spectator (anonymous) says...

Great, now we have to suffer crackedinthesack's babblings all over again while this nonsense goes on. No, I don't smoke but it's another freedom kicked aside. Remember the poem by Martin Niemöller : "In Germany they came first for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."

September 2, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

spectator,
That poem would be more fitting to the smoking ban if it went... "In Germany, the Allies came for the Germans and I didn't speak up because the Germans were hurting people and they needed to be stopped..." Also, crack has apparently been banned from the site. See discussion here: http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
“They came for crackinsack, and you didn’t speak up because she deserved it.” Right?
'enry

September 2, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

Great news!

September 2, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Paccifier (anonymous) says...

One good thing about state wide regulation (of anything) would be some uniformity from town to town, rather than wondering what you can do in Wichita, versus Emporia, versus Topeka.

September 2, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

Henry are you in favor or against? You're a little vague.
If you are insinuating that they should come for the smokers because they are hurting people and need to be stopped, you may be crack with a new name.
You're right on Spectator the gov. can't run anything that the're in control of now and they just want to keep butting in.

September 2, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tbluma (anonymous) says...

I've got a great idea, why don't we just ban everything then we can becomes the zombies that barry, the ex gov., the new gov. and all the rest of the liberal sob's want us to be.
I thought libs used to be for free love & let every one alone but now they just want to tax, spend and regulate.
Puke and choke

September 2, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

let's see the state is broke, businesses are going under, taxes going up.

And our governor comes up with this!

Jeeesh!

September 2, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

You know he didn't come up with this Steve, you saw how it happens here.

September 2, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

generalsn (anonymous) says...

Just a reminder of the sources of the bans, more concerned with "social change" than the bans themselves:

http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?ia...

And what the 99 million dollars was going to. Note on page seven the "inside -out", provision going for patios later, AFTER business owners spend thousands of dollars to accommodate their smoking customers, clearly showing that the tobacco control activists have ABSOLUTLY NO CONCERN about local issues or businesses.

http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/CIA_Funda...

Here's the "model ban" from page eight that many communities copied, printed, and passed. It's the "smoking ban for dummies" It only takes a few minutes to fill in the blanks naming your community, the administrators names, and blanks to customize it to your community according to the width of your sidewalks, so it looks like local leaders worked tirelessly for extended time to originate it.

http://www.no-smoke.org/document.php?...

September 2, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

generalsn,
I'm a smoker (cigars for the most part), but I support the smoking ban. You bash the "smoking ban template" because you think it is used "so it looks like local leaders worked tirelessly for extended time to originate it." Are you suggesting all communities that wish to instate a smoking ban reinvent the wheel? That seems like a waste of time and resources when you can simply borrow from another system that has already taken most things into consideration. The fact that they use a "template" does not invalidate the benefits of it. Sometimes I use a template to write letters on the computer. Does that mean my letters aren't important or valid? You are trying way too hard to find something wrong with the ban, my friend.

I think I’m beginning to fancy this Parkinson fellow…seems like a reasonable lad.
'enry

September 2, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

solong (anonymous) says...

We are evolving, thank goodness. I remember when my mother, who did not smoke, lit cigarettes to keep mosquitoes out of the car. My siblings and I got sick and the mosquitoes still bit, but she kept doing it because it was right. She also used to remove ticks from us boys most uncomfortable spot with a hot match head, that drew quite a reaction too. I remember when I lit my first cigarette to be cool and I got so sick and dizzy I just about puked but ignored what my body was telling me because it was cool. People used to feel sorry for the drunk drivers who killed someone and they finally started putting them in jail. One thing that will never change is ignorance for those who chose to ignore the obvious because of their personal endeavors despite what it is doing to others.

September 2, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

solong, your statement "doing to others" hits home, just like the article stating that "nearly 4,000 Kansas die each year from smoking-related diseases, including 290 blamed on secondhand smoke". My question" How can they prove that?" Do you realize that since you smoked that ONE cigarette, you are now a statistic? If you should die, it was "smoking related".

Just look at the world around you, are we going to "Ban" everything that is a hazard to society?Next, are all blonde hair, blue eyes humans going to be "banned"? Aren't we taking a step backward? Also what about the "taxes" that are paid by the purchasing of cigarettes, are you willing to makeup that revenue, not only to the city but state?(Also jobs) It saddens me how willing people are to give up their freedoms. In
time, if not stopped, the government will control our every waking minute. I don't want this for my grandchildren, do you?

September 2, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

spectator (anonymous) says...

Well, 'enry, you sure seem to jump to defend, on the link and here, the person who was SO verbose about the local issue and you parrot crack so there is an obvious conclusion. I don't care a hairy rat's behind for the issue other than it's yet one more thing the government is trying to manage because "it's good for all of us." Let's do away with motor vehicles due to so many accidents and let's eliminate aircraft because people get hurt when planes crash. Steak should be illegal because it contributes to heart disease. Let's regulate EVERYTHING on the planet for that matter.

September 2, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

open_eyes (anonymous) says...

