I applaud the decision. Now, first everyone should enjoy the freedom, liberties and rights awarded to us by our constitution. And, the argument of second hand smoke, while definitely an environmental health risk within enclosed areas such as restaurants and bars is a bit of a stretch in an outdoor arena. There is plenty of research out there (I know). however, I for one am tired of having our communities serve as the garbage can and ash tray for inconsiderate people. (So those who liter we should come after you next). It is absolutely disgusting to take your child to a playground or park and have them come across discarded cigarettes, filters and lighters. In addition, I am also tired of driving behind a smoker only to witness on a DAILY basis a smoker holding their cigarette outside of their car, and flinging their ashes and butts out the window when they have finished their addictive ritual. Just exactly what gives them the right to disrespect their community? And, if they enjoy smoking so much, why waste all of that enjoyment out the window...let it linger in the car, re-breathe the aroma get your money's worth!!
Here is a question: how often non-smokers when going to the beach to enjoy the FRESH outdoor air are you surrounded by puffers who apparently are so "not addicted" to smoking that they cannot go a mere couple of hours at a beach without a little ciggy? Absolutely ridiculous. so, perhaps a smoking section would be better?
So, for a non-smoking parent I am thrilled to see our council standup for this community, attempt to preserve our parks and clean air and help remove this habit from our society. to my smoking friends, I'm sorry that you are loosing your rights, your freedom to pollute my air... so, smokers...I will never tell you what to do in your own home...nor in your car. Just seal up your windows and enjoy what all your pleasure!
Now...@emmadomain: If you recall we live in a republic...that means we elect people to make decisions for us! Next time you vote (if you do) do a bit more research. so...perhaps your biggest problem is you rely on wikipedia instead of the constitution and your history teacher!
@spartanshoes: Don't even bother to argue with facts...it's pointless with those who "know" and "believe" what they believe.
@billslilbro: you know, if you really understood the historical significance of that statement, you probably wouldn't have made it to begin with...but, now that you mention it...
@clevrbob: isn't it amazing how adamant smokers are to enjoy the "right" to smoke? our healthcare system is so overburdened by the growing numbers of patients affected by smoking diseases...and many of you who defend the right to smoke, tend to be more libertarian-republican by nature (you know...don't tell me what to do and all that)...so I find it ironic that such a high percentage of our tax dollars in healthcare costs go to caring for those with tobacco related diseases that don't have insurance...
So, chew on this folks: Over 443,000 Americans die from smoking every year. (18% of all deaths). second Hand smoke kills around 50,000 of them! 5,400,000 people die each year caused by tobacco. by 2030, that number is expected to rise to 8,300,000. Every 6.5 seconds a current or former smoker dies. Now, if you choose to smoke...good on ya mate, but don't get me involved..and don't was hopsital, doctors, and health insurance dollars when you get sick.. Accept your fate, and be done with it...don't scream later that you have the right to healthcare to treat the disease of your choosing.
Many of these deaths are from other diseases that are significantly exacerbated by smoking including heart disease, kidney disease, nasal, oral, liver, cerivcal and lung cancer, asthma, emphysema, stroke. Smokers are at higher risks of developing chest infections, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. A pregnant women has a higher risk of miscarriage, still births and congenital defects for her unborn baby.
Some other amazing facts. There are over 600 consitutents of cancer smoke including the ever popular ones: Tar, Nicotine and carbon monoxide but also cadmium, Uranium, polonium, nitrosamines, benzo(a)pyrene, arsenic, ammonia, lead, hydrogen cyanide, etc...etc...etc...
Honestly if I came over to you and pumped in some tar, cyanide, carbon monoxide, nitrosamines (TSNA specific cancer causing agents only found in tobacco) and Uranium into a smal tube and gave it to you to inhale...would you be arguing this BAN?? In the famous words of Amy Poeler..."Really....Really?....Really!"
I suppose my last hope is my children and others like them that when walking into Meijer one day saw a person smoking and my son said (in his loud 4 year old voice)...."Ewww dad, he's smoking...that's gross!" In reply to the insulted look on the smoker..."I can't help my 4 year old son is smarter than you."
So...hate me all you want, call me what you will....but I lived, breathed and reserached tobacco related cancer for seven years.... you have absolutely no idea how unbelieveably dangerous it is to smoke. however, it is dependent on the genetic makeup of each person. THe problem is...you don't know if your holding the "damaged" smoking genes or not..
So smoke 'em if you got 'em...but not in my park!
Portage extends smoking ban to playground, picnic shelter areas in all city parks
You must log in to post a comment.