Poll: Should smoking be made illegal?

[Sikachu]

Actually drinking anykind of red wine HELPS your heart and digestive track and white wine has a few benefit's it self and as for beer
beer poisons the liver a little bit but the liver takes care of that so no harm done
and smoking cigarettes hurts your lungs by everything that's in it including tar and paint
weed on the other hand also hurts your lungs but isn't as bad as cigarettes

And smoking significantly diminishes the likelihood of several types of cancer. Doesn't mean it isn't bad for you. It's amazing what you people can convince yourselves of by cherry picking a few facts and then absolutely refusing to do more research or even admit your immense ignorance on the rest of the topic at hand.

 

[Sikachu]

It should be banned in public (including outside) because it is fucking disgusting.

Disgusting is subjective and if we're going to start banning things on that basis you better get used to not leaving your parents' house ever again, I somehow doubt your face would pass my 'not disgusting' test.

Smoking is a choice, being as ugly as you are is not.

1. You've got the choice to wear a mask in public or get surgery.
2. Ignoring that facetious point, I may happen to find fat people disgusting (I do, but that's unrelated) and you will be hard pressed to show me the anything like a significant proportion of those that are fat can attribute it to their metabolism, and so being fat is a choice they are making. Does that mean it is alright to ban fat people from being visible in public places?

 

[MassiveGeek]

I'm sorry to dissapoint, I've never forced someone else to stand in the rain because they smoke. That's just rude.

Where did that even come from? Sorry, but when I'm waiting for my train, it would be very nice of the smokers not to light a cigarette in my face when there's plenty of space they can stand on and have a cigarette without forcing me to breathe in the smoke, without having to stand in the rain even.

And did I ever say I was morally superior? My dad smokes, lots of people in my class smoke - I won't ever force them to not do it, but it would be very nice of them not to do it in my face.

And for that matter, what's worse: having to breathe in toxic smoke or standing out in the rain for two minutes? I for that matter wouldn't mind standing in the rain, I think it's refreshing.

It's a misunderstanding, in England and the US too (I think) it is illegal to smoke in public buildings, this includes train platforms. This was effectively a group of "morally superior" campaigners who decided smokers were second class citizens.

As your profile says you're from Sweden you may have been totally unaware of this.

My opinion on the topic, as a non-smoker, is that it should not be illegal.

We're in a decent place where we are now, the law prevents smokers from inflicting it on other and the massive taxes help relive the burden smokers put on healthcare. Not sure how they justify this in the US where healthcare isn't free and the government just pockets the taxes.

We do need to stop the persecution of smokers, they are not second class citizens. We also need to loosen the smoking laws; a plumber should be able to smoke in his own van, a shopkeeper should be able to smoke in his own shop. Pubs should be forced to have effective smoking areas, sealed and air-conditioned separately from the non-smoking areas, so I can chill with my friends while they smoke and I drink.

Well, it isn't illegal here(for what I know), because as long as you're outside, you can smoke wherever the fuck you want.

But there is a difference between personal freedom to choose, and common sense. You don't light a cigarette in someone's face, that's just not cool.

I don't care if you smoke: just don't do it in my face, because I think it's disgusting and I feel sick when I smell the smoke.

That was MY entire point. Making it illegal would just make a big mess of it all, but at least here in Sweden, I feel people need to start showing some decency. If they don't, maybe we need more regulations, but I don't know.

 

[Harrowdown]

No. If smoking is banned then drinking has to be banned as well.

Drinking doesn't harm your health unless you overdo it. Smoking harms you regardless of amount smoked.

No, that's wrong. A couple fags every now and then isn't enough to damage the body faster than it can recover, or at least not to the point of serious health risks. Drinking isn't all that much safer in the short term either, especially when you take into account the accidents that can happen when someone is intoxicated. Car crashes, violent crime, accidental death with a sex toy, etc. You'll find as well that certain people are more resistant to the effects of smoking than others. I had a great grandpa who smoked daily, and he lived to 91. Died of old age, no cancer or anything.

 

[Sikachu]

I don't mean this in an offensive way, this is a serious question. Are you actually retarded?

Wow, because that's really not offensive at all.

No, I was actually concerned about the mental health of a previous poster who said he wanted smokers to be shot. If he was mentally retarded then that might explain things. Otherwise he's just a ****.

And yet I bet you're the one who'll get mod-wrathed for it...

 

[MassiveGeek]

It would just be a mess if it was banned entirely.

But I am all for banning it in public places, I feel really sick when I smell cigarette smoke. And people aren't very considerate in where they smoke, so.

Oh yeah?

And every time you make a smoker stand out in the rain because they want a cigarette but you don't want them in the same room you're being very inconsiderate to them too (it works both ways, you are not inherantly morally superior because you choose not to smoke, and this is coming from a non-smoker).