And Bans cause Stress! Can we ban Bans? :)

September 2, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

YY4U, open_eyes, you mean there is stress out there? Heck, I just went to the doc and my BP was down!!!! I have found this "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect; it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections", I liked this! Guess I'll just have to go back to the furnace room to smoke!!!! (Or outside!) Woe is me!!!

September 2, 2009 at 8:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

What is the differance Between Gwen Larson censoring blogs about unfounded rumor,
(Clint Bower) ,and an unproved clean air study on Emporia Businesses?

None!

Just depends on your bend!

One is a front page "news story" and the others are unfounded rumors and will not be tolerated.

Just take a moment Gwen and think what you are doing.

September 2, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

carpediem (anonymous) says...

I think I hear "Big Brother" coming!!! ;)

September 2, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

big brother is already here. Most just can't "HEAR" him cause their head is to far up their arse:)

September 2, 2009 at 9:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

whoops, that'll get censored>

September 2, 2009 at 9:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

generalsn (anonymous) says...

Finally, Pfizer, the main source of funding for the the bans got busted.

September 2, 2009 at 10:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

This is surely good news for everyone that is for health care reform!

September 3, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

Big Brother is here but Jeff is going to get evicted this week and that stinks cuz he totally deserves to win!

September 3, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

HenryVIII (anonymous) says...

spectator,
There's only one obvious conclusion, huh? If you look at my profile (click my name) you'll see that I've been a member long before that no-good crack-in-flack got booted. Good riddance to crack, that's what I say. It's 'enry's time in the spotlight now! Look at me! LOL
The only obvious conclusion is that smoking bans are great.

solong,
Remember that you're talking to Kansans here, so I wouldn't use the term "evolving" if you want people to actually listen.
'enry

September 3, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

After much soul searching I have changed my mind on bans. I think they serve a usefull purpose because the majority of people are to stupid to or don't want to make their own decisions. So here is a list:

1.Ban smoking anywhere but a persons personaly owned home.
2.Ban the use of candles, (fire hazard), anywhere, except during power outages.
3.Require computerized snifters on all motor vehicles that don't allow them to move if it detects alcohol on the drivers breath.
4.Place a 25% National tax on all fast foods, and a 30%National tax on soft drinks and use the proceedes to fund health care.
(booze is already taxed higher, see #3.)
5. Place gps sensors on all motor vehicles, and track the milage. All mileage that is not business related tax @5cents a mile.
6. Don't ban guns, but register and tax the heck out of all bullets.
(this will cut down on drive-by shootings.)
7. Create a national surecharge tax on all contact sports and use the money for related injuries.(checkers and chess would be exempt).
8. Place universal Kill switches for motor vehicles by every low water roadway, bridge and street that is prone to flooding to keep dumb-a--es from getting stranded and requiring rescue.
9.Require all on government assistance to report to a designated area every day for 8 hours to read a good book.
10. Term limits of no-more than 8 years on all elected posititons.

These ideas if put to law, would insure us all of a healthier, better, smiley-faced life.
Don't you think?

September 3, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I've got more!

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

Paccifier (anonymous) says...

Would you also exempt dominos please

September 3, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

Just stopping by briefly to share something I just saw somewhere else and thought it fit.

"Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive." - C.S. Lewis

September 3, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Steve, please don't give those "nuts" anymore ideas!!
Our lives are controlled enough by "big brother"-I never had a "big brother" and don't need having one now telling me how to live!!! Second thought, how about taxing for each pound overweight the chart says we are, that would make us healthier because most of us would not want to pay dollars for those pounds plus sales would go up because we would have to buy new clothes (and taxes) for our new figure or taxes on the weight. Sure hurt the grocery stores and or fast food business.

September 3, 2009 at 8:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

People that are for health care reform should love bans because the bans will keep costs down.

September 3, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

open_eyes (anonymous) says...

http://blog.taragana.com/n/vote-delay...

September 2nd, 2009 Honolulu vote on banning bus odors delayed

HONOLULU — A vote on a Honolulu City Council proposal that would bar people with offensive odors from public transit vehicles is being delayed.

The proposed ordinance would make it illegal to have “odors that unreasonably disturb others or interfere with their use of the transit system.”

Councilman Nestor Garcia said Wednesday the proposal has some technical problems that need to be addressed.

One of those is language that would allow city police to charge a violator with criminal trespass. Garcia says only the state Legislature can pass criminal statutes.

He says testimony will be heard at the council’s Transportation Committee hearing on Thursday at city hall. But he says a vote will be rescheduled for a future date.

more from

http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/09/03/s...

According to the article, under the bill, a person found in violation may be ordered to leave transit property and issued a summons or citation by a police officer. If convicted, a person could be fined up to $500, spend up to six months in jail, or be both fined and jailed.
....................................................

But the idea still seems to be wafting around. Councilmen Rod Tam and Nestor Garcia say they may make revisions to their bill and reintroduce it later.

September 3, 2009 at 11:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

open_eyes (anonymous) says...

Now we know what SHS REALLY stood for.

