Tell (anonymous) says...

Thank you Mr Helbert anything worth doing is worth doing right.

April 13, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

josiesbar (anonymous) says...

Huh, I just thought of this.

If you take "crackinsack" and add a couple of letters, you can spell "I'm an anti-American socialist who is completely incapable of taking any personal responsibility for my own actions."

Pretty interesting, huh?

April 13, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

Good, let them recount the votes, win win either way, either a poor job is rectified or the anti ban folks will finally accept defeat.

April 13, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

SFIns (anonymous) says...

crack don't get too concerned. The way I see this is that the gazette likely charges several hundred dollars for an ad. Helbert is able to pay $250 dollars and he recieves tons of advertising for a fraction of what it would normally costs. Think about it, why else do they say "Emporia attorney Michael Helbert" why not just say Emporian Michael Helbert. Plus his name is on the other local news site.
Well played mike.

April 13, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

livinglife (anonymous) says...

Thank you Mr. Michael Helbert! I would think with the votes so close the county would have wanted a recount just to make positive sure! Because you never know machines can get things wrong! There is nothing better than a good ole hand counted ballot! This will at least meake sure that it is completely accurate and there will be no doubt in anyones mind! I hope that its found to be wrong because I feel like it should be up to the individual business owners what they do with there own business. After all they pay the bills and put in the long hours to keep the door open! And I dont even smoke!!

April 13, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

What happened to your let the voting process take place attitude crack? Afterall this is still part of the process and like it or not, it's Mr. Helbert's money and it's his constitutional right.
At least he's still got that right the last time I checked.

April 13, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

You still don't get it. The voting process IS STIIL TAKING PLACE. Just because he asks for a recount doesn't make him a sore loser. There would have been one if it had gone the other way also.

April 13, 2009 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

tbluma, I never heard of a sore winner until we all met cracky.

April 13, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

goodoleboy (anonymous) says...

"There would have been one if it had gone the other way also."

In point of fact Walters said she"was above that" for what its worth. Assumptions are never proof. Like I said win win either way though, pretty sure that helbert is gonna have to foot the cost of the recount if it stands, $250 plus that cost could turn out to be a decent chunk of change.

April 13, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

It was never about the rights of a selfish few which you shs people seem to have not figured out. When the right of a business owner to run the place as he/she see's fit is lost it has nothing to do with shs.
I understand that you don't like smoke. That is painfully obvious. You had the right to go someplace else without smoke.
If it was about the rights of a selfish few the vote woundn't have been so even.
I bet you and your bunch would bitch if you got hung with a new rope.
I'll tell what is baffling is the fact that I'm still on here wasting my time trying to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person(s)

April 13, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

joejoe2 (anonymous) says...

Mr. Corbin,
I was just wondering if your weekend receipts were down at all over the weekend. How did your business do? If you dont want to answer I do respect that. It is none of my business. I was just curious.

April 13, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

joejoe2,

No figures, joe, because that is no-ones business. I can tell you that we were jam-packed Friday night, and it was above average on Sat. night. Both nights were filled with both sides of this, debating the issue, while having a drink. To early to tell on the business aspect.

I would like to offer a word of caution to those that are celebrating this ban while out on the town. A little restraint in the rhetoric. You never know how drunk or angry that smoker may be. We have not had any major problems with fights in our bar for years, and we don't need them to start now because of someones crowing. Also no-one should be giving the fire dept. employees a hard time. They are afterall, doing their job and none of them wanted to deal with it anyway.
Steve Corbin
Town Royal

April 13, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

livinglife (anonymous) says...

Well for those of you who are non-smokers I hope you enjoy your nice little walks down town amoung other places in Emporia because now your fresh air is full of second hand smoke and your streets are now littered with cigarette butts! But..Don't forget you got what you wanted! You voted for this! When you simply could have avoided places that allowed smoking. Don't you think that would have been much easier? But NOOO..Enjoy your walks and hey while your at it pick up a few butts along the way! Help your city keep Emporia clean! I don't smoke and I voted No..Now, I have to walk in quite a bit of smoke that I did not have to before because I simply have enough brains to stay out of places that allowed smoking! All you non smokers who voted yes should be saying this.."If I only had a brain!! grrrr..I am hoping so bad the recount changes this and business owners who allowed smoking can get back to what they do best and thats running there business the way they want to!! I am pulling for all of you!!!

April 13, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mythoughts (anonymous) says...

I am so sick and tired of hearing about all of this I don't think I'll go anywhere or do anything. There's plenty of smoke-free fun to be had in other towns. How's that?!

April 13, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

djdiablo (anonymous) says...

I saw one of these Saturday night, check it out...

http://www.greensmoke.com/1000.html

It packs a nicotine whallop, "hits" like a cigarette, glows at the end, releases vapor instead of smoke, is perfectly legal to use in any non smoking area because it has no fire, no tobacco, and no smoke, yet the smoker gets the nicotine. The nicotine cartridges come in several strengths...They are expensive to buy, but after the initial purchase are cheaper than cigs. The "tobacco" flavor didn't quite make it, they also offer foo-foo flavors. By the way, no smell whatsoever. The fellow who had it said so far, so good...he bought it on the internet.

April 13, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

yellowdog (anonymous) says...

Now someone needs to tell those nasty cattle ranchers to stop burning their pastures. Arrgh! Second hand pasture smoke. Help me, I'm dying! (A note for those of you who don't get it - this is sarcasm)

April 13, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

momoftwo (anonymous) says...

Amen, livinglife! When I saw the front page of the Gazette's weekend edition, I said the same thing to my husband. And, you hit the nail on the head, our sidewalks will be even more littered w/cigarette butts now - lovely, huh? p.s. I am not a smoker & if I lived in Emporia, I would have voted NO!

April 13, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

generalsn (anonymous) says...

If only 20 percent of the population smokes, these numbers reflect a lot of non smokers who are against invading privatly owned businesses and clubs.

April 13, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lookup (anonymous) says...

When you vote with a machine, why doesn't it spit out a record of it that could have an assigned number on it that could be cross referenced with a readout from Vopat's office that's printed for public record. Otherwise, why trust the machines? how do you know if it really counted your vote?

April 13, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

GoodMorning (anonymous) says...

The military has led the way in promoting non-smoking. Beginning about 1994, the Department of Defense almost completely banned smoking. The Department of Defense does not allow military personnel to smoke in military buildings or ships except in specified areas. Basic training recruits are not allowed to smoke, with the goal that many will quit during the training period. While members of our armed forces still smoke, they are greatly restricted where they can smoke.
Our thank the current and former member of our armed forces who fought for our society to have the right to vote, request recounts, and to even vote again, in the process of adopting a change the majority of society wants.

April 13, 2009 at 5:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

I think I get more pollution inhaled from industrial companies, automobiles and from my BBQ grill. (yes I am being sarcastic) This world is not perfect and it will never be perfect. But we can not create law after law after law for everything in life. I thought that was what America the Free meant. Free to CHOOSE!!!!

April 13, 2009 at 5:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

chiefsfan (anonymous) says...

Thank you rbow, for bringing up the fact that no one should be giving the fire dept. a hard time for doing their job. I know the fire marshal personally, and I don't think he much enjoyed doing what he had to do Friday night. Please folks keep in mind that you don't know what is in the fire/police man's mind, and you don't know what their stand was on this ban. They were just doing their job.

April 13, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eldiablo (anonymous) says...

Boo-hoo!

April 13, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

josiesbar (anonymous) says...

Goodmorning,

I know 100% for sure there is at least one tank in the US Army that allows smoking...

Mine.

Matt

April 13, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Emporia looks like Lawrence now, butts all over the street. Thanks Teresa Walters and friends. You pro ban people didn't stop to think that there's no such thing as doing just one thing.

Thanks, Mike Helbert, for paying for the recount. It's part of the democratic process to ask for one, especially with the margin so thin. Good thinking.

April 13, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

This is so very GREAT!!!! Makes one proud to be a US citizen
I so agree a re-count was necessary. Didn't they do one when
Ms. Waters won the county commission because it was so
very close? Why, then is this any different??? Yes, our
US, fought and died for process WORKS!!!!!

Crack, did you ever stop and think this "ban" not only involves our "Bars" BUT any business that is within the city limits? I realize that knowledge may not be within you, but say, you own a business, bought and paid for by your hard work and long hours, pay the taxes(to a city that wants to take away your rights and freedom) pay upkeep and then on top of that, pay employee salaries. Now, you have a private office and want to go in and have a cigarette. Oh! Wait!!! You must go outside 10ft. of your business to do that. If that isn't taking away "rights"/"Freedom of CHOICE" then even though we have many fighting for those same rights, you CAN'T. YES! fighting for the "right" to have FREEDOM of CHOICE!!!! Sorry, you and CAE "Ego" trip WON'T hinder (currectly) our Constitutional RIGHT!!!! Sorry, Crack, usually I don't find that you are worth the time to respond!

April 13, 2009 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

chuck (anonymous) says...

We had lunch in a formerly smokey cafe on Saturday. There was only one table open when we arrived at almost one o'clock. We expressed our pleasure for no smoke and our wait person said she was glad the smoke was gone. Lives will be lost if the recount ends with a different result. Wil it be your child or grandchild who is lost? It will be somebodys.

April 13, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

chuck, You have NO proof in your statement. What you do have is "studies". Now, if you have ever taken a statistic class you would have learned that those "stats" in reality can turn out how you WANT them. One way is the wording another by the "test" that are administered. People die everyday, young and old. Just look about you, they speak of clean air, SHS is the LEAST of our problems.

April 13, 2009 at 9:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

USNretired (anonymous) says...

Took 'em 2 days to make it come out their way the first time, bet they can do it quicker the second time around.

April 13, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Chuck, also, I imagine you were in "Bruffs" which is a Sports BAR. You Did have a CHOICE to take your grand-children in MANY other places to eat. Again, FREEDOM of CHOICE!!

April 13, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

runt (anonymous) says...

Chuck- did you by chance stop by S&S? They looked pretty empty every time I drove by there. Wonder how there business is doing?

April 13, 2009 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

barefootin (anonymous) says...

Thanks Helbert, it s worth a second look.

April 13, 2009 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ksnewsie (anonymous) says...

Ate at Bruff's Saturday. Mentioned to the waitress that I voted FOR the ban. She thanked me.

April 13, 2009 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Oh My God We are all going to die!

Sorry folks, it will happen.
Get over it!

April 13, 2009 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

We ate at Bruffs on Saturday too. We couldn't wait to go in and eat and enjoy the clean air. We heard lots of compliments from people who were loving the change.

April 13, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

runt (anonymous) says...

Is that what this was all about? It seems like a lot of people are talking about Bruffs. It sure seems like that had a lot more to do with the smoking ban than peoples health.

April 13, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

You have your opinion, I have mine.
For the man who told me tonight I asked for a vote, and I lost ,to get over it and MAN UP I say you are right. We lost at the vote but as a private business owner I still have the right to kick you out of my business, if I want. No reason needed it's my right as a private property owner.And when you come into my business and taunt smokers and cause a problem, you are out of there. You know who you are and if you are stupid enough to think you have a case against me go for it. Otherwise you are barred for at least a year, probably for life. This is just a warning to all who want to taunt my customers about this ban: shut up or you are out, period. You won the vote, now shut the h--l up, or you're out of here.

April 13, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

rbow, SUPER post. I wasn't there but am so VERY thankful that you, as a PRIVATE property owner have that RIGHT!!! ALSO, I would like to say that with my dealings with Ms. Vopat, she is VERY honorable and the recount WILL be very honest, as honest as yone "human" can do!!! Please, let's
let our AMERICAN process work, win or lose. Someone posted earlier concerning Ms. Vopat, our "system" is in GOOD hands!!!

April 13, 2009 at 10:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mrbill (anonymous) says...

you people who live in your own stupid little world really need to look at the real picture here why do we have millitary to fight for our rights if a small town malitia can so easily take them away its not about smoking its about our freedom as americans i dont see old teresa wa-wa and her groupies at the s&s or flying js eating im sure she is much to good to grace these places with her presence but now maybe she can go to the bars and feel like she is right in her own livingroom and since the state will lose lots of tax dollars from the ones who smoke all you people who voted yes can make up that difference on the activities that you enjoy cause when peter cant PAY then paul will have to then we will see who really WON

April 13, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jmcmannis (anonymous) says...

Way to go steve, I had feeling the gloaters would come out eventually.
I am glad that you still have the right to refuse to anybody without a reason. At least one of the rights of business owners that will never be touched is the right to refuse service.

I applaud Mr. Helbert for exercising his rights under the United States Constitution, win or lose it is the right way to decide the issue once and for all

April 13, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

stark81 (anonymous) says...

I think the ban works great for resturaunts. I fam a smoker though I don't smoke in my house, vehicle, or around my kids. Therefore I don't have a problem with the ban resturaunts. I think that we (the smokers) should be able to smoke in the bars. In my opinion a lot of people only smoke when they drink.

April 13, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

Y'all are bein' way too hard on Sauder, Walters, and Grimwood. Now that the ban has been implemented, they will be regular fixtures at S & S, Mary's, the VFW, and the bowling alley; hanging out, sucking down a few beers, and chewin' the fat with the common folk. All that thick, smelly, toxic smoke was the only thing that kept them and their upper echelon fun-loving friends from going to those places. Now that those locations are smoke-free, the CAE saviors will be packing them every night.

Be looking for them, but don't ask for an autograph. It embarrasses them when the little people do that.

April 14, 2009 at 2:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

josiesbar (anonymous) says...

crack,

My personal belief is that CAE did this to keep EDA alive, and for no other reason than that. I honestly believe that EDA needed to pass some sort of legislation (they've been trying to do it every year since they started), or they would lose out on a bunch of grant money, since they hadn't done anything. Can I prove any of this, no. Just my conspiracy theory.

Matt

April 14, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blulitespecial (anonymous) says...

Business was very good at the Americus establishments over the weekend.Not bad at all on Monday,either.

April 14, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

livinglife (anonymous) says...

After the results of the hand count are official today eithier way this goes its time to move on. It is what it is! Ms. Vopat thank you for doing a great job I feel this hand count is in good hands.

April 14, 2009 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

blulight, I expect some of the socialist peers to CAE of Americus to push for a similar ban. They are served by the district that voted Walters onto the Co. Commission.

April 14, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

slvrnblck (anonymous) says...

To all the people who are posting about the cigarette butts....you do realize that it is the people who are smoking and throwing their butts on the ground that are littering, don't you? All who voted in favor of this ban are not to blame for the smokers littering. It is a completely different subject.

April 14, 2009 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

People, don't hold your breath on the recount being any different than it was the first time.
You must remember one thing, that being, who the rulers of Emporia and Lyon County are and the power and monetary backing that these rulers have backing them and which, if any, politicians, etc., they may have as allies !
You don't really believe that all of the grant monies that the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition or CAE receives is used just for " HUMANITARIAN " purposes do you ?
You also need to remember that the now ruling Queen is also a County Commissioner .
The taking away of freedoms, liberties, personal rights and civil liberties by imposing bans, etc. is not over by any means !
I have said it before and I will say it again now ! We are all witnessing the birth and beginning of " TYRANNY ", which has been happening, gradually for some time now . However this smoking ban is an open and blatant show of whats to come !
It would seem that many Americans have forgotten what has taken place in History and that is too bad !
It has been said that, " History Repeats Itself " !
I sincerely hope the recount does come out in favor of the ban being defeated, but I really don't think the result will be any different .
Mr. Helbert, I do appreciate your effort in demanding a recount, Thank You and LOL.

April 14, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Nobody blamed the yes-people themselves for smokers who throw their butts in the street. HOWEVER, cigarette butts all over the streets are the RESULT of the ban itself. Were it not for the ban on smoking, smokers would put their butts where they always have in the past, in ashtrays that used to be provided inside the establishments where people smoked. Now the entire city is an ashtray thanks to the ban. There's a difference!

April 14, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blulitespecial (anonymous) says...

neighbor-"I expect some of the socialist peers to CAE of Americus to push for a similar ban."
I agree! Most people I've talked to will take any extra business that comes this way(they need it),but don't like "control" coming with it.

April 14, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Also, something else that I firmly believe in, is the fact, that my health is my responsibility and no one elses, the CAE, Tobacco Free Kansas or anyone elses responsibility, but " MINE ".
If I choose to expose myself to an environment that is unhealthy that is my responsibility and choice and right to do so or at least I HAD the right to choose to do so. However, now I have no choice to avoid smoke/SHS, because it has been pushed outdoors into the " PUBLIC " domain where everyone will be forceably exposed to smoke/SHS just by walking down the sidewalk. And who should be blamed for smokers being forced outside into the " PUBLIC " domain ? What I don't understand is the logic of CAE and its followers, that smoking outdoors is fine because it is in the open air and yet they say and I quote, " There is no safe limit of exposure to SHS " ! Now does this make any sense at all ?
Let me reiterate, I do not smoke, but I strongly believe that smokers and businesses owners do have certain personal rights to live the life style they choose and business owners have the right to cater to certain clientel and to run their privately owned bussiness as they see fit !

April 14, 2009 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

joecitizen (anonymous) says...

pretty sad to see that all the good work done for this community, by francis walters has been overshadowed by his nincompoop wifey. I for one think he'd be ashamed of her actions, as he always seemed like a fair and rationable man, who understood business owners. just saying, i guess it's been to long since teresa walters owned a business, now all she owns is a toxic waste dump, which poses serious health and safety issues to emporia. point that high powered perception at yourself, and start making your changes there.

April 14, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blulitespecial (anonymous) says...

wow- Unpacking my trunk this morning,and found a couple hundred provisional ballots! How did that happen?! Oh,wait,they're from Minnesota.

April 14, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

Putting DUI and shs in the same catagory is uttlerly ridiculous.
In todays world I would suggest that unless you are just out dinking around you have no choice as to whether you are driving or not. I would suggest that you could walk or ride a bike or get a cab but you are still exposed.
If, however you are in a bar, a persons home or anywhere else there is second hand smoke you made the choice to be in that vicinity. It wasn't necessary to be there.
Why don't you wake up and get a life crack? If you don't like second hand smoke don't go around it.

April 14, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

peaches75 (anonymous) says...

Seriously... this is a joke. The ban passed and everyone needs to get over it. Stop making them recount because people think it's a miscount. It passed by what? Six votes? Maybe if 7 more smokers would have went out to vote you wouldn't be complaining.

Don't blame those that voted. Blame it on those who didn't go out and vote.

Personally, I loved Bruffs saturday night and I am happy that it will STAY that way.

April 14, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

josiesbar (anonymous) says...

Peaches75,

I'm glad you loved Bruff's, because I hated the streets downtown Saturday morning.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid...

I hope you all enjoy your smoking ban! :-D

Matt

April 14, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

peaches75, AM so glad that you enjoyed "Bruffs" THIS past
saturday night, NOW, will you and the other "I know what is
best for you" be there as often as the smokers were? Some
how I doubt it!!!! This is sad because, YOU and others
LIKE YOU HAVE taken my "rights" away. YOU did have a
"choice" before but now you give me none. I was wondering,
when I'm out in the cold, snow etc smoking and get pneumonia, even though it is my choice to smoke BUT
not be outside, what about "sueing" CAE, for they have
said SO many times what they think is best for us ALL!!!
Now, if that is not taking "control"/ruling/dictator I don't know.
Let's see what "Webster" says a dictator is!!! "One invested
with absolute authority" Believe that is what "CAE" is therefore
since they have absolute authority, they can pay my hospital
bill!!!! What you seem to easily forget, we DID have a smoking
ban before this that was FAIR to all!!! We each had a CHOICE!!! What this has proven is that "Money RULES!!"
WAKE UP!!!! PLEASE!!!

April 14, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

gg (anonymous) says...

Smoke away smokers but do it outside, I do not want your second hand smoke when I go to public places. If I wanted to kill my lungs I would buy cigarettes and do it. Have you ever looked at this entire scenario from a non-smokers viewpoint?

Human beings can be such a dumb and daring creature, the only animal on earth that willingly inhales smoke.

April 14, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

slvrnblck (anonymous) says...

create--

you said..."HOWEVER, cigarette butts all over the streets are the RESULT of the ban itself. Were it not for the ban on smoking, smokers would put their butts where they always have in the past, in ashtrays that used to be provided inside the establishments where people smoked. Now the entire city is an ashtray thanks to the ban. "

So because one law was put in place it is ok for them to break another?? The result of the ban is that smokers are not allowed inside. They are responsible for where they put their cigarette butts. They don't have to use the sidewalks or street and doing so is littering and illegal.

April 14, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

josiesbar (anonymous) says...

slvr and crack,

Yes, I know that littering is against the law. My question to you two is, where exactly would you like them to their butts? Until the city puts out smoking receptacles, where should they put them?

Please don't tell me it's the owner's responsibility to put butt cans out on city streets. The city passed this rule, the city needs to provide a place to put butts out.

April 14, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sassyone (anonymous) says...

I've been going to sidetracks for almost 10 years. In that time, I was not a smoker, I did not mind that others were smoking around me because i had no desire to smoke and the smoke going in my face did not bother me. I was raised by smoking parents and grandparents. I am now a 32 year old mother of two beautiful HEALTHY girls who, just like me, are not being affected by this shs crap. I went down to walmart today and the dardest thing happened. A semi truck drove across lanes in front of me and let out a HUGE puff of black smoke, I looked down at my cigarette and thought, gee, I wonder what is in that smoke coming out of his pipes, and why is that smoke so much healthier that what im inhaling? They are breathing in our second hand smoke and it is choking them. Well, I respectfully disagree as a person who has had a lifetime of second hand smoke exposure. If I were the owner of a bar, as I am very good friends with the owners of Sidetracks Saloon, I would be fully outraged as I know they are. They are great people who have always made me feel welcome in their saloon. I'm proud to say I've called that my Hang Out since I moved here in 1999. I voted no on this ban because I want to keep my friends in their business. They have worked for years to build up their clientele and they, not to mention the countless other business owners, do not deserve to be told what is allowed in their business. Common sense, which most in this town seriously lack, is what is needed here. If you use air freshners, you are polluting your home, SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN, incense, candles, all of these everyday items have been proven to have dangerous chemicals in them that we are spreading to our children everyday.The problem is this country and this TOWN is greedy. More than most from what I've seen. I don't think Clean Air Emporia has any other agenda than to RID their town of the "bad elements" that they do not approve of. I am very pleased at the fact they are doing a recount. Thank you to Mr. Helbert. I support his cause and I can say at least someone had the balls to stand up to this system. Freedom is what it's all about. Like I said before, I only go to Sidetracks because I am at home there. I love the people, the bartenders know me and I love to play darts. I'll be damned if anyone will tell me how to spend my time after work. I wanna smoke, I'm gonna smoke. The only reason they are going after second hand smoke, other than the greed, is because smoke goes everywhere, if a person chews, it wont go into the others' faces. Im just wondering when they will pull all the air freshners off the shelves due to all the "dangerous chemicals". I'm done now, I'm gonna go SMOKE A CIGARETTE.....

April 14, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...

Crack, I have not read all the posts on this thread but I need to ask you something. You said “I’m not saying he shouldn’t be allowed to do it. It’s still taking place…I got it.
Sure, there may have been a recount if it had went the other way, but at least then it would be for the good of the people, not the "rights" of the selfish few.”
Please explain “the selfish few”? the vote was only won by 6 votes.

April 14, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jmcmannis (anonymous) says...

Matt gotta love the photos, wonder what the other bar areas looked like lol.
Maybe we can sweep them up and dump them on T Walters and Company desk.

April 14, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eldiablo (anonymous) says...

Sassyone,

You are pleased that 'someone is standing up to this system'...

Would that be the democratic system? That this nation is founded on...

The voters have spoken.

