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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by JUSTINHAUSER:
IT USED to be fair TC, remember when we had smoking sections and non-smoking sections.</font>


well - most of the anti-smoking laws and ordinances that are so popular right now were put into effect in order to protect *workers* not customers. this is, in fact, the germ idea of Brian's original post. and anyone who can say that wage workers in bars and restaurants should exercise more choice in where they work hasn't seen the latest unemployment statistics. there are lots of people working today that have to take work where they can get it -- and would like to have an environment where they won't be required to breathe possibly cancer-causing fumes.

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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2"> I realize some don't like smoke,</font>


you know -- this statement is really the heart of the issue for some. many smokers are under the impression that non-smokers are complaining merely because they Don't Like Smoke. But this totally ignores the fact that, for some people (not me, particularly), smoke causes actual physical pain and discomfort -- ranging from stinging/watering eyes, asthma, difficulty breathing, to even more severe allergic reactions.

(i'm purposefully ignoring the cancer argument since i'm not a doctor, and everyone has a statistic in their pocket)

i mean - pinching people hurts, but doesn't really kill them. it just causes discomfort. would anyone seriously argue that you have the right to run about in public places pinching people against their will just because you derive great satisfaction from pinching people, and have therefore made a "lifestyle choice" to indulge yourself in it?

would i be depriving you of your rights if i tried to have you prevented from pinching people against their will?

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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">
But smokers should not have to huddle in the cold to practice what is their choice.
</font>


unfortunately, i agree with you here, and this is the crux truman's excellent point: it's sad that sometimes our rights overlap with others. i'd like to add here that i think that where rights overlap - it's up to the person whose "choice" causes harm to others to make the sacrifice.

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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I don't like that look of contempt on your face when I decide I want a cigarette. </font>


again, true enough. but it might be a good idea to stop and realize that maybe the person giving you the look of contempt doesn't think yr an ******* for being a *smoker* - maybe they just think yr being an ******* for making them breath your smoke.


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kit malone
http://www.kitmalone.com

kit malone
http://www.kitmalone.com