Second Hand Smell :-)

September 3, 2009 at 11:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

YY4U, PLEASE tell me you are wrong!!! I go on medicare shortly and this SCARES me to death!!! If something should come up afraid they are going to say "Heck, she isn't worth the cost" and then I'll be in deep doo,doo!!!! Plus, I've got to PAY for them to say that!!! Oh! those GOLDEN years!!!!! Where the heck are they??? :)

September 3, 2009 at 11:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

open_eyes, I just KNEW someone would come up with something about MY perfume!!! Gee, so someone complained about their nose being stopped-up, Oh! I losing the battle!! .Should I ever go to Hawaii, can't wear my perfume and probably can't smoke. What else is there????? Don't answer that!!!! :)

September 3, 2009 at 11:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

We missed the golden years, they were the ones when we wished we were grown up. The rest of our years we wish we could go back. I try to tell my kids to enjoy it while they can but they don't get it.

People that are for health care reform shouldn't complain about bans since the bans are trying to help your cause. When health care reform advocates start complaining about bans I want to tell them to shut up but I don't cuz I'm a nice guy.

Seriously R. Folks
limited government please

September 3, 2009 at 11:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

open_eyes,I wanted to tell you, You would be so proud of me!!!!! I got to use some of that new "Shorthand" in
an e-mail. Gee, my daughter is so wrong saying I'm old-fashsion I AM getting modern!!!!!

Thanks for your help, I printed off that one article and got a new dictionary!!!! Yippee!!!! This gal is right up town in "modernville!!!!

September 3, 2009 at 11:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Gee, hope Crack isn't around or I am in deep doo,doo!
Fashion was mispelled, time to go to bed!!!

September 4, 2009 at 12:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

YY4U, I did want to comment on "your" death panel!!!
PLEASE! may I be on that panel? I might stand a chance then!!!! :)

September 4, 2009 at 12:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

generalsn (anonymous) says...

Pfizer, the main money behind these bans, finally got busted for their marketing practices.

September 4, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/bus...

"Although the investigation began and largely ended during the Bush administration, top Obama administration officials held a news conference on Wednesday to celebrate the settlement, thank each other for resolving it and promise more crackdowns on health fraud."
LOL

September 4, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bdprotheroe (anonymous) says...

"In America, we've got to learn how to disagree without demonizing each other. And, we need to restore civility in our civil discourse."

- Pastor Rick Warren

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

September 4, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

YY4U, GOOD FOR YOU!!! Nice response!

September 4, 2009 at 7:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Also, Brian P., from what I underatnd you need to clean-up YOUR own town, stay out of OURS!!
(PLEASE!)!

September 4, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

To help keep the cost of health care down there will be more bans, it will be a must. These bans won't come from the goody two shoes but from the free spirits on the left to keep their programs a float but the sticks and stones will probably get thrown at the goody two shoes because of it. sigh

September 4, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

sandman, " The Golden Years " are no longer Golden, heck their not even " Copper Years ", they are now " The Dark Years " !
Steve, my friend, you are right " Big Brother " is already here and getting bigger and more powerful and more intrusive every day ! The days of freedoms and rights of all people are fading fast !

September 4, 2009 at 9 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bdprotheroe (anonymous) says...

Allow me to repeat, "we need to restore civility in our civil discourse."

Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA

September 5, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I totally agree, Brian.

But hey, what do you expect from a bunch of t-shirt and stretch-pant wearing cows?

Steve Corbin
Emporia Ks.

September 5, 2009 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

a NOTICE sent to me this a.m.

A petition is being drawn up, and will be circulated statewide, to ban all selling of nicotine products. This will include nicotine replacement products, as they are JUST as addictive as smoking or chewing. They also may cause mouth and throat cancers. So along with all the small business owners and employees, ALL pro ban, pharma funded fanatics will be out pounding the pavement too. Two State anti smoking departments can then close. This will save MILLIONS. Kansas can replace the excise tax and the Master Settlement money from something else. And prohibition WILL work! It didn't stop ALL drinking when the alcohol ban was in effect in the 1920's, but back then we didn't have the tech that we have today. Heart transplants and space travel wasn't very efficient back then either. There may be some black market, but MOST people will quit. That's what we want right? According to pro ban people the savings in Medicare should cover the losses. Let's REALLY have a ban with teeth. Not one that simply makes people sit home and smoke. Nicotine replacement simply makes people WANT to smoke. It HAS to go with the tobacco!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds good, I'm all for it, how about you?

September 7, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I'll have copies when it's ready to go, and i'll let everyone know on here.

September 7, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandman (anonymous) says...

Steve, I'm with you!!!! Terrific, I GET to sign!!!!!

September 7, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

driveonby (anonymous) says...

Make SURE that Gwen, from the Gazette, Senator Barnett, the Clean Air Emporia people, all the students who voted for the "ban, which is NOT a ban", the Health Department employees who received the grants from pro ban foundations, and especially Ms. Heelebust, from the Tobacco Free Kansas group, (who coincidentally, will be unemployed if this ban is passed!) and Crackey get to sign!!!

September 8, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )