[Servant of Eru]

Okay, while I could sort of see the point in making restaurants have no smoking sections other than the outdoor seating, now I hear on the news that in California they're trying to pass a law that makes it illegal to smoke when in the car with young children in the car. How young exactly they didn't specify, but this is crazy! The law makers and the 'concerned citizens' voiced that they were worried about the developing lungs of a child while in a car that's completely sealed off (no windows cracked, etc.) being affected badly by the second hand smoke. While I can almost see the logic in this rather skectchy thought, how many smokers have you seen that smoke the majority of the time in a car without so much as a cracked window? Maybe in extremely cold weather, but back when my grandparents smoked, they'd always have a window cracked. Next thing you know, they're gonna be saying you can't smoke in your own house! I'm no fan of cigarettes as they've killed off all my grandparents, and several relatives, but quite honestly, rather than making these hokey laws as to where you can and cannot smoke, wouldn't it make more sense to ban cigarettes all together? They don't callit the land of the fruits and nuts for nothing!

[pyritechips]

While I can almost see the logic in this rather skectchy thought, how many smokers have you seen that smoke the majority of the time in a car without so much as a cracked window?

First of all, in my nearly 50 years I have seen more people smoking in a car with all the windows closed than with windows open. When I was a kid we travelled extensively and my Dad smoked all the time. I think that for almost 20 years I smoked his cigarettes along with him. Scarey proposition.

rather than making these hokey laws as to where you can and cannot smoke, wouldn't it make more sense to ban cigarettes all together?

I just heard on the news that a man that had HIV (and knew it) had sex with several women without telling them he was infected. He was sentenced to a total of 14 years in jail. It is an established fact that cigarettes kill. Why don't people that sell cigarettes also get similar sentences for endangering the lives of others?

TAX REVENUE!

Our governments are among the biggest hypocrits in the world. Cancer is the biggest non violent killer in the world and cigarettes are the largest cause of cancer so you tell me why tobacco products aren't made illegal. I have mentioned this here several times before and the answers I get are:

a) It's free-enterprise. Anybody should be allowed to sell a product and make a profit.

It's my contention that, no!, you shouldn't be allowed to sell something that is bad for people. Dangerous electronic products, toys and crack are not allowed to be sold. Why is tobacco?

TAX REVENUE!

b) If people are supid enough to pay money for a product they know is dangerous it's their own problem.

Fine! The I say let's legalize pot and crack. who cares if people fry their brains? Imagine how much profit capitalists can make and "how many jobs can be created!" Also imagine how much TAX REVENUE! can be generated. This can eleviate the national debt, reduce taxes and stimulate the economy! Of course no matter how much governments increase tobacco and alcohol taxes it never increases anything. Whens the last time your government increased tobacco taxes and reduced other taxes in compensation?

[cnimbus]

Originally Posted by Servant of Eru

Okay, while I could sort of see the point in making restaurants have no smoking sections other than the outdoor seating, now I hear on the news that in California they're trying to pass a law that makes it illegal to smoke when in the car with young children in the car. How young exactly they didn't specify, but this is crazy!

For a parent to subject his or her children to cigarette smoke is very irresponsible. One would think that most parents would care enough about their children not deliberately expose them to a known carcinogen. Second hand smoke can also cause asthma and other harmful effects, inside a car and anyplace else. Children are a lot more sensitive to smoke than adults.

While I can almost see the logic in this rather skectchy thought, how many smokers have you seen that smoke the majority of the time in a car without so much as a cracked window?

How about if it is very hot or cold outside, or maybe raining? I doubt they will have the windows open then.

I'm no fan of cigarettes as they've killed off all my grandparents, and several relatives, but quite honestly, rather than making these hokey laws as to where you can and cannot smoke, wouldn't it make more sense to ban cigarettes all together? They don't callit the land of the fruits and nuts for nothing!

The People's Republic of Kalifornia is called that for a reason. I agree with you that there are way too many overbearing laws in this state. Tobacco is more addictive than pot and every bit as harmful, yet cigarettes are legal and weed is not. Ridiculous laws...

[Stoner]

simple solution....outlaw cars__

[LANMaster]

Ahhhh California. My old stomping grounds. The land of fruits and nuts.

Pyritechips, the reason the windows were probably up for smokers where you live is that the temperature probably made it uncomfortable to roll them down.

If I am in a convertable in sunny Southern California, with my 16 year old in the back and we're headed to the beach to play in the surf and sand, I see no reason for a LAW prohibiting me from smoking.
Heck! They're working on making it illegal to smoke on the beach as well!

I think some intellect should be inserted into this proposed law.

1. No smoking in a vehicle without proper ventalation (open the window if you must smoke)
2. No littering. If you smoke in public, use the friggin ashtray, and not the ground.
3. Smoking should be allowed in drinking establishments. (where the legal drinking age is observed) Patrons can chose for themselves whether to frequent establishments which allow smoking. The free market will determine who stays in business.
4. I agree with the smoking ban in eating establishments which are designed for families.

So there!

[Stoner]

Heck! They're working on making it illegal to smoke on the beach as well!

so sad......and such a large ash tray, too.......

[LANMaster]

I have smoked at the beach, and I will admit that I used to use the sand as my personal ashtray. Not even caring what happens to my butts, or what I was doing with that trash.

About 10 years ago, I stopped leaving my ciggy butts in the sand.
I use the sand to extinguish the smoke, then keep the butt with my stuff until I make my way to the trashcan. I had to go there anyway to get rid of my beercans so it was no real extra effort.

[Chris A]

There are qute a few beaches that do not allow beer...


These morality laws do get way out of hand. I predict that sometime in the future there will be a fat content tax... The end of the value meal.

[angelize56]

And they'll start taxing the overweight too!

Cigarettes don't belong around children under any circumstances! If ciggies were banned you wouldn't hear me crying!

[LANMaster]

Originally Posted by Chris A

There are qute a few beaches that do not allow beer...

I left the state as they were passing that law

These morality laws do get way out of hand. I predict that sometime in the future there will be a fat content tax... The end of the value meal.

I think they already do tax certain things higher based on the health risks.
Cigarrettes, alcohol, certain OTC medications. (I think)

[LANMaster]

Originally Posted by angelize56

And they'll start taxing the overweight too!

Cigarettes don't belong around children under any circumstances! If ciggies were banned you wouldn't hear me crying!

What do you want to ban next, free speech?
*LAN looks in mirror to make sure I don't start looking like Bassetman*

[angelize56]

Well if you'd take the time to put out that ciggy you could speak!

[LANMaster]

I smoke about 3 cigarrettes a day.

I enjoy those 3 and I don't intend to fully stop anytime soon.
I don't smoke in my home, or my office. I do smoke in my car.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go outside to protest the evil tobacco companies by burning their product.

[angelize56]

Wow you must talk a lot then!!!

[angelize56]

And hey...look how close three is to NONE!!!