April 14, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

gg, your post explains crack and his/her post, "The selfish few". Your post: "I do not want your shs when I go to public
places. YOU didn't have a choice before?? Also, "Human beings can be such a dumb and daring creature"-I take it by that statement either you aren't human or you are PERFECT (SOMEHOW I DOUBT). You and crack
either can't think for yourself or have been
so VERY brainwashed by ALL the radio
ads before the election that was bought
and paid for by drug companies etc. If
they weren't, why do you suppose CAE
is so AFRAID to publish their FUNDS!
They DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW!!
So therefore, you were not only 'brainwashed" but ALLOWED them
to put MONEY in THEIR pockets and
believe me, YOU will never see that money when that group IS running to the bank!!! ALL FOR EMPORIA and
their health, PLEASE DON'T make me
laugh!!!! If they were they would have
taken that money and done some good
for this community for ALL, not a "select
few!"(MAINLY THEMSELVES!)

April 14, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Crack,
You are sooooooo RIGHT, "People will believe ANYTHING
THEY HEAR"- So that proves my above post, Believe they
call that being "brainwashed" Also, NOW you want to tell
me OUTSIDE but also what to do, a little "POWER" HUNGRY?
Please don't forget you came in this world the same as I and YOU will go out of this world the same way,
POWER has nothing to do concerning that but GOD! Also,
it is VERY clear you have absolutely NO UNDERSTANDING
of our U.S. Constitution and what is worse, you could care
less!!!!

April 14, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

under_score (anonymous) says...

Reading through these posts for the last several weeks one thing has become very clear. crackinsack is a complete moron. Trying to correlate drunk driving fatalities or injuries which are immediate to the effects of SHS is utterly rediculous to anyone with a brain in their head. I don’t dispute that SHS is surely not good for ones health, however I would imagine that the amount of SHS smoke that a person intakes has to be a consideration. If something is either dangerous to a persons health or it is not then perhaps we need to outlaw the drinking water in Emporia and elsewhere, fish, and just about anything else that we, out of necessity or choice, must put in our bodies. As they all contain certain levels of toxins, which are deemed hazardous at certain levels. I do believe that children and others who don’t have a choice should be protected from the effects of smoking but to outlaw smoking in a bar, when only adults with free choice should be in those places, is completely asinine. It seems like crackinsack even admitted on another forum they frequented bars and willingly inhaled this poisonous emission! Talk about throwing caution into the wind! It’s amazing that crackinsack is still alive to troll these message boards. I can only conclude that if crackinsack walked into a restaurant and saw me taking a sh** on the food he/she would continue eating the food rather than leave the establishment or ask for a different plate! Democracy may have worked in this vote where the majority rules but that does not mean that justice was served or that the ideals of the Constitution or America were upheld. I am not a smoker but I do believe in personal responsibility and freedom.

April 14, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Crack, also GREEDY???? (by your above post concerning
"a bag")

April 14, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

eldiablo (anonymous) says...

God bless the smoking ban.

April 14, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

gg (anonymous) says...

My, my, you smokers sure are a belligerent and hateful bunch. Post here is like yelling I AM A JEW at a Nazi rally.

It is very simple really, you choose to smoke and I choose not to smoke. I do not force you to not smoke and I fully expect you to respect my desire not to smoke and that includes SHS.

So go have your smoke, I see cancer and wheeling around an oxygen tank in your future, only then will you see or acknowledge how idiotic your comments are.

And for goodness sakes Sandman, use paragraph breaks, your sentences running into each other is as annoying as your damn cigs.

April 14, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

under_score, nice post! So very glad there are some on here
that have a brain and ARE able to USE it!!!! THANK YOU, for since you are not a smoker but REALIZING that this is STRICKLY a "RIGHTS" and "CHOICE" as stated by our
U.S. Constitution. THANK YOU!!!

April 14, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

under_score (anonymous) says...

I've had this same argument with my wife about 5 times over the last week. It goes something like this:

Me: I can't believe that these people are getting away with forcing their preferences on others.

Wife: Well, I don't think it is right that I should have to be exposed to SHS.

Me: You don't have to be, just don't go to a place where people are smoking.

Wife: But I shouldn't have to change my habits because they want to smoke.

Me: They shouldn't have to change their habits because you don't want to be around smoke.

Wife: But I don't want to be around smoke. It's unhealthy and it stinks!

Me: You don't have to be around smoke, just don't go to a place where people are smoking!

And Repeat.

I understand that smoking bothers her and I agree that it stinks but to me that is completely irrelevant. The relevant question is "Can I avoid being around SHS if I don't like it". The answer is yes. Beyond that it all comes down to one group of people forcing another group of people to change their habit because they do not like said habit.

April 14, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

josiesbar (anonymous) says...

Well, maybe a tea-party IS in order... A tax-day tea-party...

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid...

Hope to see you all there!

Matt

April 14, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

gg, In response to the above, I believe this is a "forum" and therefore believe it is to "post" ones beliefs NOT an EnglishPaper. Gee, who is rude??? Plus the statement concerning cancer, BUT SINCE YOU DON'T live in the "real" world I sincerely hope you don't get cancer "down the road" by LIVING. My husband died from a Staph infection that he got in a HOSPITAL (NOT Newmans). I do sincerely hope you live a long and healthy life but PLEASE, don't blame us smokers for EVERY little thing that happens to YOU! I believe there is an "old" proverb "Live and let live"-afraid you and others have forgotten that and sooooooooo want to "control" the world around you, GOOD LUCK!!!! I guess you have stopped breathing? Remember, that air COULD kill you!!!

April 14, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

under_score (anonymous) says...

Smokers are doing no harm to anyone with enough common sense to stay away from smoke. It's not like it has no scent or is not visible.

Common sense and personal responsibility is all that is called for, no law necessary here.

April 14, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

crack,
You are so facist in your logic and thinking, it scares me and should scare everyone !

April 14, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

crack, I am NOT YOUR buddy!!!! Plus, THANK YOU for at least admitting that you are "POWER HUNGRY"! Tis NOT FOR THE PEOPLE but of self.

April 14, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Thank You, best pal, now YOUR BEST PAL will let you in on a secret, please SEEK help!!!!

April 14, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...

Crack, thanks for the reply, although I do not necessarily agree with it, at least I see your mind set.
You say" Too many people had their judgment clouded with all the "it's about rights" talk." And " People will believe anything they hear which is why they thought the ban was the big bad government taking away rights; when it clearly isn't"
I might remind you that enough people saw this ban as "big bad government" trying to take away rights, and this is why it was pushed to a vote.
People on both sides had opinions and so called facts, surveys,stats and the like, all of which have the opposite standpoint. So what may SEEM perfectly "clear" to you, may not be so cut and dry to others. Does this make all who disagree with your opinions, "selfish"?

April 14, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

Yes votes won by 8.

April 14, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seeya32 (anonymous) says...

crackinsack,every time I read one of your posts it makes me want to sing!! crackinsac is a big ol hack doo daa ,doo daa. wont you get off our back,oh doodle all day

April 14, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justamarine (anonymous) says...

Crack-
you posted,
I’ll convince some people to see it my way.

People already see things your way,at least the voices in your head see it that way.The rest of the people who can think and fend for themselves without the government telling them what to do,aren't afraid to stand up for what is right.
Who are you going to convince anyway,little kids?
Anyone who has been reading your posts doesn't take you seriously anyway, you are more of a comic relief on here than anything else.

April 14, 2009 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

gg (anonymous) says...

Yahoooooooooo, the revote did not change a thing, just talked with the County Clerks office and they said the "YES" vote to ban smoking in public places gained two votes.

Smoke outside Sandman/Sanwoman, I can almost hear YOU YELLING from near Wally World if your nicotine and tar lined throat still works as God intended.

April 14, 2009 at 4:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

gg (anonymous) says...

REVOTE GAINED TWO YES VOTES, ORIGINAL VOTE STANDS, THE BAN IS IN PLACE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

Yelling IS in honor of sandman! :)

April 14, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jmcmannis (anonymous) says...

Why am not surprised the gloaters are out. You all are just pissing people off. Take your gloating and stick it where the sun dont shine. We are tired of your gloating and until the city provides us with butt can receptacles than you will see more of our butts on the streets of Emporia.
Now Emporia's Commercial Street can become like Massachusets Street in Lawrence.

April 14, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jmcmannis (anonymous) says...

Cracky if you were anywhere near me I would kick you so far out of Emporia. Everybody is tired of your mouth and power ego trip. Why dont you go hang with T.Walters and shut the .........up.

I hope business and bar owners ban you from about every business your loud obnixous mouth sets in. Your egging for a fight and I am itching for one it has been a long time since I participated in a verbal and physical beatdown. You would be worth it, just to teach you some respect.

April 14, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seeya32 (anonymous) says...

hey crack!! Where is your mouth now??

April 14, 2009 at 5:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jmcmannis (anonymous) says...

I have friends that are affected by this ban they make less tips waiting tables at a bar because everybody is going out to smoke instead of staying inside smoking and drinking.

So cracky you need to consider that not will business may fold because of this ban but hard working people trying to make a living will possibly lose their jobs because of the loss of revenue at the business/bars.

April 14, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Folks, take it easy with "Crack", remember that is why they go by the name of "Crack", they can't HELP it.

Also, believe that person probably NEVER won anything in their own right, so didn't matter what happened to Emporia, they can say they DID win SOMETHING, rather they actually worked FOR this ban other then on this sight.

April 14, 2009 at 5:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

mrbill (anonymous) says...

what a sad group all of you are I am glad I dont live in your smoke free city with its butt lined streets. I feel so sad that none of you realize you are not getting out of this world alive and none of you know what God holds in store for the people who smoke or the ones who dont! but i know that people with money can certainly get what they want because that is the way it goes, but you see in the end they may not be on the list of # 1s no matter how much money they have.

iI

April 14, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jcook66801 (anonymous) says...

Fellow smokers,
The ban passed and we have to live with that -- for now. I voted against it because it does take away our rights.

Let's not make things worse by throwing our cigarette butts on the ground. No sense in becoming another target for some other bunch of do-gooders.

April 14, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...

jmcmannis, your post
"Your egging for a fight and I am itching for one it has been a long time since I participated in a verbal and physical beatdown. You would be worth it, just to teach you some respect."
I see you are talking to crack but I have to ask, if you are that much of a tuff guy, why not name a time and place or leave your real name and address for crack? I'd show just to see how big a man you really are! It always Easy to spout off at the mouth while your in a chair in front of a computer and staying anonymous. Just a thought...

April 14, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

jcook,66801, I truly agree but ALSO believe it is the responsibilty of the City of Emporia to place containers for
such since they were the ones who aided CAE in this truly
"dictatorship".

Believe most "smokers" are VERY respectible and VERY
LAW ABIDING.(Plus they do understand the U.S. Constitution)
Also believe that we aren't done with "I know what is best for
you" BUT I sincerely hope enough of Emporias have come
to the fact of what truly is going on and that this TRULY was
about "Rights" and "Freedoms", the loss of businesses and jobs. I SO hope I'm wrong about the last for we truly do not need any greater loss.

April 14, 2009 at 7:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

gg, Thank you for honoring my deceased husband but don't hold your breath, for I'm not a "yeller". Also, he was more of a human being in just his little finger then YOU will ever be in your WHOLE body. Thank You, anyway!

April 14, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jmcmannis (anonymous) says...

Life goes on. jmcmannis is my real name, look me up in the phone book Meth did. So I do not think I am being anonymous.
Besides I am getting tired of cracks gloating it is pissing me off because it is affecting my friends job.

April 14, 2009 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...

"Meth" looked you up and "crack" is getting on your nerves, sounds like a "smoking" ban Does effect ya more than I thought! LOL

April 14, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

The reason there are no ash cans around my bar, is because everything outside my bar is public property. And does anyone have a clue how long anything sitting outside a bar would last with all the foot traffic around? You got the smokers outside, now deal with it. Maybe the smoke-snitches could also police for littering?

April 14, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justamarine (anonymous) says...

Steve,
Just get the city to use the jailbirds to police the sidewalks.They are just sitting there wasting tax money anyway, put them to work.

April 14, 2009 at 9:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Just figured something out.
Yesterday, after being talked out of filing a smoking ban complaint against one of our city commissioners, it seems the cty officials found a flaw in their law and have pulled it from the cities web site.That's all right we have copies of the certifiied ordinance just in case someone tries to re-write it. I am going to get verification why it was pulled and if someone has changed the wording of the original they will go to jail.
I guess tomorrow I need to go out again and start filing complaints again.
Steve

April 14, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justamarine (anonymous) says...

Steve,
Would that mean more than one could end up in jail? Because a lawyer would have to help with the re- writing correct. And would that lawyer and members of the commission all be held accountable? So if it were to happen there is a possibility that the entire commission could end up there correct?

April 14, 2009 at 9:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Man, I don't know if that is what has happened, but it seems strange after I pointed out the wording on the ordinance to the two firemen and two police officers, and recomended that they talk to the cities legal office about it the ordinance was pulled from the city web-site. I do know the vote was on the ordinance that was certified by the city clerk. if the wording is different now it is fraud or something. it could also void the vote.
I hope no-one is trying this as I am ready to stand by the vote.
Steve

April 14, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justamarine (anonymous) says...

Steve,
I understand where you are coming from. I was just thinking if this had happend where I am at then,they would be in the orange jump suits policing the city streets and sidewalks, with a couple of deputies watching over them. Kind of a Kodak moment. Correct,it would be considered fraud. And punishment for such acts,I would think.
They should have had a legal team go over the ordinance to make sure that there were no loop holes or anything in that matter, because you know as well as I do that wording is everything.

Rob

April 14, 2009 at 10:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Well now the ordinance is up on the cities page. Maybe my other computor screwed up.
sorry for all the rabble rousing, It looks unchanged.
Steve

April 14, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Sorry I jumped the gun on that one folks.
Steve

April 14, 2009 at 10:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

marine,
You remember how jumpy I got if I couldn't smoke my Newports?

April 14, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justamarine (anonymous) says...

Yea,sure do remember,You had tendency to hose people down with the water gun, a little edgy and a few other well choiced things. I remember it like it was yesterday.lol

Rob

April 14, 2009 at 10:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justamarine (anonymous) says...

Steve-
you posted,
Sorry I jumped the gun on that one folks.

Don't say (gun) on here,someone on another post wants to ban guns now. If they caught wind that you jumped the gun,we might lose another right.Just another kettle of fish to fry. If they want my guns they can have them,one piece of lead at a time.

Rob

April 14, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )