The Emporia Gazette

glarson (anonymous) says...

More on the original story:

http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...

April 15, 2009 at 6:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

driveonby (anonymous) says...

Somehow we have allowed people to be labeled as smokers or non smokers. People should not wear labels as they are misleading and isolating. There are people who smoke, and people who don't. Reminds me of German history. Hitler never said people are Jewish or people are Catholic. The way to make it acceptable to murder millions of people, was to label them, isolate them, and demonize them. He had ALL the money to do the campaign against a minority of German citizens. People who smoke are everyday folks. They pay taxes. They shop in the community. They buy cars and food and houses. They are as good and as bad as everyone else. When a group of drug company funded people start a campaign to get everyone on the drug company products, and have access to unlimited funds for ads and other propaganda, the locals cannot defend against them. When the newspaper, who receives MAJOR ad money, decides to base their opinion on revenue, you are truly, and permanently sunk. I was surprised it came out as close as it did, like David beating Goliath it was. I feel so sorry for people who own business property in Emporia, and people who smoke.

April 15, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

So BJnemporia, now that the ban is in place, where do you plan on moving to?

April 15, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HeatherBliss (anonymous) says...

For the record - I wasn't calling anyone uneducated or weak. I wasn't attacking anyone in particular. I was just saying no one has the right to smoke and everyone of you on this forum is acting like a damn child.

I smoke. Holy crap!

As far as being ashamed to be from Emporia - has nothing to do with the smoking ban - YOU ARE ALL RUDE AS CRAP. Everyone has to prove they are better than the rest of the town. You have all turned into big babbling children.

And who in their right mind is going to move out of town because of the smoking ban? Do you hear yourself?

It sucks. Get over it because there is nothing you can do about it anymore. I feel bad for the bar owners - having to be stuck in the middle of such childish behavior.

And as far as Crack goes - wtf? Why does anyone continue to argue with that annoying ... thing...

April 15, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ccitypolarbear (anonymous) says...

I as a non-smoker feel that the owners of a business ought to be able to decide if their clientele can smoke in the owners building not the citizen if I owned a business I wold let people in my building smoke if they wanted to. I don't go to a business to smoke I go there for business if people smoke so be it I can leave if I feel the need to. Non-smokers should keep their noses out of smokers rights.Smokers have the right to smoke as alcoholics have the right to drink in public places around our children.Second hand smoke evidently does not kill I am 54 years old my parents smoked around me all of my life,I smoked for 31 years and quit because I wanted to not because of everybody saying you are polluting my air.This should not be for the majority vote it should be for the business owner to decide. I enjoy non-smoking establishments but I also enjoy and support the ones that allow smoking .It's a right like driving is a right and drinking is a right.Take alcohol consumption out of businesses and you will really get all kinds of controversy guaranteed.Enough said

April 15, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...

I'm going to ask this question one more time, and silence will answer it. Would anyone who says this is a rights issue, stand up for the gay marriage right? If it truly is about rights, would you stand for their rights as well, if you would not, then it is not truly about rights.

*note* - I agree with thought that it is immoral, and am against it myself, but I hate seeing people argue their rights are being infringed when they are willing to step on anothers right because it doesn't fit their moral code, just like smoking doesn't fit my moral code. And if you're going to use the bible please remember 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

April 15, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HeatherBliss (anonymous) says...

Crackhead-

I was actually clearing up my statement from before that some took in the wrong way.

Near everyone is sick of your blabber.

Want to vote on it?

April 15, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

joecitizen (anonymous) says...

hey crack, now that the ban has passed, care to let the cat out of the bag, and admit that you are actually theresa walters?

April 15, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...

Crack, you were pro ban, while I commend you for answering, the question was more for people against the ban.

April 15, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

drvrbowz (anonymous) says...

yes suh boss I be putin these cigarettes down rite a ways fuh ya boss ,anythang else Is bee doin botherin you boss?I sho
didn't haves no rite thinkin we uns could be smokin ,don't you worry yo self now boss I be goins out back rite a way

April 15, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

drvrbowz (anonymous) says...

what are your kids doing in bars anyways. are there that many kids in smoky bars that its killing them of 2nd hand.
how is baning smoking going to help gay rites ? emporians have gotten so delicate that a cigarette from across the room is harming them,for real?you really want to brag about how
that "I'd love to go out an have drink with you BUT REMEMBER 1 CIGARETTE FROM ACROSS THE ROOM WILL FLOOR ME" sounds like some people are still jealous
that they didn't get to hang w/the smokers in high school.well now who's laughin. yeah you are, you showed em,they didn't want to smoke with you now where are they ,yeah now they'll
be sorry they didn't invite youacross the street to smoke

April 15, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

drvrbowz (anonymous) says...

all those kids your trying to protect ,they all smoke at their
lunch breaks at school . You have finally become old
oyur old ,"the man" "the establishment" even grandpa smokes

April 15, 2009 at 11:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

gg (anonymous) says...

Where is Sandman when you need her? OMG, she must be so mad that she can't choke out other bingo players in her desperate attempt to supplement her income so she can buy more cigs.

LOL, this smoking ban is so funny in so many ways.

April 15, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...

So YY4U what then makes smoking a right and not just a preference? I don't recall the constitution allowing people to "taketh thine dried tobacco and smoketh it to thine own hearts content."

Oh, and thanks for reading my entire post, where I state I'm against same sex marriage, but don't think you can argue rights if you are.

I guess I'm sick of people saying they have the right to choose to do one thing, which at the very least is harmful to themselves, but don't want people to have the right to choose others.

Oh and your argument really proves my point a little, if you claim your right are the most important in this issue, when those people come, how can you tell them theirs are less important. So I return your beware! as fighting for your right to smoke anywhere, can lead to these groups saying well if they can smoke anywhere why don't I have the right to...... HAPPY MEDIUM EVERYBODY!

April 15, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

DJrock, Your posts prove nothing except your'e a bigot. You hate gays and smokers. The law is in effect and I will obey the law. Didn't we have a vote on same-sex marrige in Kansas a while back? Or was it civil unions?
Steve

April 15, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

It's the law.
It is time to quit arguing.

See you all !
Steve

April 15, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

DJ I will take the side of the " I know what's best for you crowd" for a moment. No it's not a right to have same sex marriage because it's not good for the health of the community. I.E. aids.
Plus the fact that there is no procreation involved in the process which would really be bad for humanity.

April 15, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

romano1784 (anonymous) says...

I am a smoker. I support same-sex marriage. How does it affect you? Not one damn bit, put down your bible and actually think of the person. Love is love, it comes in all shapes and sizes and should not be based on gender. Truth be told it's not any of your business if you aren't gay. And as far as it having a negative impact on "community" just look through the posts here, could it really be much worse?

The ban has passed I will abide by it, I dont plan on moving. Simply put, the votes are in and SURVEY SAYS: No smoking in public buildings. I just hope no one expects smokers to disappear, we won't. We will be ten feet from the door smiling as you now have to walk through the smoke. We used to have a section all to ourselves, now that section is the front door. Enjoy the SHS I guarantee you will be exposed to more without the wall blocking it.

April 15, 2009 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

romano1784 (anonymous) says...

Aids? Really? Anyone can get Aids, not just a gay person. Procreation? Just because you can make a baby doesnt mean you are benefitting humanity. 90% of all parents didn't plan on their kids, they just made the best of it. What about adoption? There are thousands of kids living in homes because those that CAN procreate were to stupid to think of the child first and themselves second.

April 15, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sail (anonymous) says...

Well one freedom down , how many more are we willing to loose, do you think the boys at the Green Dragon Inn are proud of the way we are so willing to give up our freedoms!!!

April 15, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

How about we vote on the Fire Marshall regulations regarding occupany next? Or how about food safety laws! How dare we tell business owners what to do!

April 15, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hawks422 (anonymous) says...

I seen many coments about throwing cig butts on the sidewalks of emporia, how childish, just cause ya'll lost the election...doesn't mean you have to stoop so low...grow up.. If someone sees an individual throw a cig butt outside a bar...that came from a bar...could you kindly make sure that butt is turned out as to not start a fire & return it to the bar it came from! Keep crying...cry babies...a law is a law is a law. Even if it's littering....ABIDE BY THEM!

April 15, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

PocketKings (anonymous) says...

Lets worry about public health and ban fast food! It causes health problems and obesity which can lead to heart attacks. We shouldnt be hypocritical when deciding what is a health issue!

April 15, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

PocketKings (anonymous) says...

Public exposure to second hand smoke is the person that goes in a place that allows smoking in the first places decision wow you guys must not be educated enough to realize that huh? When it comes back to the health issue why should fried foods be legal anyways i mean seriously they are not good for your health and are no better than cigarette smoke? Hypocrits.

April 15, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

PocketKings (anonymous) says...

Why dont we ban soda pop too in public places while we are at it!

April 15, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

I fail to see how losing makes it alright for people to litter the street with butts, that's petty, childish, and only adds fuel to the fire for those againist your agenda, it is that very line of thinking that brought this ban along in the first place.

April 15, 2009 at 8:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Absolute, you posted:
How about we vote on the Fire Marshall regulations regarding occupany next? Or how about food safety laws! How dare we tell business owners what to do!
Hawks422, you posted:
Keep crying...cry babies...a law is a law is a law. Even if it's littering....ABIDE BY THEM!

I post, a law is a law for everyone. Section 9a of city ordinance #8-44 states:

POSTING OF SIGNS
a. The owner, manager or other person having control of such building or
other areas where smoking is prohibited by this Article shall have a
conspicuously posted sign clearly stating that smoking is prohibited at all
main entrances used by the public (excluding employee-only entrances).

THIS MEANS EVERY BUILDING IN EMPORIA, (except private homes).

I would invite every smoker standing outside any building in Emporia Kansas, to check and see if your favorite church, or retail store, or bank, or drug store, or bookeepers office have the obligatory sign posted and if not feel, free to call 343-4200 and sign the complaint when the fire and police show up. Why wasn't that mentioned in tonights paper? After all how dare we tell a business owner what to do on his property. The law is the law for every business in Emporia, not just bars and restaurants.
Steve

April 15, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

This is just another sore spot in our community that will divide us even more. This town needs a hero not another zero.
It seems when one city somewhere else does a drastic change then small towns try and tune in. But we are limited enough in this town to on where we can go. We have just sent more business and more people out of town. Go Emporia!....or is it going, going, gone????

April 15, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Go out and talk to the folks at flying J, see how many have told them "SEE YA" we'll be stopping at BETO from now on.

April 15, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Come on absolute and hawks? The law is the law isn't it?

April 15, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

open_eyes (anonymous) says...

Better get that ice-cream social done and over with in a hurry. The Ban is on the way..... don't laugh...

http://www.salemnews.com/puopinion/lo...

http://www.soundsandfury.com/soundsan...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/st...

http://www.crypticide.com/dropsafe/ar...

April 15, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

Today my wife talked to a lady who manages the Motel 6. The lady said she got a call yesterday from a regular customer who was wanting to reserve his usual five rooms for five nights (25 nights total) for his work crew. When he was informed that the motel is now forbidden from offering smoking rooms, the man cancelled all 25 nights and willl not be coming back. That is not only a big loss for a small motel, especially since it is several times per year, but think of the loss in tax revenues for the city and the significant loss of business for local restaurants and bars those workers would normally patronize. There were ten of them; two per room.

That is just one instance. There will be many, many more. The negative aftermath has begun; and will continue. And who will suffer? Not CAE, but the local business owners and our city economy.

EOB saw this coming and fought hard to prevent it.

CAE saw this coming, too; but they didn't care.

April 15, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

BJnemp, this is another tragic day in economic survival of this town. I can hear the echo from one city limit sign to the other.
We might breath easier but where do we go when more jobs and more people LEAVE!!

April 15, 2009 at 11:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jmcmannis (anonymous) says...

Just got back in from dragging the streets around all the bars in town. Even though it is 11pm on a Wednesday they seem a little slow.
Makes you wonder where that Motel 6 regular is going to bunk since all hotels are smoke free in the area. I agree that is a lot of lost revenue.

April 15, 2009 at 11:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

josiesbar (anonymous) says...

YY4U--

KS was also the first state outlawing alcohol.

April 16, 2009 at 4:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

dalelinn (Dale Linn) says...

Chalk up one more victory for opression (for our own good).

April 16, 2009 at 6:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

Bjnemp, sorry, I didn't see a response to my question. Where are you moving to?

April 16, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HeatherBliss (anonymous) says...

More people die from heart attacks than smoking or shs.

Look it up.

Ban fast food.

Then after that maybe the color purple.

April 16, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

absolute;
how about answering my question?
Steve

April 16, 2009 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

open_eyes (anonymous) says...

Check out the links to my ealier post on April 15, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. Ice cream IS being banned as unhealthy.

So, again, you'd better hurry up & have that ice cream social, while it is still legal. It may not be much longer.

If they ban ice cream..... well then I guess you can just label me as a terrorist.... I'm sure I'll show up on a Homeland Security watch list somewhere for my illegal homemade ice cream machine.......

April 16, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

epona (anonymous) says...

So is this law permanent forever and ever? Or will we get a chance to shoot it down sometime in the future?

April 16, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

Rbow, I am not sure what your point is. Can you clarify? You are upset that not all business have a no smoking sign on the entrance? I am not trying to be obtuse, just not sure what you are asking.

April 16, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

difference_of_opinion (anonymous) says...

I find no remorse and an even greater sense of gloat when I read comments like 'what a sad day for Emporia'...seriously folks! It's happening everywhere not just Emporia why don't we play the pity party a little more? As for Flying J...they will continue to get business whether they allow smoking or not...how do I know this? As a former driver manager for a large trucking company I know that the majority of truck drivers are company drivers whose employers regulate their fuel purchases and locations, and Flying J is one of the largest companies used in the trucking industry. And I completely agree with whoever said smoking was not outlined as a right. It's not. Nowhere is it written that smokers have a right to smoke. We are allowed certain liberties and rights but they are left open for much interpretation. So much interpretation that the government can step in and regulate portions of it as seen necessary for the 'common' good.

April 16, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...

Steve, careful badying about names, I don't hate anybody, I don't like smoking, and don't do it, but would never "Hate" at smoker. Frankly I'm a little insulted that you would call me a bigot, considering my best friend, a lesbian sports writer from Nebraska, was almost beaten to death because of bigotry. And as far as hating smokers, some of my co-workers and best friends are smokers, and I still love'em. Do I wish they wouldn't smoke, yeah, but I don't hate them for it.

I get on these forums to enjoy intellectual discussion over issues, not to see name calling.

April 16, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

difference_of_opinion (anonymous) says...

Well DJ...the campaigning is now over so all that "reserve" is out the window.

April 16, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

rcakmon (anonymous) says...

jmcmannis, why do you think it's OK to drop your cigarette butts on the ground? You sound like a kid that doesn't get his way (ban passed) and then says, "Well then I'm going to drop my dirty, disgusting butts on the ground unless the city provides a place for them." Funny but sad. Grow up!

And as for Commercial Street becoming like Mass Street in Lawrence...if only! Massachusetts Street is a vibrant shopping and eating locale. And FYI, they do provide places for butts and they also have people cleaning the sidewalk and street. Not sure what you were going for but you don't see a bunch of trash and butts on the ground there.

April 16, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Absolute;
The smoking ordinance states signs posted at all entrances of buildings in Emporia. Why did the fire marshal only go to bars Friday night to check on signs? The law is the law right? A $100.00 fine if my sign isn't up, why not the chamber of commerce, or Graves, or the city managers office?

April 16, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

Not sure why you are directing this concern with me. I agree with you. If the ordinance states all public places should have a sign, I think they should have a sign up. I don't know why the fire marshall only went to bars.

Did I post something that made you think I would disagree with that?

April 16, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

My mistake, sorry
Steve

April 16, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Everyone have a great weekend!

April 16, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

Why when you click on "most active discussions" is this thread not coming up, but the "recount filed" article is? When I click on that one, there is no new posts.

April 16, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sundancekid (anonymous) says...

YY4U & tbluma - I apologize, but your ignorance indicates that you are tremendously unqualified to participate in a conversation regarding equal rights for LGBT persons. You lack compassion, empathy, tolerance, decency and all around humanity. I forgot people like you exist.

I’ve often times wondered about people who are infected with homophobia. I wonder if it’s jealousy in actuality; not having love in their own lives, they decide to rain on the parade of those who have found love. Childish. Is that it? Do you two not have love in your lives? I’m sorry. Perhaps if you did, you would be happier, more content people. Life would be more satisfying.

This news article was about the smoking ban. If you want to write an editorial for the newspaper spewing your hatred and homophobia, by all means go ahead. Don't forget to sign your name so the community knows your identity and your true colors.

April 16, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sundancekid (anonymous) says...

YY4U - By using the word "preference," you suggest that being gay is a choice. If that case, please do enlighten all of us with the story about the moment you chose between your gay preferences and your straight preferences.

April 16, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MatthewCook (anonymous) says...

This is the link to my new article regarding the smoking ban. i hope you all like it.

http://www.sharedsacrifice.us/April16...

April 16, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sundancekid (anonymous) says...

YY4U - You still haven't answered my question from before. So, let me rephrase; How do you surpress your homoseual feelings? I mean, you are the one who considers sexuality a preference, a choice.

April 16, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sundancekid (anonymous) says...

Oh, and don't forget top pen that editorial outlining your homphobia and hate. Make certain everyone can read your name.

April 16, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sundancekid (anonymous) says...

Then, please, do not speak about things you have no knowledge about.

April 16, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Haven't posted for a while, just been reading posts !
I have a question for anyone who feels qualified to answer it !

I have seen many, many comments about the " COMMON GOOD " .

Exactly what is " COMMON GOOD " and who has the " RIGHT " to decide what is best for the " COMMON GOOD " ?

Also, if what is perceived as best for the " COMMON GOOD " ends up taking away or abolising an individuals certain personal rights, freedoms and civil liberties or allows any individual or group of individuals to force others to live their lives or believe a certain way, still be for the " COMMON GOOD " or will it be just one more step toward some form of " TYRANNY " ?

tyr·an·ny

3: a rigorous condition imposed by some outside agency or force.

And why do so many who live in Emporia want Emporia to be a carbon copy of Lawrence, Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, etc., I don't understand the be like everyone else attitude of some people, please explain ?
My last comment is, Emporia will never be the social or cultural center of the U.S. or the world . If you believe that imposing bans etc., on certain individuals and businesses will help in turning Emporia into " PARADISE " or " CAMELOT ", I am afraid you are in for a big surprise !

April 17, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

YY4U, you are absolutely right, I do not smoke !

Crackinsack, I still believe that you only wanted, in your own selfish way what you percieve as only good for you, no matter who your perception of " COMMON GOOD " may hurt or destroy ! And you have as much as stated so in most all of your posts !
If businesses, business owners or individuals are hurt or destroyed by your selfish perception of the " COMMON GOOD ", will what you and the CAE have accomplished been worth the cost to others ?
Of course you will think so, thats just how selfish you are !

April 17, 2009 at 8 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

Now with the ban more people can go out to bars and stay longer and drink more and then drive home and this is for the "common good". Oh, I understand now.(rolls eyes)

April 17, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

How about a big Shlitz can? Now that would be classy!

April 18, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

What brand of cigarettes though? Lucky Strikes or Kools?

April 18, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )