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Pennsylvania Smoking Ban
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T O P I C
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Discussion Started: 09-27-2005, 1:26 PM
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A state law that bans smoking in most workplaces and public spaces in Pennsylvania goes into effect this month. The law prohibits cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking in restaurants, office buildings, schools, sports arenas, theaters and bus and train stations. A dozen exemptions ensure that smoking can continue at some bars and taverns, portions of casino floors, private clubs and elsewhere. Tell us what you think about this.
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View Messages: [newest first] | [oldest first]
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penngate86
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09-11-2008, 1:27 PM
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cpohner: Interesting point about the condo... On the other side of my neighbor, there is a family that smokes a lot. I was talking to my neighbor and she said she cannot open her windows in the summer time because the smoke blows right into her house. I did not realize the severity of it until I was walking my dog by the house and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Never in my mind did I think smoke would stagnate an area outside like that. In this case, whose rights are violated? The smoking neighbors moved in after the non-smoking neighbors. Don't get me wrong, I do not think that there should be any law prohibiting smoking in people's homes. However, I am thankful that I am not in my neighbor's situation. (And it is not easy to pick up and move for most middle-class Americans - so that option is not viable.)
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DaxViggs
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09-11-2008, 1:20 PM
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Not sure if you all noticed, but the ban went into effect today. I can just see the smug faces on all the non-smoking soccer moms. Well, good for you all. Maybe by the time your kids get to be adults, thinking for yourself in general will also be outlawed. After all, all that seems to have caused me nothing but trouble.
I'm trying to figure out a way to protest. I'm thinking about taking up smoking, then standing in front of restaurants, smoking 5 cigs at a time. Now it won't matter if you request non-smoking... I'll still be there in front in a cloud of smoke so thick you won't be able to see my face. I may die of asphyxiation within a month, but at least I will have pointed out just how stupid and ineffective the ban is.
At least bars that generate less than 20 percent of their revenue from food are exempt. Dive bars pretty much. Which usually are the best bars anyway.
----- "Art degraded, Imagination denied, War Govern'd the Nations." -Blake
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Aristotle
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09-11-2008, 10:29 AM
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DIANE: While I could care less either way, it is not a right or freedom when it infringes on the rights of others. That is the fundamental point people either dont know or try to ignore to argue their point. Take freedom of speech for example. Is ALL speech free??? I think not. We have tendency to view things through jaded views. I am not a smoker, but I have a problem where you can not go to a restaurant to get away from smoke address this problem and I . The nonsmoking section is not separate from the smoking and that bothers people. Who am I to tell that it should not bother them or to stay home. Things deemed offensive by the majority, under our style of govt, are supposed to be remedied.
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cpohner
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09-11-2008, 9:52 AM
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so as a comparison. i can go into a bar. i can order as many drinks as i want. i can get completely drunk. if i compose myself and do not appear annoying, i may leave said bar. i may then get into my vehicle and attempt to drive home possibly killing someone. that is acceptable behavior? yes it is illegal. but will i get caught? to the point of discussion...i can do the above. but heaven forbid if i try to light up a smoke with my drink!! call the morals police. call the health police. this country is so screwed up it isn't even funny. i smoke. i know i could die from it. it is my choice. if i go to a rest. that is smoke free so be it. i think i can do without a smoke for an hour. or if i can smoke at the bar i will go there. it is my choice to do this. but to put the scarlet "s" on me as a smoker is wrong. i cannot believe there are actually places in this country, ie: condo associations that do not allow you to even smoke in your condo or outside on the deck as the smoke may waft to your next door neighbor. that is complete discrimination and an infringement on peoples rights. yes i know. don't live there. but it is the point of what entities are being allowed to get away with.
off soap box or this would be 10 pages deep.
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Diane029
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09-11-2008, 8:22 AM
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Last I heard this was a free country to make your own decisions. I am a former smoker and I feel for those who want to stop. However, if I don't want to be around those who smoke, I don't. Same goes for the restaurant that allows smoking. My choice, their choice. Everyone has a vice of some sort. Plus we are all going to die from something - either smoke, the water we drink, the pills we take or the food that we eat. Let these folks have their own space where they are not hurting others. Free country, freedom of speech....starting to sound like it is getting scarce.
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Denny51
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08-07-2008, 7:34 AM
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I keep hearing the comment "businesess saw profits rise after they went smoke free" This is all bull and the government lies just to try to make you to think they actually did something worthwhile! I don't own a business, but if smoke free meant higher profits don't you think business would have went smoke free on their own!
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penngate86
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08-02-2008, 12:43 PM
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Robo: I agree with what you are saying; I think our freedoms are diminishing quickly. I can't even take cupcakes into my child's classroom because of the childhood obesity problem and subsequent regulations. Someone else's overweight child is not my problem, but my child suffers because of it. I don't care if my neighbor stuffs his kids full of twinkies and soda, this is America! And I agree with your argument that we don't want the govt controlling our every move. I am just thrilled that I went into our local Chilis the other day and they are smoke free. That's all I wanted, one place!! Texas Roadhouse, Damon's and all the others can keep on smokin' because at least I have one place to go now (besides McDonalds.)
I still think there is a valid argument to the non-smoking regulation though, because the act affects many and not just the smoker him/herself. Your point remains that it is up to the business owner and patrons. Your point is certainly legit. If Obama wins, it will be a nanny country before you know it - because we stupid citizens cleary cannot make good decisions on our own.
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Robo0425
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07-29-2008, 10:45 AM
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OK, so the People Republic of California has announced that by 2010 Trans fats will be banned and they are limiting the building of new Fast Food Resturaunts.
Can I now start saying "I told you so", or do I have to wait for the North Korea inspired State mandated public exercise program?
Nanny state politics will not stop with "your" issue guys. This crap is taking on a life of its own, and when they come for you, give me a call, although, by then I will most likely be living in a solar powered bunker somewhere in Montana.
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Aristotle
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07-14-2008, 2:45 PM
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Penn: I am not sure how far the suit is going. I was watching Glenn Beck and they always break away for that short segment about PA Affairs. The head of the ACLU or NAACP (can't remember which) said they have been calling and may come to legal action to resolve this issue. I for one think it is bogus and a disgrace. How are we as people EVER going to get along when we perceive each other has getting preferential treatment? I heard a FedEx add and they touted how they support affirmative action and so on. That is telling me if they embrace that so much minorities already have a leg up in the interview process.
I can say 1 thing about the no-smoking ban when I lived in DE those owners began to draw from Southern PA and Eastern MD because of it and actually saw profits rise. I do think they should have eased it in over the summer when people are outside or on vacation more instead of dropping in the fall when all there is to do is go out to Restaraunts and bars (for the younger or older empty nesters)because the weather has turned crappy. That is when you may see a dive in profits. It will only be for a short time though, people are not going to stay home because they can't light up!
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penngate86
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07-14-2008, 9:04 AM
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Ari, I know this is not about the smoking ban, but I was unaware of the lawsuit that you discussed. Is that still happening? I have family in the state police and they cater excessively to minorities! Women going through the police academy basically get free passes when it comes to things like obstacle courses. And when it comes to promotions, minorities always get moved up on the lists! I am with you 100% on the minority issues of today. (I didn't employ slaves, and I don't want to be punished for the idiots who did.) Just like the whole 10 commandments being displayed. However, I do have to admit I see both arguments when it comes to smoking. That's a tough one.
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