Ira Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 The US has a lot more freedom than we do here, unless your mexican or black I mean. Heh, not really. Different BS, same size servings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHEcONCH Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Yeah exactly. People are so intolerant of others these days. Tolerance is not required for idiot smokers. Exterminate! Exterminate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afrikan Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Its fairly simple - smoking is very bad for an individual's health and society in general. There are no positive aspects of smoking, unless you count 'looking cool', which was the image tobacco companies sold to the weak-minded. It should be banned, completely, everywhere - and for those current smokers - tough luck - time to grow up and actually be cool instead of believing holding a cigarette does that for you. That is a load of rubbish... you are saying that alot of people over the years have taken up smoking just to as you put it "look cool".... curiosity is a huge part for some... peer pressure from younger ones... caving into peer pressure is not to look cool, it is to gain acceptance... But yes there are kids that take it up to look the part.... but don't be fooled by the whole "look cool" stereotype... I took up smoking years ago through curiosity.. and I liked it (surprise!)... not to look cool, the majority of the time I was down with my horses at the paddock... I hardly think my horses would have thought I looked cool as they were the general audience the majority of the time :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHEcONCH Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 That is a load of rubbish... you are saying that alot of people over the years have taken up smoking just to as you put it "look cool".... curiosity is a huge part for some... peer pressure from younger ones... caving into peer pressure is not to look cool, it is to gain acceptance... But yes there are kids that take it up to look the part.... but don't be fooled by the whole "look cool" stereotype... I took up smoking years ago through curiosity.. and I liked it (surprise!)... not to look cool, the majority of the time I was down with my horses at the paddock... I hardly think my horses would have thought I looked cool as they were the general audience the majority of the time :lol: Why you started counts for nothing now. You should know better by now. Stop Smoking. Go visit (and smell the live people rotting) a cancer ward if you need motivation (or are still the curious type) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Believe it or not, many people actually ENJOY smoking and have no intention of ever giving up despite knowing all the risks and associated problems. I enjoy mountain biking, despite the risks involved. You could argue that there are no positive aspects of it as there are much safer ways to get exercise and so it should be banned. Same goes for rugby. You're fighting a losing battle conch; if there's one thing a nanny-state government loves more than regulations its money. If they banned smoking they would lose millions of dollars of revenue (even after all the propaganda and associated health costs), plus they wouldn't get to invent new regulations like having ugly pictures on the box. It will never happen, ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afrikan Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Why you started counts for nothing now. You should know better by now. Stop Smoking. Go visit (and smell the live people rotting) a cancer ward if you need motivation (or are still the curious type) You obviously haven't read the whole thread the Conch... I am an ex smoker.. you might want start back at page 1 :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHEcONCH Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Believe it or not, many people actually ENJOY smoking and have no intention of ever giving up despite knowing all the risks and associated problems. I enjoy mountain biking, despite the risks involved. You could argue that there are no positive aspects of it as there are much safer ways to get exercise and so it should be banned. Same goes for rugby. You're fighting a losing battle conch; if there's one thing a nanny-state government loves more than regulations its money. If they banned smoking they would lose millions of dollars of revenue (even after all the propaganda and associated health costs), plus they wouldn't get to invent new regulations like having ugly pictures on the box. It will never happen, ever. I'm not fighting a losing battle at all - I'm on the winning side just by dint of not smoking. Like every other smoker, you'll know that soon enough, unfortunately. Not even my Grandfather's bloated rotting corpse was enough to convince my brother to stop smoking, so I very much doubt any smoker on here will take any advice - being stubborn seems to be a necessary trait to continue smoking despite all the evidence that suggests you shouldn't. Oh well, never mind - they aren't my lungs so I'll wait 'till then to say 'I told you so' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHEcONCH Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 You obviously haven't read the whole thread the Conch... I am an ex smoker.. you might want start back at page 1 :roll: Good on you then - you have my genuine admiration for growing a brain. Not so some others, I'm afraid... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afrikan Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Why you started counts for nothing now. You should know better by now. Stop Smoking. Go visit (and smell the live people rotting) a cancer ward if you need motivation (or are still the curious type) Oh I have always had a brain And in regards to cancer wards, I went through 4 years of cancer with my father and have seen enough cancer to last me a life time.. and watched him lose the battle to cancer.. so I know cancer ward and sickness rather well.. :-? Oh and for the record, his was non smoking related aswell as alot of other cancers in hospice.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 back to the guidelines, this subject is controversial raises emotions and may cause stress and heart attacks ban it and all the other things that are detrimental to health, may cause death and anti social dairy products nuts fast or loud cars pushbikes alcohol procreation crossing a road sky diving airplanes etc, etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 Believe it or not, many people actually ENJOY smoking and have no intention of ever giving up despite knowing all the risks and associated problems. I enjoy mountain biking, despite the risks involved. You could argue that there are no positive aspects of it as there are much safer ways to get exercise and so it should be banned. Same goes for rugby. You're fighting a losing battle conch; if there's one thing a nanny-state government loves more than regulations its money. If they banned smoking they would lose millions of dollars of revenue (even after all the propaganda and associated health costs), plus they wouldn't get to invent new regulations like having ugly pictures on the box. It will never happen, ever. I choose to ride a motorbike as my sole form of transportation. I ride it every day in rain or shine, around town or long distance. I, too, am aware of the risks I am taking. I have had friends die as a result of motorbike crashes, and I have been hit by a car (while I was stopped at a stop sign) resulting in fractured ribs, concussion and a damaged eye. I do not try to dictate to other people whether they smoke or not. That is their choice. They know the risks and choose to accept them. However I resent other people exposing me to their unwanted smoke in the places where I work or socialise. Yes, I could stay home. I could choose to turn down any job in a workplace where other people smoke and I hope all the people who would allow smoking in work-places would pay my unemployment benefit without complaint. I could also choose to never go to a restaurant or bar in case there are smokers there. I don't expect other people to get on the back of my bike and I don't ride into crowds of people - I make my own choices about risks, and I don't put other people at risk as a result. So why should I let other people choose whether I get exposed to their smoke? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afrikan Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 I could choose to turn down any job in a workplace where other people smoke and I hope all the people who would allow smoking in work-places would pay my unemployment benefit without complaint. I could also choose to never go to a restaurant or bar in case there are smokers there. I would hope that work places have an outside smoking policy... I don't see why workplaces should allow smokers inside to smoke amongst others.... And I thought there was already a ban on smoking in restaurants etc, so how is this a problem now? 8) If smokers want to bowl on outside for a cigarette outside of a restaurant then so be it, not sure how that is effecting other patrons at the restaurant? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 You cannot compare smoking to eating habits and other things that kill you. Why should non smokers suffer health problems and die early from breathing in others' smoke? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 I would hope that work places have an outside smoking policy... I don't see why workplaces should allow smokers inside to smoke amongst others.... And I thought there was already a ban on smoking in restaurants etc, so how is this a problem now? 8) If smokers want to bowl on outside for a cigarette outside of a restaurant then so be it, not sure how that is effecting other patrons at the restaurant? I was referring to the people who are complaining that smoking is not now allowed in workplaces and in restaurants. I think it is wonderful that we can now go to work/dinner/fly in a plane/ ride in a bus without being exposed to other people's smoke, but it seems there are plenty of people here who think the law should never have been changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afrikan Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 Oh right Yes well I am all for the law of making sure smoking is done outside.... I would be fair spitting taking my young son to a restaurant and have it filled with smoke... I gave up smoking in the first place to have a family... nice healthy pregnancy... and if I had to go and dine out in a smoke filled restaurant with my son I would be spewing over the idea... so yes glad for ban. I once had our young boy go to a private carer for some play hours as he was getting older and needed to socialise with other kids, this carer was with a very good agency, and my son started coming back with his hair and clothes smelling of smoke, so she was obviously smoking around him for his hair to have been smelling of it.. I saw red over this and pulled him out of her care. I can understand why people take such a negative stance on smoking, however, if smokers choose to smoke and they are outside doing this, then non smokers have an option to exit stage left and not lurk around. I have often seen a non smoker approach a group of smokers outside and then start complaining about the smoke... hmmm it's not all smokers that need to get a brain.. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 Like every other smoker, you'll know that soon enough, unfortunately. Assumption is the mother of all ---- ups. For the record, I smoked experimentally a little bit in high school, usually only when drinking and while trying to learn how to blow smoke rings or backwards waterfalls. I think its a filthy habit and I'm not sure why people get a kick out of it. However, I'm all for freedom of choice and personal responsibility. If people want to smoke thats fine by me, as long as their doing so doesn't affect my personal freedoms. I would much rather we had a society where people were free to chose what they put into their bodies and were held accountable for the results than a nanny-state telling me what I can and can't do with my own body. A health system where the cost of smoking-related illnesses were transferred back onto the smokers (thru user-pays and/or higher health insurance premiums) seems much fairer than the current system. Same goes for fat people who are too lazy to exercise and watch what they eat. If you're looking to ban harmful substances you'd be better off to start with alcohol, or maybe just go for the trifecta of tobacco, alcohol and caffeine... :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinsonMassif Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 And where will you go? Most everywhere is just as bad. Maybe Nigeria isn't, you could also try somewhere like Kazakhstan... Personally I think Uzbekistan is prettier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 I was referring to the people who are complaining that smoking is not now allowed in workplaces and in restaurants. I think it is wonderful that we can now go to work/dinner/fly in a plane/ ride in a bus without being exposed to other people's smoke, but it seems there are plenty of people here who think the law should never have been changed. The law regarding smoking in the workplace was that there had to be a separate facility for smokers where non-smokers wouldn't come into contact with the second hand smoke. That worked fine, my old workplace used to have a horrible little room for the smokers just off the cafeteria. The smokers could sit in there smoking and asphyxiating each other with second hand smoke without bothering the non-smokers. For some reason the government didn't like that and changed it, so now the smokers have to walk upstairs to the caf, make their coffee, walk downstairs, out the front door, and about 50 metres around the side of the building to an outdoor area where they are allowed to smoke. Its nearly impossible on a 15 minute break. And all for what? :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 ... if smokers choose to smoke and they are outside doing this, then non smokers have an option to exit stage left and not lurk around. I have often seen a non smoker approach a group of smokers outside and then start complaining about the smoke... hmmm it's not all smokers that need to get a brain.. :lol: Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northland chic Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 This topic could go on forever! We don't smoke but most of our frineds do in fact thinking about it i only have one smoke free friend. No smoking in public places is good but a drop in the bucket really. Our cars are smelly but we don't give two hoots about the person walking down the road breathing that in. The air is polluted without the smoke. You can't force a nation to be healthy. We all do things that are bad for us whether we realise it or not looking at my computer monitor is probably bad for me same with typing with message (i might get rsi). I don't think theres many things you can do which don't pose a risk. As long as my smokers friends are happy being smelly and wasting their money then its all good it ain't me. I have my own addictions so I can't poke fun at theirs. You never know when life will end for you if smoking makes you happy I'd rather you did it than make our lives miserable by not smoking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afrikan Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 Well said northland chic... I agree. My father was one of an old group of wharfies (we call them the golden oldies)...the wharfies that new what real work was many years ago.. The majority of them have all died of cancer.... there are only a handful left if that... The thoughts by cancer specialists are that the ferts and aspestos that they were subjected to for many years is linked to their cancer.. so it seems just another thing that can be linked to ill health.. cigarette smoke isn't the only harmful thing us humans are effected by... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 I wonder if it is an age thing as I can't think of anyone I know who smokes these days (but many who used to). When we built our house 28 yrs ago it was smokefree and we hosted my parents' 25th wedding anniversary. Just about all their friends smoked but all happily went outside for a drag. A recent get together had not a single smoker needing to leave :-? (and no, it wasn't because they had all died :lol: ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim r Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 As a life long non smoker (asthmatic) I personally hate the smell and taste of nicotine.For years and years I tried to get my wife to quit without success then gave up. The reason I gave up trying was because I finally realised that it genuinely gave her pleasure just like I enjoy drinking alcohol. I now feel sorry for smokers as IMO the have been hounded and outcast. I agree no smoking in restaurants is good but I think publicans should be able to decide wether or not to allow it on their premises. Why can't we have smokers only clubs? Anyone else noticed how the adverts are now targeting alcohol? It has been proved that working long hours is detrimental to your health but I do not see any adverts to discourage or reduce the "working week" Maybe they would notice just how far our standard of living has dropped if they did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharronpaul Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 Hard case, at the mount when I was working in a tank farm there, only one out of about twenty truck drivers smoked. In Napier, only one doesn't. And these are drivers who cart fuel for a living. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HummingBird Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 The fact is that in a country with a state-funded health system the state can tell you how to live your life, because if you don't live it safely and healthily then they're going to have to pay for it. I think that if the health system was privatized and we just paid for what we use personally (or our insurance paid for it) then perhaps people would think twice about smoking because of the inevitable personal cost to them down the track, where as at the moment Uncle Helen will pick up the bill for them and make it all okay. And there's the added bonus of me not having to pay for other people who don't look after themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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