Penni,
Again, I couldn't agree more about the welfare procreation limitation. Not politically feasible, unfortunately, at least not with the identical twin two parties we currently suffer under.
I saw the smokers' arguments on Feelings and decided not to participate, partly because I take out lungs and portions thereof and clean out and bypass arteries, all of which are tobacco related. But in brief, medical considerations aside, I do believe that adults should be able to smoke. I just don't think I should be forced to share it with them. It's bad enough that they reek of tobacco in their hair, clothes, and breath. Don't add to the insult by blowing it in my face. I say this as an ex-smoker.
On the other hand, I'm also in favor of some respect and tolerance in restaurants, etc. A whiff of smoke from a distance isn't anything to be rude about. People eat standing on the city streets with buses disgorging exhausts much more foul than tobacco smoke. But the basic rule, it seems to me, is that the burden of responsibility rests upon the one who disturbs the ambient situation. If you are sitting on a park bench enjoying the silently falling snow, and a boom box is turned on in your ear, then the ambient noise level has been changed by the operator of that box. The same situation applies to the air you are breathing. Comedian Steve Martin, when asked, "Do you mind if I smoke?" replies,"Do you mind if I pass gas?"
Nite, Penni...
Jack |
