nay... why? principal. what's good for one is good for all. don't bring me half-assed legislation, that the masses may vote for... bring me something that makes sense. unfortunately, i see this as an ordinance that just may pass because people are tired of smokey bars. i say vote with your dollar and go where smoke free bars are - they're springing up all over the kansas city metropolitan area. i don't like smoke as much as the next person, but i dislike impractical ordinances even more. when voting listen to your heart and not necessarily your lungs today. ;)

Last edited April 8, 2008 10:12:08 am

yea.

sorry. so many of my friends are smokers. And I respect their right to smoke. Hell, I'll occasionally take a drag myself. But I don't want to come home smelling like an ash tray every time I go see some live music.

Is it dumb and unfair that casinos get a pass? Yes it is. Does it reflect poorly on our Democracy that they have lobbyists that can buy them immunity to legislation? You betcha. But taking a half step in the right direction is better than no step at all. Pass the ban and then let's work to make it apply to the casinos as well.

And to the bar owners who fear that they'll lose customers who smoke: rest easy. I vouch that if this ban passes, I'll drink twice as much in 2008 to help offset your losses. I know many nonsmokers will do the same, as we'll finally be able to enjoy ourselves at your establishments w/o being chased out by the stink.


Last edited April 8, 2008 1:51:33 pm

i think the owners should have the right to choose what their establishment's experience is all about. the atmosphere is just as important as the menu or the service...

I should clarify, lest anyone think I support the kind of reasoning that would lead to "banning cooking".

I think any adult should be allowed to do whatever s/he please to his/her body (and to each other, if it is consensual), in their own homes, or in public spaces specifically designated for the exercise of that activity. It should not be the government's roll to protect you from yourself or tell you what you can do, so long as it involves consensual adults. Your lifestyle is your choice.

Where regulations become necessary is when the exercise of your personal rights and liberties impinge on somebody else's. You should have the right to smoke whatever you want so long as it doesn't impinge on other people's right to breathe clean air at a bar or music venue. We should instead follow the more enlightened Dutch example, and make establishments (smoke shops) where you go specifically to smoke, and can smoke whatever you please. Hell, you can smoke paint chips for all I care, just don't make me breathe it. Smoking should be limited to your own house/car and smoke shops. Everyone should have the means to exercise their rights and liberties w/o imposing on another. I want to be able to go to a music concert w/o second hand smoke. But I will defend to the death your right to smoke in your own home or in a smoke shop.

Last edited April 8, 2008 5:38:56 pm

You know what I can get behind? The establishment and legalization of smoke shops, Amsterdam style. So people who wanna smoke (anything they please too, but that is another thread) got a place to go. The govt already tells business what they can do if these businesses are public places (hence alcohol licenses, bans against public displays of "adult" materials, etc.) And if a bar wants to allow smoking, just change its classification to bar AND smoke shop, and everyone is happy. And if bands wanted to play there, then I'd just have to bite it and go see them there and smell like an ash tray when I come home.

Basically, vice is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. It should be legal, but in designated context so it does not infringe on someone else's rights. I respect you right to get drunk, get high, trash your liver, gamble your life's savings away, and put crap in lungs. Just do it in your own home or in designated places where I won't have to suffer the consequences of your actions.



Last edited April 8, 2008 7:44:54 pm