Pa None Smoking!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · May 16, 2006

You don't think the "market" drives legislative decisions? I would certainly disagree with that assessment of what drives the political machines in this country, but to each their own. I do indeed expect the government to protect me and my family from known carcinogens, as second hand smoke has been proven to be. I also support the laws mandating controls on lead, asbestos, and various other toxins.

You're right.

We have these laws because some unscrupulous business owners, in the interest of making money, or just out of sheer stupidity, cannot be trusted to do the right thing.

Come on, we had to PASS LAWS MANDATING THAT EXITS CANNOT BE LOCKED (uh, Triangle Shirtwaist?)...we had to pass laws about flammable decorations (uh, Cocoanut Grove?)....we had to pass laws about the aforementioned asbestos (did you know the first confirmed death from asbestos was a woman in a factory in the 1920s? They did an autopsy on her and her lungs were FULL of the fibers!)....they passed drug laws because everyone was hooked on heroin in the 1920s...we all KNOW corporate America (and sometimes Joe Citizen - heck, even the FEDS REEK of this stuff) can't be trusted to not try to kill us all.

And it's COMPLETELY twisted that it has to be this way!

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · May 16, 2006

Well I'm glad the government is starting to allow me the freedom to breathe some fresh air. I am too young to remember back when people smoked in the grocery stores, but I would have hated that ...... no regulations to stop someone from blowing smoke in my face? No freedom to go into the store and not breathe in second hand smoke? YUCK!

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · May 16, 2006

Feelgood Leberalism: Generally middle and upperclass liberals who feel guilty about all that they have, like to return to the more deprived portion of the population by passing laws for "thier own good" or "societal good" when in actuality they have acomplished nothing more than assuaging their own guilt by going home with a warm glow (Feelgood) about all the greater good they have done.
>snip
I'm fed up with libs shoving stuff down my throat "for my own good"

Fascinating.

However, misinformed.

I'm a liberal because I think people are more important than business. I generally don't have emotions whilst exiting voting booths, but I digress.

I like the smoking ban because of how it worked in my life. Back in the day when the anti-smoking ball started rolling, I was informed at my job that we weren't allowed to smoke at our desks anymore. For the first time since becoming a smoker I learned I could actually control my smoking urges and wait until break time to have a smoke. Gradually as rules become more and more rigid, it became such a pain to smoke that it was easier to stop and I'm better for it. I think that's the general idea, and I'm sorry if people feel that this is somehow a violation of my civil liberties. It made me a better, healthier person and I don't think the government is out to get me.

In most places where smoking is banned in public, business is BETTER after the ban that it was before. That argues against the idea that smoking bans are bad for business and if people don't like it they should "just stay home." For many people that means they could never have a cocktail or go dancing because of the smoke. Now non-smokers, asthmatics and people who are allergic can have a beer and embarrass themselvs on the dance floor whenever they want without having to deal with the noxious side effects.

michelLPN · May 16, 2006

congrats!!!

prissy pixie · May 16, 2006

I'm not sure if Oklahoma has banned smoking in public places, or not. But, in Tulsa it is no longer allowed in bars, eateries, etc.

AND....in November all the local hospitals will be smoke free. There will be, absolutely, NO smoking on the hospital grounds, not even in the vehicles.

For anybody.

LydiaNN · May 16, 2006

Well I'm glad the government is starting to allow me the freedom to breathe some fresh air. I am too young to remember back when people smoked in the grocery stores, but I would have hated that ...... no regulations to stop someone from blowing smoke in my face? No freedom to go into the store and not breathe in second hand smoke? YUCK!

Not only that, but they could smoke right by the food! You'd buy fresh fruits and veggies polluted with tar and nicotine. Mmm mmm, good!

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · May 17, 2006

A And after all, I have a RIGHT to be able to drive down the street (past a farm) and not smell cow junk, right??
This whole thing is horrible.

Cow junk won't kill you. Second hand smoke does.

People who are addicted to cigarretts can't even go 1 measly hour with succumbing to their addictions?? They can't even get through a simple meal without desperately needing to smoke?? Sad. :uhoh3:

I'm an asthmatic. Smoke makes it worse. Smokers should learn to exercise some impulse control and learn to avoid smoking all the time in inappropriate places. Sorry if that impeades on smokers rights, but I don't remember the founding fathers placing the 'right' if a smoking addiction over the health and safety of its citizens.

Balder_LPN, LPN · May 17, 2006

You know, I just realized something:

This discussion is almost like talking about religion. No matter what information either side presents, we all have our beleifs on this and will defend them till the end.

I bet I'm not the only one in this thing who feels like I am :banghead:

LydiaNN · May 17, 2006

The difference betwixt talking about religion and talking about smoking is that in religion you accept the tenets as articles of faith. No need to do that with smoking, as science has proven to us time and again that smoking and second hand smoke will kill us. Nuff said.

LPN1974, LPN · May 17, 2006

Well, I wonder how this is going to be accomplished at my job.....non smoking.

I was about giving my meds tonight, and when I finished I had to find a resident to check his blood pressure. He is mentally challenged, and he smokes.)

I went out to find him, he was on the bench outside having a cigarette.

I had to smell the smoke while I checked his blood pressure.

Will it be legal for people like this to smoke outside on the bench?

I think they're going to have a very hard time telling him he'll have to quit.

We've tried before to get him to stop for his health. His blood pressure is up alot.

He refuses to stop smoking.

(BTW, I used to be a smoker. I've been quit now about 8 or 9 years.

I feel better since I stopped.)

LydiaNN · May 17, 2006

Well, I wonder how this is going to be accomplished at my job.....non smoking.
I was about giving my meds tonight, and when I finished I had to find a resident to check his blood pressure. He is mentally challenged, and he smokes.)
I went out to find him, he was on the bench outside having a cigarette.
I had to smell the smoke while I checked his blood pressure.
Will it be legal for people like this to smoke outside on the bench?
I think they're going to have a very hard time telling him he'll have to quit.
We've tried before to get him to stop for his health. His blood pressure is up alot.
He refuses to stop smoking.
(BTW, I used to be a smoker. I've been quit now about 8 or 9 years.
I feel better since I stopped.)

In CA, he could have the cigarette on the bench outside, but you wouldn't have to check his meds until he put it out. You're entitled to a smoke free workplace. Many people would let it go and do the checks, but the law is on the side of those who wouldn't. Unfortunately, the law doesn't guarantee you the right not to smell it on residents' breath and clothes, so those who can't tolerate that really need to find other places to work.

LPN1974, LPN · May 17, 2006

In CA, he could have the cigarette on the bench outside, but you wouldn't have to check his meds until he put it out. You're entitled to a smoke free workplace. Many people would let it go and do the checks, but the law is on the side of those who wouldn't. Unfortunately, the law doesn't guarantee you the right not to smell it on residents' breath and clothes, so those who can't tolerate that really need to find other places to work.

It will be interesting to see how this will play out in Arkansas.