Maybe the next time you see someone light up on a rainy day maybe you should be considerate enough to wait outside while they finish.

I'm sorry to dissapoint, I've never forced someone else to stand in the rain because they smoke. That's just rude.

Where did that even come from? Sorry, but when I'm waiting for my train, it would be very nice of the smokers not to light a cigarette in my face when there's plenty of space they can stand on and have a cigarette without forcing me to breathe in the smoke, without having to stand in the rain even.

And did I ever say I was morally superior? My dad smokes, lots of people in my class smoke - I won't ever force them to not do it, but it would be very nice of them not to do it in my face.

And for that matter, what's worse: having to breathe in toxic smoke or standing out in the rain for two minutes? I for that matter wouldn't mind standing in the rain, I think it's refreshing.

If there's so much space, why don't you move and stand in it? The smoker hasn't got a problem, you've got a problem. You have a solution to fix your problem, take it. Not sure why you expect every smoker out there to recognise you as the sort of pussy that can't handle a little smoke in the air and give you a wide berth, but I'm pretty sure the whole 'lighter, cigarette, lighting' process might tip you off that they're about to smoke...

If there's a bus stop, and I'm sitting on the bench waiting for the bus, then someone walking up to me and lighting a cigarette is fucking rude, right?

I won't go and sit on the bench if someone's already smoking there, and tell them to move, then I stand somewhere else.

It's just that simple - don't stand close to someone and light a cigarette. Stand a bit further away, show some decency.

It's not that damn hard.

 

[Sikachu]

yes, people make fuzz about every single little problem which makes 'the government waste THEIR (tax) money". Yet everybody forgets the shitload of money being poured into healthcare (in my country everybody gets it as its government funded). Newsflash, cancerpatients cost alot of healthcare money which comes out of taxes which comes out of your pocket.

So ? smoking still okay with everybody ? Not with me, because that means MY money is being wasted on smokers for something they brought upon themselves.

My proposal ? Either a) ban smoking or b) remove ALL healthcare support AND life insurence (because imo smoking = suicide) of verified smokers.

Fine by me if you remove the over 100% tax markup on cigarettes. Hell, with that saving I could afford two people's worth of healthcare and life insurance.

(not to mention that people pay different amounts for their life insurance dependent upon their lifestyle choices, so a smoker already pays more than you do, not that someone as self-centred as you are would be capable of approaching any problem from a viewpoint other than your own)

 

[Tipsy Giant]

No. I don't want the government deciding for me what unhealthy things I can and can't indulge in more than they already do. I don't care for anyone else's dumb morality crusading, either. And for the record, I'm not a smoker, nor have I ever been.

Exactly, couldn't have said it better myself, I already think we are told what we can and can't do too much

 

[Deleted]

Smoking is more or less a right (you can do what you want to your body up to a point, and smoking is well within it). Plus it apparantly tastes good? So there is some instant gratification involved and it isn't just hitting yourself with a hammer.

I don't smoke but I'm not going to judge someone if they do.

 

[SultanP]

Yes! We definitely need less freedom! We should also make it illegal to breathe while near a car, bus, moped, motorbike, and other motorized vehicles while they are running. Also, not getting enough sleep should totally be make illegal too, jail the insomniacs! I also think that being allowed to trip and fall should be illegal, that can be harmful too. Less freedom all around is a very good thing indeed!

Tell your friend to go live in North Korea if he's going to be an idiot.

 

[XT inc]

maybe if they people here realized what a slippery slope they were on they would vote no more. This whole taxing extra to punish people from smoking is nonsense. Let people do what they want, they will die from it sure, but do you want to live in a world where people tell you how to live or better yet die.

if they ban smoking, they'll ban drinking, they'll ban fatty or sugary foods, anything bad for you will go out the window, or cost an arm and a leg just to get. I live in ontario where the assholes run the liquor industry. It is wonderful, less brands and luxurious taxation. a 1.75L bottle of vodka here (the cheeaap stuff) is 53.99 in the states you can get a much better brand for 14.99. You might not like people with vices, but don't condemn them.

Hell maybe they would find videogames harmful to living since you aren't producing anything and just wasting man hours that could be spent bettering society, wham new taxation, $200 games and online multiplayer is by the hour to keep you from doddling.

 

[Sikachu]

It would just be a mess if it was banned entirely.

But I am all for banning it in public places, I feel really sick when I smell cigarette smoke. And people aren't very considerate in where they smoke, so.

Oh yeah?

And every time you make a smoker stand out in the rain because they want a cigarette but you don't want them in the same room you're being very inconsiderate to them too (it works both ways, you are not inherantly morally superior because you choose not to smoke, and this is coming from a non-smoker).

Maybe the next time you see someone light up on a rainy day maybe you should be considerate enough to wait outside while they finish.

I'm sorry to dissapoint, I've never forced someone else to stand in the rain because they smoke. That's just rude.

Where did that even come from? Sorry, but when I'm waiting for my train, it would be very nice of the smokers not to light a cigarette in my face when there's plenty of space they can stand on and have a cigarette without forcing me to breathe in the smoke, without having to stand in the rain even.

And did I ever say I was morally superior? My dad smokes, lots of people in my class smoke - I won't ever force them to not do it, but it would be very nice of them not to do it in my face.

And for that matter, what's worse: having to breathe in toxic smoke or standing out in the rain for two minutes? I for that matter wouldn't mind standing in the rain, I think it's refreshing.

If there's so much space, why don't you move and stand in it? The smoker hasn't got a problem, you've got a problem. You have a solution to fix your problem, take it. Not sure why you expect every smoker out there to recognise you as the sort of pussy that can't handle a little smoke in the air and give you a wide berth, but I'm pretty sure the whole 'lighter, cigarette, lighting' process might tip you off that they're about to smoke...

If there's a bus stop, and I'm sitting on the bench waiting for the bus, then someone walking up to me and lighting a cigarette is fucking rude, right?

I won't go and sit on the bench if someone's already smoking there, and tell them to move, then I stand somewhere else.

It's just that simple - don't stand close to someone and light a cigarette. Stand a bit further away, show some decency.

It's not that damn hard.

You and I have a very similar view. If its a small place and there's nowhere else really to go, I would consider it rude to light up without asking you if you minded (and offering you one). I get the impression that if there were places to go, and I didn't say anything, and it bothered you, you would just go stand on another part of the platform, no bitching, no hard feelings, right? Common decency on both sides makes laws redundant. Just because I don't see why you find tobacco smoke irritating and distasteful doesn't mean that you don't or shouldn't or make your opinion any less valid. On the other hand, people that can't stand being near someone smoking are actually pretty few and far between (don't see much difference between the number of people in pubs in the UK pre- and post- smoking ban), so I shouldn't HAVE to ask you if you're alright with me doing something that (medically speaking) hasn't been shown to have any effect on you (yes second hand smoke does eventually demonstrate a higher incidence of smoking related diseases but it's about build-up over years not isolated incidents) and I am within my rights to do. I don't really understand why I should have to move just in case you happen to be hyper-sensitive when you might as well be a smoker or a normal non-smoker in which case we can both enjoy the bus shelter in comfort.

The situation now has been flipped so that the smoker is screwed whatever happens (even if there's no-one at the bus shelter), the non-smoker still doesn't give a shit, and the sensitive smoker is protected. Shouldn't there be some more intelligent solution to this?

 

[monkey_man]

well, they are some kind of drug, like weed.
I think it should cost more, like 30 dollars a packet. it will keep the children from buying it ,meh thinks.
(note: in the Netherlands, a packet of smokes costs about 10 euros or something, i don't really know, because i don't smoke)(and I do not care if you people think that is too much).

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Topic done five times that I can remember.

Anti-Smokers say it's harmful and they don't like the smell.
Smokers point out the 90% tax they pay that props up the Health service, it's an addiction and it's their choice.
Anti-Smokers repeat it smells bad and some call for the death penalty.

There ya go. /thread.

Well atleast in sweden they have done studies that shows that they loose more money then they gain from the taxes since smokers are more sick then non smokers

They did one in England. For every smoker that gives up, your taxes need to be increased by £5 to compensate.
And almost none of the diseases regularly suffered by smokers (or non-smokers) are curable by medicine. They just cure themselves. Heaven forbid we let smokers live longer though.

 

[Clash_Action]

Rule #1: Don't post opinions on facebook and expect a rational argument in most cases.

That aside, I totally agree with your stance that people need to decide for themselves. I voted a straight-up "No" but I do think that individual properties and businesses have the right to decide if and where smoking is allowed on their property.

Other than that, smoke if you got 'em.

 

[GlitchZero]

See, thing is, you don't need to.
Non-smokers hate the smell of smoke so much, businesses that prohibit smoking are generally much more successful than those that don't.

WOW. I would LOVE to see the study that this aborted fetus of an idea came out of.

Let's see..well, just for shits and giggles, let's start with the big 3 car manufacturers, Ford, GM, and Chrysler. Boy, they're just a steaming pile of success now, aren't they? All those bailouts are a sign of making the right call when they passed that anti smoking act on employees.

Grow the fuck up, you dolt. Whether a business prohibits smoking or not has exactly as much effect on how successful it is as my left nut has on how stupid your statements are.

(I know you're thick, so I'll spell it out - none. It has no effect.)

 

[Asher1991]

Here's a radical idea: Ban not smoking. I think that if you can claim it's reasonable for me, as a smoker, to be shot, stabbed, burned at the stake, or have a swift and painful death otherwise exacted on me, I think it's only fair that you should have to be a smoker. Why? Well, because we're talking about government control here. And I happen to believe that the government should force everyone to smoke, because clearly some people just need some perspective. It's the same reason why I think the some people who are just too goddamn uptight need to get laid. It relaxes them and opens their minds a little.

And while we're at it, I also think that governments should force everyone to wear those Energy Dome hats from Devo and on Fridays we can only eat ice-cream. Oh, and anyone playing WoW should just have their reproductive organs removed. I mean, they're not using them anyway, aye?

 

[MassiveGeek]

-Snip-(is how you write it right?)

If there is plenty of space there usually isn't a problem, because the smoker will usually not stand close to me while lighting a cigarette, so mostly there isn't a problem in that sense. However, one time I was sitting on a bench waiting for the train. Two girls comes and sits down on the bench, starts talking - no problem. Then they light up a cigarette each, completely ignoring that there's another person on the bench.

This is what I can't stand. Because there were plenty of other spaces(and benches) for them to light a smoke on - what they did was just plain rude. I actually told them this, and with some snarky comments they moved. It's no big deal, but I wish people wouldn't be this rude.

Another situation. I'm waiting at the bus stop, sitting on the bench there completely alone. A lady walks up and sits on the bench. She lights a cigarette, and I cough, she then turns to me and apologizes very politely, then moves away. This is decency. She realised that I was there and respected me by moving away and having her cigarette a bit farther away.

Do you see my point? All I'm asking is decency, of course from both people, but the situation is in fact more dependant on the smoker, because they're the one lighting the cigarette - I don't know if you're a smoker most likely, and they don't know I'm not. So why not just be decent and light the smoke a bit farther away?

That's basically my point.

 

[GlitchZero]

-Snip-(is how you write it right?)

If there is plenty of space there usually isn't a problem, because the smoker will usually not stand close to me while lighting a cigarette, so mostly there isn't a problem in that sense. However, one time I was sitting on a bench waiting for the train. Two girls comes and sits down on the bench, starts talking - no problem. Then they light up a cigarette each, completely ignoring that there's another person on the bench.

This is what I can't stand. Because there were plenty of other spaces(and benches) for them to light a smoke on - what they did was just plain rude. I actually told them this, and with some snarky comments they moved. It's no big deal, but I wish people wouldn't be this rude.

Another situation. I'm waiting at the bus stop, sitting on the bench there completely alone. A lady walks up and sits on the bench. She lights a cigarette, and I cough, she then turns to me and apologizes very politely, then moves away. This is decency. She realised that I was there and respected me by moving away and having her cigarette a bit farther away.

Do you see my point? All I'm asking is decency, of course from both people, but the situation is in fact more dependant on the smoker, because they're the one lighting the cigarette - I don't know if you're a smoker most likely, and they don't know I'm not. So why not just be decent and light the smoke a bit farther away?

That's basically my point.

So you take your hate for rude, stupid people who happen to smoke out on smokers?

Makes sense. Most of the smokers in this thread have been decent people - as in they usually mind people around them. To lump millions in with your apparently limited encounters with smokers is pointless and retarded.

You know why you can't think of a time where you saw a smoker not light up next to you, and you didn't notice until he flicked away the butt or whatever that he was smoking?

BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T NOTICE, that's why! Most people don't even pay any attention to anyone outside of their precious bubble that they don't even notice when someone (ie, a smoker) purposely does get out of the way, or stands outside of a train terminal. But oh, shit, some of the smoke crept through the opening and shit's about to hit the fan because half an ion of potentially harmful air got in your face!

 

[Wired_Head]

Sure lets make it illegal.

I don't have a drivers licence, and so I use public transportation.
And if we are to make smoking illegal due to secondhand smoke, then I'd also like that we made personal carbon fuel vehicle to be illegal, I don't see why I should suffer from secondhand car fumes.

If we are going by the "because you shouldn't take poison into your body" argument, then we should make coffin, sugar and fat illegal too.

And we should make exercise mandatory by law.

So yeah, lets make it illegal and lets remove common courtesy with law.

I don't sit and smoke in a restaurant, I don't smoke in my own home, I do smoke on my balcony or in the door way.
Hell I don't smoke outside if I am with non-smokers that really doesn't want me to. I go away from them and smoke my cancer sticks away from them.

It is simply how I were brought up and I personally think it is common courtesy.

On a side note, I am the last smoker left in my family (most have gone due to cancer, so I KNOW the dangers) and I am one of two smokers among my friends.

Also I am a vivid believer in what Bill Hicks had to say about subjects about personal freedom.

?Here is my final point. About drugs, about alcohol, about pornography and smoking and everything else. What business is it of yours what I do, read, buy, see, say, think, who I fuck, what I take into my body - as long as I do not harm another human being on this planet?? ~ Bill Hicks