even considering the recession.
They are pissed at the Restaurant Association for scaring them before the smoking restrictions took effect that there would be layoffs and non-smokers were bad tippers. The RA couldn't have been more WRONG!!! RA equals Big Tobacco.
WE LOVE IT HERE IN MARYLAND, I thank our politicians for finally doing something SMART.

Maybe it was these people and you just misunderstood them.
Some nonsmokers in the greater Frederick area believe bars are losing money.

"I am not a smoker. And I know numerous 'nonsmokers' who only use cigarettes when they drink out," wrote Fred Davis of Emmitsburg. "I have left restaurants when their smoke-filled dining room air was heavy with smoke. But this law has cut out the nightlife for many citizens. There's no kids allowed in bars anyway, so the adults there are surely informed about second hand smoke, and can make their own decisions. Bars should not have been included in this legislation." Last week, The Frederick News-Post asked readers: "Maryland's smoking ban has been in effect for a little more than a month. During that time, how have your dining habits changed?"

"Out of 191 votes, 43 percent said they went out less often, whereas 23 percent said they went out more often. Thirty-four percent of voters said they hadn't changed their dining habits."
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/arc...

[-LMS-]

Smoke Free wrote:

<quoted text>
And that's exactly why I VOTE. If I don't like something or feel strong about an issue I get involved and I VOTE.
I don't look at it as losing rights but gaining a safer, healthier and nicer America. Is that a wrong thing???
Smoke all you want just keep it away from me and my family. It's your habit, not mine!!!

I don't remember this issue being put in front of the voters for us to make this decision. Did I miss something? The correct thing to do would have been that they did put this on a ballot for us "the people" to vote on. At least if it passed that way I wouldn't feel as if the govt was stepping in and taking rights away from individuals and businesses.

Since you are h.ell bent on a safer, healthier and nicer America, make sure that you keep your family away from household cleaners, exhaust fumes from vehicles, fast food, red meat, automobiles, airplanes, boats, electrical outlets, deep water, bicycles, motorcycles, fried food, aerosol cans, paint fumes, lead, and any other potentially dangerous, un-healthy or un-safe product made. As a matter of fact, you could invest in a business of making bubbles for people to live in. That way all the anti-freedom people like you could all live in your little bubbles and never have to worry about any dangerous un-safe thing affecting you ever.

[mwal]

Reminds me of reading about the old Roman Empire days of "bread and circuses"...keep everybody filled up and entertained and they won't see the rest of the country heading for the crapper.

[fluteman greg]

Ummm Smoke Free...... seems like you're in the minority. Hell.... non-smokers and vets don't even agree with you. How is that island you live on?

[Bobbiez]

-LMS- wrote:

<quoted text>
I don't remember this issue being put in front of the voters for us to make this decision. Did I miss something? The correct thing to do would have been that they did put this on a ballot for us "the people" to vote on. At least if it passed that way I wouldn't feel as if the govt was stepping in and taking rights away from individuals and businesses.
Since you are h.ell bent on a safer, healthier and nicer America, make sure that you keep your family away from household cleaners, exhaust fumes from vehicles, fast food, red meat, automobiles, airplanes, boats, electrical outlets, deep water, bicycles, motorcycles, fried food, aerosol cans, paint fumes, lead, and any other potentially dangerous, un-healthy or un-safe product made. As a matter of fact, you could invest in a business of making bubbles for people to live in. That way all the anti-freedom people like you could all live in your little bubbles and never have to worry about any dangerous un-safe thing affecting you ever.

Don't forget books...you know they might contain dangerous ideas...like freedom, democracy, personal property rights, and other anti Nanny Nation ideas.

[Tim]

AMEN, I couldn't agree more! What is next? Is the Government going to tell Business Owners what they can serve now too? I believe everyone still has an option of where to dine?

Bobbiez wrote:

Hooray for MI...let's become a socialist state with the government telling business owners who they may or may not wish to cater to!!! Let's put some small mom and pop bars out of business!!! Yeah!!! Why will no one give me an answer to the question that I keep asking???? Why should a business owner not have the right to cater to the people they want to??? Why is the state government who is TOO STUPID to figure out a way to balance the budget telling small business owners how to run their business? This is NOT about smoking, it is about government control of the people. I don't smoke, and I'm not particularly into organized religion. However, when I see anyones' rights being taken away,(a business owner's right to choose who to serve so that they may make money and pay taxes, or a person's right to pray) I get angry. Our government is supposed to protect rights...not take them away. Heil Hitler to all of you people who are against free enterprise!! Planning on burning any books soon?

