July 30, 2008

  • Tonight I went to a public concert that was mainly aimed at children. Once again I was angry to see so many adults standing in the midst of hundreds of toddlers and young kids, puffing away on cigarettes. It's bad enough when people smoke in a crowd of adults and force everyone nearby to be trapped in their stink. When you're modelling your filthy habit and poor manners to not only your, but everyone's children, you need to be kicked in the head.

    Honestly, I think smoking in crowds should be illegal. Nobody is going to die if they don't get to smoke for the three hours they're at a concert or playing at a park with their kids. Save the cigs for your own porch or find a place to stand away from the crowd and away from doorways, and stay still to smoke. I really hate when a smoker paces, making it impossible for me to avoid the stream of smoke. If you're sitting still, I can move around you. If you're moving, you're making sure EVERYBODY gets stuck in your cloud! Also, don't light up close to a non-smoking stranger without asking. There's always a place you can stand near another stationary smoker or at least away from those who choose not to smoke. Every time I sit in a public place, somebody sits down beside me and lights up. If I'm there first, it's my space and you need to smoke elsewhere. If you're there first, it's your space and i'll choose another spot to sit. Why does this not register with people?

    So the smokers whine about their "rights". Seriously folks, smoking is NOT a right. It is a habit tolerated by government because prohibition simply won't work. The only way to control tobacco use is to keep it legal and severely restrict it to try to reduce harm as much as possible. You don't see drinkers whining that they have a "right" to drink wherever and whenever they want, do you?

    When people see litter, smashed beer bottles, or needles strewn on the street, they get upset. Why do many of these same people think nothing of tossing their butts everywhere? Carry a butt can in your pocket and throw them out at home. Field strip so there's little evidence of your having been there. Or nip the problem in the bud and work on quitting smoking altogether.

    Human rights are about the needs for a decent and humane way of living. Food, water, shelter, air, sunshine, health care, education, safety, and respect are rights. Not allowing someone to smoke in a doorway or a crowd is not harming them in any way, and those that bitch and moan otherwise need a reality check.

    Have you ever been held indefinitely with no trial and no charges against you?

    Have you been beaten for showing more than your eyes, or for teaching your daughter to read?

    Have you been denied medicine because you're too sick to work and can't afford to buy it yourself?

    Have you ever gone a week without eating?

    Have you ever been harassed because of the colour of your skin?

    Have you ever been afraid of violence in your own home?

    To the smokers who make a genuine effort to keep their smoke to themselves and comply to the laws without complaint, thank you. Your positive attitude is appreciated.

    To the whiny smokers who insist on poisoning those around them any time and any place they can get away with it, shut the fuck up and take a look at what's really important. Smoking isn't a right. It's just your personal bad choice. Don't punish the rest of us for it.