Austinist: Austinist Debates the Smoking Ban So You Don't Have To, Part I: For

Jason

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 12:29:05 -0600

You all have no life.

davidnunez

Sat, 07 May 2005 10:57:32 -0600

OK. My jaw hit the floor when I read: "So compared to how a smoker has already infringed on his own freedom, asking him to step outside to exercise his not-free will is hardly a violation worthy of the name." I'm a left-leaning libertarian, and I HATE the precedent of governments using unnecessary laws to control individual behavior and remove ANY of our freedom. (little by little, as we give up "insignificant" liberties, we lose a dangerous amount of our free will. slippery slope, right?) You have always had the freedom to choose whether or not you are going to be around smokers; you've always had the right to be in a clean air environment: Currently, businesses in Austin make the decision, for themselves, whether or not they are going to allow smoking in their establishments. If you choose to stay away from Lovejoys because they allow smoking, then you are denying them your money and they lose you as a customer. That's exactly how it's supposed to work. You value being in clean air more so than hearing whatever band is playing that night. It's called "priorities." Living in a free society means being able to make decisions for yourself. However, since bars aren't voluntarily banning smoking, they are clearly saying that the majority of their customers (at least enough customers to stay in business and presumably make a profit) are ok with smoke in their establishment. I'm a non-smoker. Who the hell am I to tell somebody they can't give themselves lung cancer wherever they damn well please? (well, as long as it's not in my house or 3 inches from my face as I'm walking down the street... then I'd have to shoot them) The sad thing is that this ban is going to pass because of the enormous Austin population that have not and will not ever go to a bar on a Friday night. Another set of choices, ripped out of your hands by people nothing like you. Weep for your freedom.

Christine

Sat, 07 May 2005 09:06:46 -0600

Like I've said before, I've been through this in NYC and never met anyone- including smokers- that didn't love the ban. And we really have no excuse here because there are so many outside spaces. Plus, I can't stand the thought of the evil white man that is Phillip Morris (they even changed the name and took a image- logo- that seems to be an obsure picture of "something"- have you seen it (Altria?)) It is like they are flaunting that they are "covering up" their real business, ingredients, etc. Oy vey.

lauri

Fri, 06 May 2005 23:28:55 -0600

I think I'm voting for the ban. The only reason I wouldn't is because I don't want to limit the rights of people (fuck the argument that clubs will have to close.. I don't buy it), but at the same time they're taking away a person's right to be in a clean air environment. I hate cigarette smoke. And I hate it outside, too. Can we just make smokers do it in dark alleys or at home? By the way, if the ban wins, I'll finally be able to go to Lovejoys again. I love it there, but the cigarette stench is disgusting.

eva

Fri, 06 May 2005 21:28:06 -0600

thank you for taking the time to get all these points out there, I was tired having the "nuh-uh" "uh-huh" version of this debate with friends.

finknottle

Fri, 06 May 2005 13:42:26 -0600

I honestly did not expect to have my opinion swayed, but count me among your converts.