Comments on: Infallible dogma?

By: Grandad

Grandad — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:52:47 +0000

Cathy – Maybe your computer has been sucked in by the anti-smoking brigade? I was tempted to mention Prohibition. That was an attempt to tackle something that is a major problem in society. As you may have gathered, I’m fond of a pint [or three] myself, but I would be the first to say that alcohol is one of the greatest dangers to society. However, Prohibition didn’t work so it was scrapped. Smokers are a soft target though, so they get the hammer.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:17:54 +0000

Drat!
I tried to comment yesterday on this, and my computer must’a ate it… Once again: as a non-smoker living in a state where smoking has now been outlawed in every public building and even w/in 15 ft of many of them, I do enjoy the fresh air much more than I used to. But I’m torn about the rules; I understand that when you really enjoy something, it’s hard to give it up except for a few hours in your own home daily (however, those who enjoy sex have been putting up with that for years)… I know that if they banned coffee from public places, I’d be running around strangling people! It’s also extremely ironic — yesterday the air in the entire valley was a nasty orange color… because they were burning grass fields! Does anyone in the state capitol see this as just a little daft? So nice to breathe smoke-free air… cough, cough… So I have to agree with you, grandad — smokers are being targetted because they are easy targets. We tried alcohol, and from what my grandparents said, it was a pretty wild time over here!

By: Grandad

Grandad — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:33:33 +0000

Welcome, Conundrum. I worked for years in the city centre in a ‘smoke free’ environment. My health was abysmal, and only improved when I relocated further out from the city. My point is that the whole city environment is extremely unhealthy. In fact I would argue that breathing city air has more proven dangers than breathing secondhand smoke. The City Fathers, in their wisdom don’t ban cars and buses from the city though, despite the proven dangers to health.

I appreciate that cigarette smoke can be a major irritation to a non smoker and I respect that. I maintain that it would have been very simple to establish separate areas for smokers/non smokers. Unlike the majority of other enclosed spaces, bars are places to relax and enjoy a civilised drink at the end of a hard day. To many, a quiet smoke is part of that relaxation.

The main thrust of my argument is that smokers have been demonised way beyond any danger they may pose.

By: conundrum

conundrum — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:26:06 +0000

You raise some good points. I don’t smoke and I don’t want to have to inhale the second-hand smoke or smell like a nasty pub just to join mates for a drink or two.

Here in my city, the argument for non-smoking bars has been the health of the employees who must inhale it for hours on end. Yes, they could just get another job but other jobs aren’t always easily available.

Just like I don’t want to endure others smoking, I like wise don’t want to endure watching others snogging in the bar. So what is wrong with taking one’s optional ‘pleasures’ home?

By: Grandad

Grandad — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:38:52 +0000

Roy – Maybe his pipe needed cleaning, or maybe he was using some crap tobacco. Most likely though, he set his pocket on fire.

By: Roy(irish taxi)

Roy(irish taxi) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:29:31 +0000

I picked up a guy who had been smoking a pipe, he put it out and stuffed it into his jacket pocket…………..it stank to high heaven….like a giant stubby

By: tt

tt — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:59:16 +0000

By: Grandad

Grandad — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:29:26 +0000

TT – Pipes are a completely different thing from cigarettes. Of course there is nicotine intake, but it is considerably less. Also the tobacco is pure and doesn’t have all those horrible chemicals added [saltpeter is the most obvious]. The whole nature of pipe smoking is more relaxing – you take time to clean, fill and light the pipe. The smoking is relaxing in a way that cigarette smoking isn’t. It is cleaner [no butts, or ash dropping off] and is far more pleasant for people around. Convinced?? Try it!!

By: tt

tt — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:35:30 +0000

I have smoked all my life. I am a nicotine addict. Yet I am under no illusion about the danger to myself and the enormous burden placed on health systems resulting from it’s long term effects. Yes, smoking is a really pointless and stupid occupation. Tell me one benefit. Pipes? You don’t even inhale and get the drug. So, what’s the point? Do pipe smokers smoke when they are not being observed?

By: Thriftcriminal

Thriftcriminal — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:58:33 +0000

Fart smells don’t last as long as cigs, assuming you don’t suffer from follow through. At least mine don’t, anyway. And I use the crystal deoderant that has no smell (works a treat too).