[Gentle Taz]

Smoke Free wrote:

<quoted text>
And that's exactly why I VOTE. If I don't like something or feel strong about an issue I get involved and I VOTE.
I don't look at it as losing rights but gaining a safer, healthier and nicer America. Is that a wrong thing???
Smoke all you want just keep it away from me and my family. It's your habit, not mine!!!

That's easy enough. Just stay away from smokers and smoking establishments. Any other way of doing it takes away someones right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".

[tony]

do all you socialist supporters of this ban think you are immune to your own beliefs ?
you are feeding the mouth that will bite you too when your time, when your freedom to choose is next.
most of the supporters of Hitler ended up the same place as the Jews.
your being used- and your proud of it.
just wait, your day, your freedoms are not safe for the socialists.
be happy..for now

[Loser]

-LMS- wrote:

<quoted text>
I don't remember this issue being put in front of the voters for us to make this decision. Did I miss something? The correct thing to do would have been that they did put this on a ballot for us "the people" to vote on. At least if it passed that way I wouldn't feel as if the govt was stepping in and taking rights away from individuals and businesses.
Since you are h.ell bent on a safer, healthier and nicer America, make sure that you keep your family away from household cleaners, exhaust fumes from vehicles, fast food, red meat, automobiles, airplanes, boats, electrical outlets, deep water, bicycles, motorcycles, fried food, aerosol cans, paint fumes, lead, and any other potentially dangerous, un-healthy or un-safe product made. As a matter of fact, you could invest in a business of making bubbles for people to live in. That way all the anti-freedom people like you could all live in your little bubbles and never have to worry about any dangerous un-safe thing affecting you ever.

You all keep talking about YOUR freedom to smoke where ever you please. What gives you the right to choose whose freedom is more important.

They saw we live in a free country, who is free? Who chooses whose freedom is more important than whose. Do you choose that. When does one persons freedom overpower or become more important to anothers persons freedom. Just because it has always been acceptable, or that is the way it has always been done, is that the measurement of whose freedom is more important.

What about MY freedom to visit any establishment I choose and not have to exit that establishment smelling like the wet end of an ashtray? When did my freedom to choose to enter an establishment get deleted from my ability to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Its a fine line. Figure out whose freedom is more important, or at least how to determine the level of importance, and define whose freedom has more merit. Write a book it will become a best seller.

[Free America]

Loser wrote:

<quoted text>
You all keep talking about YOUR freedom to smoke where ever you please. What gives you the right to choose whose freedom is more important.
They saw we live in a free country, who is free? Who chooses whose freedom is more important than whose. Do you choose that. When does one persons freedom overpower or become more important to anothers persons freedom. Just because it has always been acceptable, or that is the way it has always been done, is that the measurement of whose freedom is more important.
What about MY freedom to visit any establishment I choose and not have to exit that establishment smelling like the wet end of an ashtray? When did my freedom to choose to enter an establishment get deleted from my ability to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Its a fine line. Figure out whose freedom is more important, or at least how to determine the level of importance, and define whose freedom has more merit. Write a book it will become a best seller.

I would say the owner of the businesses right to choose what he/she wants to allow in their business trumps your so called right to enter that business.

[Bobbiez]

Free America wrote:

<quoted text>
I would say the owner of the businesses right to choose what he/she wants to allow in their business trumps your so called right to enter that business.

Amen...well said!!

That is the one thing the antis can't get through their ultra thick skulls. We (at least myself) are not necessarily defending the rights of smokers. We are saying...LET THE BUSINESS OWNER OF A PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENT decide for themselves whether or not to allow smoking. I don't understand why the antis are unable to grasp this simple concept. Oh yeah, that is because they are not capable of making a decision on their own. They need NANNY NATION to tell them everything. Makes me wonder if they think everyone should have a government official stationed in their house to tell them when to blow their nose.

Oh yeah, again, I DON'T SMOKE!! It is a nasty, filthy, smelly, but LEGAL habit. I like non-smoking restaurants, and go to them quite often. Sometimes I go to bars that allow smoking to hang with my friends who smoke. Wow...I'm capable of making a decision for myself. I'm not saying I'm better than the antis...but maybe I have a bit more common sense. If you don't like smoke...GO TO A NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT...DUH!!!

[blow smoke in your face]

Some restaurants and bars are smoke free other are not.
that should be good enough.
if you don't like smoke eat at a smoke free restaurant.
but nooooo...they need it all-because they are better than smokers, they are worth more
that proves the anti smokers are selfish- whining-control freaks who just want everything their way.
they are the most inconstant cry babies on the planet.
they whine about jobs but put people out of work.
well, i think you smoke Nazi's are sick twisted selfish little snot nosed infantile whiners and cry babies and you suck
go feel good about your selfs and tell yourself what big men you are because you whined and got your way.
go live in Russia, you don't deserve to live here and we don't want you here anyway.
jockbags!