Stop with the Kool-Aid

[crashska]

Montana just saw the final phase of their anti-smoking law go into effect. Smoking in all bars is now outlawed, the final phase, and now we're bombarded with all kinds of ads about how great it is that Montana is smoke-free!(!!1!!one!!!won?!nopeit'sspelled'one'youdolt!!!) Bar owners saying how it's been great for business, cheesy local bands

Comments

[theassassinnox]

I'll admit, it pleases me greatly that there are more states doing the no smoking thing, but the over the top stuff it in your face add campaigns really bother me.

No, I will never smoke, and I tend to avoid smokers (Cigarette smoke makes me feel sick to my stomach). But saying that all people who smoke are bad and should be sent off to the corner doesn't sit right with me either.

[immortalpanda]

^ this

[crashska]

I can understand being pleased that there will be more smoke-free places to go. I don't smoke either, and I have no real love for the smell of it. But as a customer, everyone has the choice to go or not go to a place of business. If you don't like part of the experience, you can choose to go elsewhere. The part that really gets my goat is that the state is deciding this for people, rather than letting proprietors and patrons decide it for themselves. It doesn't even allow for some measure of compromise or innovation, like designing an HVAC system so all the air gets drawn from the non-smoking area through the smoking section before being exhausted... but I've never seen that even discussed

[theassassinnox]

I guess I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around the problem, as all of CA has been non smoking for a LONG time.

Honestly, if it were just up to choice...I'd never be able to eat out, period. Someone is smoking or has been smoking...I can taste it. (Sometimes I hate having a really good nose).

As for the air systems, it's not an option for most establishments unless there is a lot of money hidden somewhere that can be put to use there. It's sad, but with the state of the economy, it's simply easier to ban the smoking than look for alternative solutions.

[shadowfox24]

Hahaha! So I'm not the only one who doesn't like these ads promoting something that you have no choice in. The state has sent businesses posters, stickers and flyers promoting the law as well. If it was something people wanted they wouldn't have to still be selling it.

[ironpaw]

I fully agree. Even in our states, which I consider to be some of the freest in the country - the bans just keep flying. >.>

Our local "no driving and using a mobile phone" ban that got passed without a vote just got upended with a petition and will either be repealed or voted on. The smoking ban did too, but they through out over half the signatures because they came from the county and not the city limits...

And as a side not, I was just given an Arduino micro-controller (as referenced in your video link) that I have been wanting a project to use it on...

[alcyione]

Agreed fully with the zealotry. Why is it okay for people to go apeshit with their pet agenda issue... yet when someone demonstrates against abortion or *gasp* attends/holds a tea party, they catch endless flak for it?

Or better yet, Christian zealots! Every Christian will beat you senseless with a bible, you know. We're out to eat your babies!

...admittedly, I will rather enjoy our next outing at the Northern. No disgusting smoke! Now if we can only have a No-Cougars ban put into place, things will be most excellent. *rubs palms*

[xianjaguar]

THIS.
Ah, double standards. :/

I'm no fan of smoking (smelling other's smoke makes me wheeze/sneeze), but geez, bars are known for smoke. Many people who drink, also smoke. Banning smoking in bars. What will they do next? Ban BOOZE in bars too? *facepalm*

[jimmy_stikx]

I really only tend to smoke when I drink, or am stressing.

[stokerbramwell]

Iss party line, comrade.

[crashska]

Uncle Cthulu?!?!! Let me guess "I want YOUR ETERNAL SOULLLLL!!"

[stokerbramwell]

Well, if it wouldn't be too much trouble. I mean, if you're not using it.