Brenton
Smokers Rights
November 5th 2007 00:41
My friend is a smoker. To be honest this just kind of pisses me off. However, I’m going to try to write an article here with minimal sarcasm in it.
For a pretty long time I’ve been a proponent of people having the technical right to use drugs. My friend makes no small point about pointing this out passionately, every time I have a go at smokers.
“You protect everyone else and say they can do what they want to their body but you’re happy to see smokers trampled on.”
The difference as far as I see is that I don’t have ravers blowing ecstasy in my face every time I’m waiting at a bus stop.
But I do concede a few points. Yes, smokers can pollute their bodies if they wish. Yes, they have the right to smoke. No, their choice of self affecting behavior doesn’t justify treating them like lesser beings.
That said, I do have a problem with the idea of Smokers rights. Not because I don’t think smokers have rights, but because I don’t see them as having any special rights. Black rights, Gay rights, Women’s rights all function because it is accepted that that individual is as they are – they cannot change (without, as it is, SERIOUSLY extreme biological or psychological modification).
However, I have never met a smoker who endured the pain of being the only kid in preschool treated differently because he was addicted to smoking.
So in conclusion; yes, you have the right to do what you want to your own body so far as it does not affect anyone else. Yes, it is wrong that you be singled out as mistreated for your choice of activity. But for the love of God – cut out the Martin Luther King shit.
IMAGE by Kalandrakas
For a pretty long time I’ve been a proponent of people having the technical right to use drugs. My friend makes no small point about pointing this out passionately, every time I have a go at smokers.
“You protect everyone else and say they can do what they want to their body but you’re happy to see smokers trampled on.”
The difference as far as I see is that I don’t have ravers blowing ecstasy in my face every time I’m waiting at a bus stop.
But I do concede a few points. Yes, smokers can pollute their bodies if they wish. Yes, they have the right to smoke. No, their choice of self affecting behavior doesn’t justify treating them like lesser beings.
That said, I do have a problem with the idea of Smokers rights. Not because I don’t think smokers have rights, but because I don’t see them as having any special rights. Black rights, Gay rights, Women’s rights all function because it is accepted that that individual is as they are – they cannot change (without, as it is, SERIOUSLY extreme biological or psychological modification).
However, I have never met a smoker who endured the pain of being the only kid in preschool treated differently because he was addicted to smoking.
So in conclusion; yes, you have the right to do what you want to your own body so far as it does not affect anyone else. Yes, it is wrong that you be singled out as mistreated for your choice of activity. But for the love of God – cut out the Martin Luther King shit.
IMAGE by Kalandrakas
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Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
Ironic is it not, that the two biggest killers of all drugs, alcohol and tobacco, are the only legal ones!
I am allergic to tobacco smoke now, having stopped smoking in 1998. I HATE and detest people who insist on blowing their exhaled smoke all over you, then looked offended if anyone objects.
I saw a doco the other night, and it had a brilliant solution, nictine puffers! This way, the user gets the hit from the active drug, but none of the nasty chemicals, and, it does not affect the person next to them!
I think tobacco companies developed it for another use, but have resisted adapting it as a cigarette substitue.....guess they are having too much fun watching people die?
Lastly...how come no one passes legislation that makes the tobacco firms pay for all smoking related medical costs? If they did that, I think the tobacco companies would begin to take the puffer idea more seriously.
cheers...cough...
fog
Comment by Brenton
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Comment by Skeeter Sanders
The non-smoking majority has a right to breathe clean indoor air in ALL public places, including bars. And the non-smoking majority damn sure has a right to breathe clean indoor air in their homes.
Bottom line: Smoking -- especially indoors -- is no longer socially acceptable. Smokers must respect the right of the non-smoking majority to breathe clean indoor air. Better yet they can join the non-smoking majority by quitting smoking.
As for cannabis, potheads need to know that there is more than one way to consume marijuana. Better to eat it than to smoke it. Your lungs will thank you.
Comment by Brenton
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Indeed, it is a difficulty that smoke speads - perhaps if it did not we'd barely even be having this debate.
Comment by Maximize
Electronic cigarettes are an interesting technical solution to the increasing restrictions on cigarette smoking. This is a wonderful way to protect people from second hand smoke while at the same time allowing smokers a way to indulge their habit.
As a non-smoker I have to say I'm happy that a lot of places will now be smoke free although I am concerned with the encroachment on cigarette smoker's rights.
I'm thrilled to see a product which can help to reconcile these issues. Not only that, but because the electronic cigarettes vaporize nicotine instead of burning tobacco they are a healthier alternative for smokers.
There are a lot of challenges facing civilization as we head into the 21st century. I don't think that smokers vs non-smokers rights is one of the bigger ones. But, as someone who believes that knowledge, enlightenment and technology will save us from many of our current and future problems, I'm thrilled to see products being created that can resolve these sorts of issues benevolently.