Comments by Penny
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Posted on December 6 at 10:03 a.m.
It is a health issue whether you choose to believe it or not. Public Health is about the big picture, not about individuals. No one will lose their right to smoke (although I don't recall from government class where the Consitution grants the right to smoke) and yet customers and workers will have their health protected. You refer to calls and comments from non-smokers so let me share with you that I have had comments from bar and restaurant employees who are celebrating this vote. Comments like, "I can't speak out in favor of this or I'd lose my job, but I can't wait!"
Posted on December 5 at 8:22 p.m.
BJ, have you ever actually been to the production? It does contain quite a bit of traditional Christmas fun. It also includes others' traditions. It's quite beautiful, if you haven't been you should try it.
Posted on December 5 at 11:47 a.m.
I just re-read the actual ordinance, and I don't see anywhere that it says to call 911 for violations. I know that Mr. Zimmerman was quoted in the Gazette as saying that, but unless I skim-read too fast, I don't believe the ordinance actually calls for that type of response. Can someone clarify before we have idiots who actually do this?
Posted on December 5 at 11:33 a.m.
Methusla: That's just it, ACS and WHO did not do this study. It was done by 2 professors from California who received money from Phillip Morris to do so. They took data collected by the American Cancer society for a different purpose, left out a few things and there you go. The American Cancer Society has spoken out against this study because of their way their data was misused, using money from the tobacco industry.
Posted on December 4 at 6:11 p.m.
joe,
that "new" study was funded by the tobacco industry and has been debunked by many reputable orgainzations, including the American Cancer Society. Funny that independently funded research nearly always finds that SHS is harmful and research funded by the tobacco industry generally does not.
Thank you to the commissioners who voted in favor of the ordinance!
Posted on November 28 at 6:56 p.m.
Rat--I have to breathe second hand smoke whenever I take my car to Longbine's shop for warranty work. Sure, I could take a day off work and drive elsewhere, but I why should I have to? I guess that's not force in the sense of being held at gunpoint, but it's close enough.
Bj: I disagree (nothing new there), I think Emporia's image will be helped not hurt by the passage of this ordinance. It shows us to be open to change and committed to the health of our citizens. And where do you get the idea that the ordinance is against the wishes of the majority? Everyone I talk to says things like "it's about time" and "it can't happen soon enough". Plus, surveys done both a couple of years ago and recently all show a very strong majority of Emporian's in favor.
I'm thankful for the 3 commissioners who are currently in favor of the ordinance. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Posted on November 26 at 4:38 p.m.
EDA's involvement with this issue as a function of preventing drug abuse is entirely appropriate because all tobacco use is illegal (ie: abuse) for children. Areas that have clean indoor air ordinances have lower teen smoking rates because you create a non-smoking cultural norm. Seems that fewer teens smoking is something we could all agree is a good thing. Areas that have clean indoor air ordinances have fewer lung cancer deaths. Also seems like a good thing. Also seems like a public health issue. Thanks to the commissioners who were brave enough to publicly come out in favor of protecting public health.
Posted on October 11 at 6:40 p.m.
Momus, it's Dr. Lane, actually. I believe his advanced degrees and his expertise are in Business. Seems like someone with a brain to me...
Posted on October 2 at 9:18 a.m.
I once had the opportunity to transport a piece of lung tissue from surgery to pathology. Because the pathologist knew me (and knew I smoked at the time) he made me stay for his slice and dice show. I know exactly what your "filters" look like, BJ and it ain't pretty. Of course being 18 or so at the time I think I rolled my eyes in disdain but it did make an impression on me that influenced my decisions later. After seeing that, there certainly was no question in my mind what was making me hack and cough all the time. I sure don't miss that!
As to the question of other severe allergies like peanuts and bee stings, those are far less common than people who have adverse reactions to smoke whether it be respiratory, allergic, or cardiovascular. Lots of legal products are regulated, the more potential for danger, the more they are regulated (prescription drugs, alcohol, refrigerants come to mind) Regulation does not equal ban.
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Posted on March 17 at 11:30 a.m.
If you want a beautiful green "Vote Yes" sign in your yard contact the Committee for a Healthier Emporia at healthieremporia@hotmail.com . No donation required; I know because I got one and money was never even mentioned.
Think Green, Go Clean!!
On Very real risk