Welcome to the archived messages from In The 00s. This archive stretches back to 1998 in some instances, and contains a nearly complete record of all the messages posted to inthe00s.com. You will also find an archive of the messages from inthe70s.com, inthe80s.com, inthe90s.com and amiright.com before they were combined to form the inthe00s.com messageboard.
If you are looking for the active messages, please click here. Otherwise, use the links below or on the right hand side of the page to navigate the archives.
Subject: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
While a certainly understood health issue, is smoking and non-smoking a social issue, as well?
Please share your thoughts.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
I think it is a social issue in the sense that some people won't socialize with smokers. It is a big turn-off for some people.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
It is a social issue, as there are people who will not associate with a person based on wheher or not they smoke. I am not going to exclude a potential friend because they smoke,but it will limit the time I spend with them as I choose not to be around the smoke itself. I made a choice to be healthy a long time ago but I hope not to rub anyone's nose in it. I choose not to have it in my house as it affects my childrens health and mine. And as I was careful to dispose of my butts properly back when I smoked I expect the same from the people who smoke now. I will encourage anyone to not do it if they mention quitting, however.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
There have been times when I have hit on a girl only to find out she's a smoker...that ends the on-hitting pretty abruptly ::)
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Aside from personal anecdotes, what are your basic objections to smoking? What are the deeper, more serious and longer lasting ramifications of smoking in this country, in your opinions?
I've heard smokers and smoking called nasty, disgusting, stupid, unhealthy, ignorant, etc, etc. These can be appliied to just about anything or anyone I personally don't approve of.
Should smoking be outlawed?
Do the following issues merit a closer look, as well? Many are disgusting. All are problems faced by our society. All are a burden on the heath care system and therefore affect us all...
unprotected sex
drug/alcohol addiction
pollution from fossil fuels
contamination of water supplies due to industrial waste
domestic violence
cell phone usage while driving
obesity
Just off the top of my head...
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Y'know, people can smoke if they want. Just don't expect me to vote for a $500 billion verdict because they didn't know better not to start in the first place.
I don't think it should be illegal. People have a right to choose whether they want to puff or not. I think most smokers do understand the etiquette, like don't puff in other people's faces and extinguish the cigarette if it bugs people and smoke somewhere else.
As for the other stuff on your list...
Sex: If you want to risk contracting gonorrhea, so be it.
Drugs/alcohol: They should be legalized so that police can focus more on murders and rapes :P And maybe because they are legalized, drug dealers will go out of business as companies take over...
Pollution: The planet is tougher than you think. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't do something about gas-guzzling and poor emissions.
Waste: Ditto
Domestic violence: Wifebeaters should receive a wrecking ball to the groin.
Cells while driving: These people deserve to die.
Obesity: In some cases it is a disease. I think it should be looked into, but the media shouldn't make fat people feel bad because they don't look like supermodels who could crack a rib if they breathed wrong.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
Y'know, people can smoke if they want. Just don't expect me to vote for a $500 billion verdict because they didn't know better not to start in the first place.End Quote
I'm sorry Rice...vote for the verdict? I don't understand.
Quoting:I don't think it should be illegal. People have a right to choose whether they want to puff or not. I think most smokers do understand the etiquette, like don't puff in other people's faces and extinguish the cigarette if it bugs people and smoke somewhere else.End Quote
So, your basic issue with smoking is one of consideration, or lack therof, on the part of smokers you've encountered. Fair enough. Smokers should be more considerate of others. I wish my neighbors would be more considerate, as well, and not let their dogs crap on my lawn. If there was just more consideration and respect in the world, maybe it would be an even better place to live.
Quoting:Sex: If you want to risk contracting gonorrhea, so be it.End Quote
So be it, yes, but spreading STD's is at least as bad as having smoke blown in one's face, IMO. In the long run, it's not only the infected who suffer but their wayward companions.
Quoting:Drugs/alcohol: They should be legalized so that police can focus more on murders and rapes :P And maybe because they are legalized, drug dealers will go out of business as companies take over...End Quote
Cigarettes already are legal and companies are manufacturing them. Why would illicit drugs be any different? A rape is a rape and a murder a murder, drug induced or not.
Quoting:Pollution: The planet is tougher than you think. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't do something about gas-guzzling and poor emissions.End Quote
I'm not talking about the planet specifically (although that's another matter) but the inhabitants. I take it you don't see air and water pollution as much of a problem for humans and animals. Why would cigarette smoke irritate you so? As I said, perhaps it's more of a consideration and respect thing.
Quoting:Waste: DittoEnd Quote
Ditto.
Quoting:Domestic violence: Wifebeaters should receive a wrecking ball to the groin.End Quote
In other words they should be punished severely. 10-4.
Quoting:Cells while driving: These people deserve to die.End Quote
Not as widespread as smoking, granted, but inconsiderate of the lives of others, rude, crude, socially unacceptable and potentially deadly. But I don't believe they deserve to die.
Quoting:Obesity: In some cases it is a disease. I think it should be looked into, but the media shouldn't make fat people feel bad because they don't look like supermodels who could crack a rib if they breathed wrong.End Quote
So, it naturally follows that in many cases it isn't, but rather a choice made by the individual. By your logic in an earlier post, I'd swoop on a slender woman who smoked rather than a fat chick six-days-a-week-and-twice-on-Sunday because fat chicks are disgusting.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
I'm sorry Rice...vote for the verdict? I don't understand.End Quote
Anti-tobacco litigation. Lung cancer victim sues because "they didn't know cigarettes could increase odds of getting lung cancer" and jury rewards a bajillion dollars. Blah.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
Anti-tobacco litigation. Lung cancer victim sues because "they didn't know cigarettes could increase odds of getting lung cancer" and jury rewards a bajillion dollars. Blah.End Quote
Ah, the smoker playing the system. What a country, eh! ;)
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
hi guys i'm from australia and recently smoking has become a huge social issue becuase smoking has been banned in all restaurants and soon will be banned in pubs and clubs too..
for me personally this is great becuase i don't smoke and find it completely suffocating going to a pub where there is people smoking, you clothes reek of it, your hair reeks of it and you have a sore throat for weeks after..
on the other hand for people who smoke it's like a slap in the face for them because soon they wont be able to smoke in pub and clubs and they feel that they are alienated because of it..
it's tricky i suppose...
in my opinion club and pub vendors should provide beer gardens (outside areas) where people should be able to go to smoke..
wouldn't that be a great compromise?
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
hi guys i'm from australia and recently smoking has become a huge social issue becuase smoking has been banned in all restaurants and soon will be banned in pubs and clubs too..
for me personally this is great becuase i don't smoke and find it completely suffocating going to a pub where there is people smoking, you clothes reek of it, your hair reeks of it and you have a sore throat for weeks after..
on the other hand for people who smoke it's like a slap in the face for them because soon they wont be able to smoke in pub and clubs and they feel that they are alienated because of it..
it's tricky i suppose...
in my opinion club and pub vendors should provide beer gardens (outside areas) where people should be able to go to smoke..
wouldn't that be a great compromise?
End Quote
A great compromise, indeed! I'm okay, you're okay, let's go on with our lives.
As you're probably aware, it been like this in the States for quite some time and I agree with it. Personally, I have no problem taking a hike to fire-up a cowboy killer when the urge strikes me and my work doesn't suffer because of it.
Thank you for your reason. That's all I'm asking for. Not knee-jerk reactions.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
Anti-tobacco litigation. Lung cancer victim sues because "they didn't know cigarettes could increase odds of getting lung cancer" and jury rewards a bajillion dollars. Blah.
End Quote
True and False. Back when my parents started smoking they really didn't know the harm. They didn't know how their lives would end up. The physical and emotional impact of smoking affects everyone. Still, I don't think it should be made illegal. We just need much more cancer research.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Um, I don't smoke (and rarely drink). The only thing I'd expect from a smoker is some courtesy. I mean, if they just start puffing away in my automobile, in the apt., or when I'm eating... it's just not kosher with me, you know. There have been a few times when someone has and I sneeze-spray them right on their face :o
I wouldn't call anybody any of those names since I wouldn't want anyone having opinions about my vices (okay, so I like high-sugared drinks and hot tea! What of it?!). If people want to smoke, then "smoke away!" I sez.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
True and False. Back when my parents started smoking they really didn't know the harm. They didn't know how their lives would end up. The physical and emotional impact of smoking affects everyone. Still, I don't think it should be made illegal. We just need much more cancer research.
End Quote
Hey Trips,My Mother and Father used to smoke themselves.
I think stopped smoking 18 years ago and My Mother,I'm not sure.I remember my Father always had an ashtray right by him for everytime he put out his ciggarette.
Howard
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Right now, Chicago is deciding whether or not to pass an ordinance that bans smoking in public buildings, ie restaurants, bars, etc. The owners of most of these establishments are trying to get it to fail, saying it will hurt business and that people who go to a bar that allows smoking should just deal with it or go somewhere else that doesn't allow it. Personally, I wouldn't mind having to go outside (except in winter---BRRR) to smoke, but then the issue comes as to WHERE outside. If it is by the front door, then you have people complaining about the smell/smoke by the front door. Otherwise, the owners would have to provide an alternative exit, etc. That, they say, will cause a problem with keeping track of the number of people in the club/bar for fire safety purposes. I can see both sides of the argument. As a smoker, I would like to be able to smoke wherever I please, but I also do not like the amount of smoke that is in most bars/clubs. I think it should be up to the individual owners to decide if they want to allow it or not.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
I figure it this way....If I go to someones house and they smoke, I respect that...BUT if smokers come to MY house and b*tch about not being able to smoke then I'll show them the door...as for being in public, I just try to avoid smokers. It's hard that they make laws to ban smoking...I agree that it needs to be limited to a point but not eliminated all together...after all, this isn't a communist country, right :)
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
China is the biggest market for tobacco. Cuba is renown for their cigars. Communist countries cater to smokers moreso than the USA :) :D ;D
End Quote
;)
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
Um, I don't smoke (and rarely drink). The only thing I'd expect from a smoker is some courtesy. I mean, if they just start puffing away in my automobile, in the apt., or when I'm eating... it's just not kosher with me, you know. There have been a few times when someone has and I sneeze-spray them right on their face :o
End Quote
All of the smokers I know, wouldn't even think of smoking in someone's car, apartment, while someone's eating, etc. Especially when they are with someone who doesn't smoke. It's people like that who give all smokers a bad name.
I also know people who wouldn't associate with someone who smokes. In the area I live in, smokers are treated like pariahs. I have to admit that I have taken exceptional measures to hide the fact that I smoke from these people. I don't judge people on what they do in their private lives and I wish people wouldn't do it to me. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I rarely drink, but I know people who drink almost on a daily basis. Will I stop associating with them because of it? No. Does it affect me personally? In most cases, no. Is it any of my business what they do in their private lives? No. Is it any of their business what I do in MY private life? No. As long as I don't do it around you, and it doesn't affect you personally, what's the big deal?
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
I have friends who smoke. Just because one smokes doesn't mean they're evil ::) It just means I won't get as intimate with them :D
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
All of the smokers I know, wouldn't even think of smoking in someone's car, apartment, while someone's eating, etc. Especially when they are with someone who doesn't smoke. It's people like that who give all smokers a bad name.
I also know people who wouldn't associate with someone who smokes. In the area I live in, smokers are treated like pariahs. I have to admit that I have taken exceptional measures to hide the fact that I smoke from these people. I don't judge people on what they do in their private lives and I wish people wouldn't do it to me. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I rarely drink, but I know people who drink almost on a daily basis. Will I stop associating with them because of it? No. Does it affect me personally? In most cases, no. Is it any of my business what they do in their private lives? No. Is it any of their business what I do in MY private life? No. As long as I don't do it around you, and it doesn't affect you personally, what's the big deal?
End Quote
I also dislike the littering. I did a volunteer beach clean up a few times and I was amazed at the amount of cigarette butts. The beach is like one giant ashtray for smokers! Granted, there were also bottles and cans of beer and soda (I don't drink either :P ). At least, I can recycle those 8)
Well, like I stated previously, I don't make any assessments based on smoking. Cigarettes are stimulants, just like coffee and caffeinated soft drinks. I'm not about to shun either group because of it.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
The big change I've seen in thirty years.... Back then, smokers were everywhere and the non-smokers were sneered at if they asked somebody is they could smoke somewhere else. Hospitals had a few non-smoking areas (mostly where compressed oxygen was in use) and drug stores sold cigarettes.
Now, smokers congregate like pigeons outdoors and noone is shy about asking, no telling, a smoker they can't smoke HERE. Before you were breathing second hand smoke everywhere... now it's mainly just a curtain of smoke at the entrances and exits of building. Smokers are on the run.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
I went and saw the re-release of The Exorcist a couple of years ago and the scene where the Dr. lights up in the doorway of the exam room got a real chuckle from the audiance. Things have changed a great deal, yes indeed.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
I went and saw the re-release of The Exorcist a couple of years ago and the scene where the Dr. lights up in the doorway of the exam room got a real chuckle from the audiance. Things have changed a great deal, yes indeed.
End Quote
true, and think back to even as recent as the early-mid 80s when it was still allowable to smoke on airplanes! Now its a federal offense to even touch the smoke detector in the lavatories.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
I know a lot of people including my father get headaches from the smell of cigarettes so he wont even go to resturants that allow smoking for that reason. I know for my self it is a huge turn off.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
I guess this is as good a place as any...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=68&ncid=716&e=15&u=/nyt/20030120/ts_nyt/u_s__is_pressuring_industries_to_cut_greenhouse_gases
It's a start, right? You can't say the White House flat out doesn't care about it :)
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
I went and saw the re-release of The Exorcist a couple of years ago and the scene where the Dr. lights up in the doorway of the exam room got a real chuckle from the audiance. Things have changed a great deal, yes indeed.
End Quote
Go to Europe. I had to go to a hospital in Rome a few years back and they were smoking in the ER!! Guess this is another US thing?!?!?!
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
Go to Europe. I had to go to a hospital in Rome a few years back and they were smoking in the ER!! Guess this is another US thing?!?!?!
End Quote
That's incredible. I mean, even when they allowed smoking in US hospitals, they still kept smokers away from areas where oxygen was in use. Not so much because of the second hand smoke, but because pressurized gases are volatile fire hazards.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
I went and saw the re-release of The Exorcist a couple of years ago and the scene where the Dr. lights up in the doorway of the exam room got a real chuckle from the audiance. Things have changed a great deal, yes indeed.
End Quote
In January of '86 when my son Paul was born, the nurse was wheeling my wife and son outside and lit up a cancer stick right there in the hallway...I grabbed it out of her mouth and told her off! I don't like getting mad but GEEZ...smoking around people is bad enough :P...but when people do it around kids I get pissed >:(
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
In January of '86 when my son Paul was born, the nurse was wheeling my wife and son outside and lit up a cancer stick right there in the hallway...I grabbed it out of her mouth and told her off! I don't like getting mad but GEEZ...smoking around people is bad enough :P...but when people do it around kids I get pissed >:(
End Quote
What gets me is when a mother will be holding her baby and lights up. My MIL did it once when my oldest was a baby and I just asked her not to. She never did it again. But, when she was raised, and raised her kids, it was never thought of as an issue.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
I had to put up with my friend Robert's smoking.
every time I came over his house,his room would smell from
smoke.He's been smoking for over 10 years.I came home and the whaff blew in my Mother's direction and she told me to take my shirt off cause it stunk from his smoking.It was just horrid. :P
howard
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
true, and think back to even as recent as the early-mid 80s when it was still allowable to smoke on airplanes! Now its a federal offense to even touch the smoke detector in the lavatories.
End Quote
actually, it was in the 90's that smoking on airplanes was banned.
Subject: Re: Smoking/Non-Smoking - Social Issues?
Quoting:
actually, it was in the 90's that smoking on airplanes was banned.
End Quote
It was officially banned on all US domestic flights in 1990. However some airlines had already started to voluntarily ban smoking on domestic flights before it was officially banned nationwide in 1990.