How do you feel about Smokers?

1. 59

   mandybeauposted 15 years ago

   Would you let one of the pesky little critters blow smoke all around your Lounge-room, or would you boot them outside.

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   1. 60

      wittywriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I take offense to being called a pesky little critter. LOL!

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         mandybeauposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Sorry no offence But Pesky is the only thing you may not like. I personally like little critters lol

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2. 73

   charlemontposted 15 years ago

   I hate the cigarette smoke. Just can't stand it.

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3. 74

   frogdroppingposted 15 years ago

   I smoke. On and off. But I also respect those that don't smoke. I have friends/family that would never want anyone smoking in their home (my sister for e.g.) and others that really don't mind.
   
   But hats off to you for not smoking

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      ysdataposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you.

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4. 68

   fortunerepposted 15 years ago

   I do smoke. (dunk down) I actually can't stand the smell of it and I don't smoke in my house or allow others to.  I don't feel comfortable smoking in someone elses home even if they smoke, especially if children are around.

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5. 55

   Dame Scribeposted 15 years ago

   Smoking has part in my culture and prefer to respect those that do or don't neither bothers me except if it's a issue then I just leave.

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6. 67

   apekshaposted 15 years ago

   smoking is not only injurious for a person who is smoking but it affects people around smoker 2..
   If anybody wants to smoke he/she should not smoke on public places..I will request him/her to smoke outside...
   As it is a choice...

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7. 60

   Silver Freakposted 15 years ago

   I don't care if someone else smokes in my house - after all, I do!

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8. 80

   LondonGirlposted 15 years ago

   I don't like people smoking in a room which has my son in it.

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9. 0

   \Brenda Scullyposted 15 years ago

   How did I know it would be you asking that question, you are brilliant at getting people going aren't you...
   
   I am not a smoker, but can tolerate people who smoke, in the caring profession, there are a lot of smokers, and in nursing homes, because it is their home, the elderly are allowed to smoke and we have to light the cigarettes up for them...
   
   I am glad people dont smoke in pubs any more, as it was hard to get the smell of your clothes, and when having a meal it was difficult...  I find ex smokers more intolerant to other people smoking, but of course I could be wrong....

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      wittywriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I can tell you why smokers are more likey to be in the medical field (although, you will find them in any high stress field). Smoking does bring anxiety down and you really can not have a drink. Smoking and coffee generally go hand in hand in the medical field. I would say that 90 or more percent of the nurses and LNA's that I work with that smoke will also forgo lunch at their break and will have a coffee in their hand. Anxiety is very high in this profession. I would rather smoke and drink coffee then have a drink and not be able to do my job or do illegal drugs.

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   2. 59

      mandybeauposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      If you mean I am brilliant at getting people going I presume you mean I think of interesting and innovative Forums, and that u are not just inferring I am a S.... Stirrer lol.

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   3. 59

      mandybeauposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      You are right Brenda, How come you are always on the defensive with me.
      I am just a little prankster.....Mandy

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10. 85

    Sufidreamerposted 15 years ago

    They are supposed to be bringing in a smoking ban in Greece soon - not sure how that is going to work

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    1. 60

       Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I'd better make haste then, before it's too late for me!

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11. 60

    icewave5posted 15 years ago

    I hate smokers, they ruin everyones life, making everyone sick. I hope they quit, but it seems hard for them... NEED TO STOP NEW SMOKERS SO THAT THERE WILL BE NO MORE SMOKERS.

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    1. 97

       Gordon Hamiltonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Have noticed that you seem to hate a lot of people, ice wave. Perhaps you should address your "hate compulsion."
       
       I am a very heavy smoker and it is something I am ashamed of. The biggest regret of my life is the day that I first put a cigarette in my mouth. I mean that sincerely.
       
       However, I explode when I hear such as propositions here in the UK for the NHS to stop treating smoking related illnesses. It is smokers who have funded the NHS since its inception, through taxation. That is a fact!!!
       
       Smoking is a vile, filthy habit - I do not dispute that. It does not necessarily follow, however, that smokers are vile, filthy people.
       
       For all those who don't smoke, reading this, particularly youngsters - please do not start: it is incredibly addictive, it is incredibly "uncool" and it will kill you!
       
       

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       1. 79

          SweetiePieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          I do think icewave hates smokers personally, but hates the habit.  I too am very sensitive about smoking as my dad thought it was so much more important to smoke two pack of cigarettes per day than to spend that extra money on us kids.  My dad actually made enough money and could have helped me with my college education, but his smoking habit and dining out were a priority, so I had to pay my own way.  I do not care at this point, but when I would hear him tell neighbors he was helping me through college I had to correct him then and there. 
          
          Some people have negative associations with smoking, and thus when they express hatred of the habit they do not mean you personally, but they are upset about things connected to it. 
          
          People may think I am being unfair to smokers by expressing my views, but who is paying big when it comes to smoking?  The large tobacco corporations are making money at your expense, and you have very little in return.  If your health is not effected by smoking you get off lucky, but just think of all the wasted time and money.

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          1. 97

             Gordon Hamiltonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             I agree with you, Sweetie Pie, and I am sorry about your Dad but I am afraid that I do have a right to live, even as a smoker.
             
             I have made it quite clear that I am well aware how disgusting a habit smoking is and how much I regret succumbing to it. I will do anything whatsoever within my power to turn youngsters away from the habit.
             
             My attack was two pronged, against the British NHS (National Health Service) and the ill-advised comments of another poster, not the average Hubber!
             
             

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             1. 79

                SweetiePieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                Honestly I do not care if you smoke or dance on a chimney wearing red socks.  You are free to do as you like, but I was just trying to share why icewave said what he said.  Also, I just do not think he meant to sound harsh.

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                1. 97

                   Gordon Hamiltonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                   Thank you, Sweetie Pie.
                   
                   I promise you that I am not looking for an argument. All I want to do is put people off smoking! Cross my heart and hope to die!
                   
                   I am, however, incredibly curious as to how you know about my red socks and chimney activities!!!

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          2. 60

             wittywriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             One thing I want to make clear. My cigarettes are purchased after the rent and utilites are paid, when groceries are purchased and after my children have their needs met for the next two weeks. If after that, I purchase my cigarettes. I have to make those last until I do this all over again the next pay week. My husband and I are not rich, but make decent money. Nothing is ahead of our smoking. We have saved enough money to take vacations and purchase many unneed items of luxury. However, I know what you mean when your anger comes to surface about your father spending money on cigarettes and not on his children. Not all smokers are like that... keep that in mind. I even make sure my granddaughter has extras because my son and daughterinlaw are just making ends meet.

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             1. 79

                SweetiePieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                With most smokers I do not think they are wasting their money like my dad did, but he also wasted money on eating out and treating several people to lunch on his credit cards.  I was just sharing with one poster than many of us have sensitivity towards smoking because we have had experiences when people in our lives were selfish about it.
                
                One person thought someone saying they hate smokers means that they have hatred towards people who smoke, but I just do not see it that way.  If someone said they hated strawberries I do not think people would be upset, even strawberry lovers, but because it was connected to smoking it is a sensitive issue.
                
                There seems to be a lot of sensitivity around the issue of smoking on both sides.  Just as many people are blunt about other issues, some just have strong feelings about smoking.

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                1. 60

                   wittywriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

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    2. 69

       imadorkposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Mind your own business. 
       
       I happen to hate people that hate smokers -- so there!

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       1. 85

          Sufidreamerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Agreed, Dork - I love cigarettes and am not ashamed of the fact! Anybody walking into a Greek taverna, and telling people that they are not allowed to smoke, will have a pack of twenty shoved where the sun don't shine
          
          EDIT: Quite right - I don't smoke around kids, and will move elsewhere if somebody is obviously distressed by it!

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          1. 69

             imadorkposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             Cigs are too expensive to shove up somebody's ass.

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             1. 85

                Sufidreamerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                Couple of dollars for a cheap pack - I am not going to waste a pack of Luckies, though.
                
                I have no problem with regulations protecting people from second-hand smoke, but it is quickly becoming a case of trying to stop people smoking at all. The UK is getting silly with it, now.

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          2. 59

             mandybeauposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             Not in my Greek Taverna you wouldn't or you would be the one getting rammed.

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12. 61

    m_michaelmposted 15 years ago

    The odor it leaves behind on clothes, you hair etc; makes me never want too into ANY establishment that allows smoking.  It’s discussing!

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13. 58

    Bob Cedarposted 15 years ago

    I let people go on my porch to smoke. I have a fan set up so it blows the smoke a certain way and doesn't come into my house. People smoking in public doesn't bother me. No one comes and blows smoke in my face, most smokers I see usually point themselves in a certain position so they don't blow it in people's faces. Honestly I can't stand non-smokers that make it a point to stand right next to a smoker just so they can complain about how it's bothering them. Or my favorite the parents encouraging their kids to fake cough so they can make a fuss.

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    1. 63

       Lisa HWposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I've seen people who do that kind of thing, including the adults who fake cough if they see a smoker outside somewhere. 
       
       If I had a gathering at my house I'd ask smokers to go outside, in consideration of non-smokers.  If I had one or two smoking guests in a usually non-smoking house, I wouldn't see it as a big deal to have someone visit, smoke, and leave.  There's always opening a window.
       
       I'm not a fan of smoking, but how I feel about smokers is that there are a lot of people in this world who do a lot of things that are a lot worse than smoking.

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          Anna Evanswoodposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          mmm I dont smoke and I dont allow anyone to smoke in my house.... I provide seats and ash trays out side.
          Anna

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14. 60

    wittywriterposted 15 years ago

    I am a smoker, however, I do not smoke in other people's homes, nor my car, nor my own home as I have children and do not like the smell of smoke in my home. I always excuse myself and find a out of the way place outside a home or a restaurant to smoke. I always pick up my 'butts' and place them in the trash. I keep mild smelling perfume in my purse and locker at work to banish the smoke smell but not to over perfume my clothing. I do not blow smoke in anyones face. I smoke and I understand it is MY addiction not my friends or families. My husband follows the same rules as I do to be polite. I do not like smokers that feel that it is their right to smoke where ever they choose as it does cause problems for many people.

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15. 76

    JamaGeneeposted 15 years ago

    Personally, I'd rather be around a smoker than an obnoxious drunk *any* day.

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    1. 82

       compu-smartposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Hear hear!!...
       
       
       Anyone got a light!

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       1. 76

          JamaGeneeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          CS, feel free to flick your Bic at my house any time!

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          1. 82

             compu-smartposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             Sweeet & thnaks!!!! Infact, im a clipper man myself, but bic, toasters, ovens, etc,wil al do

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    2. 60

       Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Trust me Jama, I'm a friendly fire

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16. 0

    LAmatadoraposted 15 years ago

    well it depends on what they are smoking !
    
    But I hate the smell of ciggarettes!!! YUCK!

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17. 77

    Randy Behaviorposted 15 years ago

    The question was how do you feel about "smokers,"  as if the action defines the person.  Thats plain silly.  I'm very sensitive to cigarette smoke, don't like it, it gives me a headache. I try to stay up wind.  That being said, some of my favorite people on the planet are "smokers."  I'd rather pop Advil than not be around them.

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    1. 60

       Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       When I come over to your place, I'd bring Advil. Promise

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          Randy Behaviorposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Sounds good Cris.... and an ash tray.  I don't own one.

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18. 85

    Everyday Miraclesposted 15 years ago

    I am an ex-smoker, and I can't have anyone smoking on my property because my daughter is allergic  to the smoke (the reason that I quit). She becomes very sick when people smoke around her.

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19. 79

    SweetiePieposted 15 years ago

    Not really sure why anyone starts up with smoking in today's environment.  Smokers, my dad is one, constantly complain about having to go outside to light up, so it is not convenient.  It is a health hazard and smells horrible, so how can anyone start?  Really I am just curious because you could have yummy addiction like eating an ice cream sudae, but you choose something smelly instead.

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       countrywomenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Even I was a staunch anti smoking person until my cousin married a guy who is a smoker. My cousin thought after marriage she would be able to change him but smoking turned out to be much bigger addiction then drinking. I guess in our circles in India smoking is considered the lesser evil compared to drinking hence more tolerated.  In Casino's where they allow smoking I just can't stay even 5 minutes in them (no wonder they call Las Vegas as the "sin" city).

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       1. 79

          SweetiePieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          My dad is a smoker, and still I will always be the anti-smoking advocate.  I think it was his selfish smoking habit, which made him spend money on himself and not his children, that made me feel so.  Smoke if you wish, but I have no sympathy for anyone starting up with this habit in recent years considering all that is known about it.  However, I am not really big on drinking or drug users either, so I do not understand those who need a habit such as these.
          
          I too get sick at the casinos, even here on the reservations casinos smoking if prevalent, which is why I do not go very often.  Once in Las Vegas I won ninety dollars in a slot machine, and when I retrieved the quarters half of it was smoke ash.

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       wittywriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I have smoked on and off since I was 14 years old. I did it young to be like my sisters. I quit when I was 17 yrs when I found out I was pregnant. I did not start again until he was 12 yrs old. I started again because I was around smokers, heavy smokers and became weak. I stopped again three years later. I did quit for 7 years. I started again the night my exhusband beat me so bad I ended up in the emergency room. My best friend handed me a cigarette when I was dicharged. She said I looked like I needed it. Oh, what an awful idea. I started again, now I have been smoking for 3 years. I have cut down considerably. I used to smoke 2 packs a day. Now I am down to a pack or a half a pack if I am at work. I hope to quit in a year. Pray for me.

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20. 61

    Pete Maidaposted 15 years ago

    One of my three sons smokes and there is nothing I can do to convince him to stop.  Smokers poison themselves and the people around them.  If you are in a jail cell and a crazed killer is in the cell next to you; you cannot be harmed.  If you're in a cell and a smoker is smoking in the cell next to you; they can effect your health.

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21. 70

    Maddie Ruudposted 15 years ago

    I hate the smell of fast food.  It makes me sick.  And it's so bad for you!  We should totally make it illegal.

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    1. 79

       SweetiePieposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Smoking smells worse then that, and I know some very healthy people that eat fries once or twice a month.  Smoking and fast food are completely different issues .  I do not think smoking, drinking, or fast food should be illegal, but I do not see why anyone needs to over indulge in practices that are bad for their health.

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          Maddie Ruudposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Well, that's a matter of opinion.  But I was just being obtuse.

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    2. 84

       Jewelsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Count me in. What a great cause.

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22. 61

    Pete Maidaposted 15 years ago

    Second hand smoke doesn't just smell bad; it is bad.  I don't know how many studies have to be done before people realize that this is not good stuff.

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    1. 63

       Lisa HWposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       After I did some research about the exact reasons the U.S. government "encourages" obstetricians to "encourage" women not to bottle-feed (and I saw a whole lot of "agenda" beyond just the "nitty-gritty" reasons), I'm not sure I know what I believe about the exact degree to which some second-hand smoke is hazardous to some people who have been casually exposed to it.  Having said that, though, of course we all know that cigarettes smoke is not a good thing.
       
       Still, as long as we live around other people in a developed country we're going to be exposed to bad stuff:  junk in the air where there's a lot of vehicles, neighbors who "gas us" with with chimneys that fill the neighborhood with "wood-burning stove" smoke, people who speed in their cars and risk our lives, etc. etc.   I'm not saying second-hand smoke is a good thing, by any means; but there are other "bad things" that pose a greater, immediate, danger to people.  I'm just not sure that a whole of "second-hand-smoke hysteria" is really warranted.  A little common sense and common manners ought to really do it.

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23. 79

    SweetiePieposted 15 years ago

    Wittywriter, I really think your are on the path getting away from smoking.  Wow that is quite a story, and would make an interesting hub.

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24. 58

    Rockwell Fitnessposted 15 years ago

    I'm allergic to smoke... I hate smoke.. Can't stand smokers... But there's still something sexy about a hot lady lighting it up.

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    1. 60

       wittywriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Hmmm...

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25. 97

    Gordon Hamiltonposted 15 years ago

    Fair comment, witty writer
    
    And a "Hmm" as well. It's probably some pic he nicked off the Internet. Don't you just love, "Contradiction in terms!"

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       wittywriterposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Trust me, it would not be the first time. LOL! I saw a cartoon once where a dog was typing on the internet in a romance site, the other dog asked, "Dont you think she will eventually find out you are a dog?" the first dog just simply answered, "Its the internet, no one knows Im really a dog."

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26. 71

    stacies29posted 15 years ago

    I hate cigarettes.

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27. 67

    Research Analystposted 15 years ago

    This is a really touchy subject, so I will just say have to think about it more.

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28. 59

    goldentoadposted 15 years ago

    marijuana smoke is okay, especially if they share it. Nicotine gives me asthma problems.

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    1. 0

       LAmatadoraposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       ** puff puff give!!!!

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    2. 97

       Gordon Hamiltonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       So we see! Funnily enough, the odour of illegal drugs makes me feel sick, so I learned a long time ago how to overcome the problem - I dial 999, asked for the police, and get the pedlars of illegal filth in the cell where they belong!!!
       
       Cigarettes are bad enough!!!

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       1. 59

          goldentoadposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          I guess I won't invite you over to play Nintendo.

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29. 67

    K.D. Clementposted 15 years ago

    I have issues with my lungs so I prefer not to be around smokers in confined spaces.  I would probably ask someone who wanted to smoke to do it outside.  That said, I have enjoyed knowing some great people who smoke and I would rather not make sweeping judgements about their character (or anything else) based on their choice to smoke.

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30. 59

    goldentoadposted 15 years ago

    puff puff pass already!

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31. 58

    Bob Cedarposted 15 years ago

    Well there's a strong argument against smoking. *cough cough sarcasm*
    
    
    Wow. Just wow. *whistle* Wow.
    
    I'll bring Tetris!

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32. 81

    accofrancoposted 15 years ago

    Smoking is dangerous to health.

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    1. 59

       goldentoadposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       What are you saving yourself for? You already lost your virginity, the mystery of life is gone!

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       1. 84

          Jewelsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          ROFL.

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       2. 81

          accofrancoposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          I love your avatar. Goodmorning sir!

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          1. 59

             mandybeauposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             I'm lost who has lost their virginity, ?????

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    2. 59

       mandybeauposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Everything acco is dangerous to the Health, but heaps more people don't smoke, today, and in New Zealand, if you smoke they treat you like a leper. It is illegal to smoke within so many metres of a place that houses the public........ So basically don't smoke is the message sent out here.

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       imadorkposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       No shit Sherlock!

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33. 68

    Nanny J.O.A.T.posted 15 years ago

    Well, haven't I found an interesting forum tonite!
    
    I smoke...Yes, I'd like to quit one of these days. That having been said...
    
    I don't agree with the way this issue is currently being regulated here in the US - all of a sudden WE the smokers are being taxed and hounded into what amounts to smoke-easies because of "health care" i.e. the cost of smokers illnesses, etc.
    
    Yet, now that we need to raise money to bail out the various government entities - what's the first thing they went after - taxing cigarettes and tobacco products. Not liquor, not gambling, or other "sins".
    
    As a smoker, I agree that smoking bans in some public places such as workplaces should be in place because these are places you have to be - but please - bars?!?! - you have a choice in whether or not to enter the establishment, you have the choice to make your establishment smoke free.
    
    I choose not to smoke among friends when I know that smoking bothers them, I choose not to smoke around my children as much as possible, I don' think the government should regulate where and when we can smoke if they expect us smokers to foot the bill for their bailouts and healthcare reforms - kinda like asking the christians to raise the lions that are going to eat them!
    
    And having dealt with an alcoholic SO/OH - I'll take a smoker over a drinker any day of the week! At least smokers don't get picked up by the police, can remember all the hurtful things they say, and don't have to wonder where in the heck they left their car and who is that person in bed?!?!?

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    Gordon Hamiltonposted 15 years ago

    Well,
    
    Nanny J.O.A.T, I agree with you in all that you say. Living these days in the world's biggest sad and pathetic "Nanny" state that is Blair's (now his lap dog Brown's) sad apology for what used to be Great Britain, I find that although I have essentially paid for all his preposterous and nonsensical "projects" through taxation on cigarettes. I now find, however, that as a smoker I cannot light up anywhere in the entire country, even in the places where I pay £5.50 ($8.00) for twenty fags! (A "fag" in Great Britain is a cigarette!)
    
    I too wish I could stop smoking but contrary to popular opinion, it is not something which one does on demand. It is bloody difficult!
    
    Here's to trying again!

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       goldentoadposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       quit crying and just do it!

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          Nanny J.O.A.T.posted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Easier said than done Toad - after researching addictions exhaustively (see aforementioned SO/OH) Nicotine addiction is actually harder to break than cocaine, alcohol or most street drugs with exceptions like X and Meth.
          
          Me trying to quit makes you (your current pic anyway) look like you're having a great hair day! LOL!

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             goldentoadposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             Its my cocaine habit that got my hair this crazy. The Face I was born with.

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35. 68

    Nanny J.O.A.T.posted 15 years ago

    Hee Hee!
    
    A little snipping, some color and highlights, gel and beads- we could do wonders with your hair.
    
    The face - I respectfully bow to God's sense humor!
    
    And now.... back to our regularly scheduled topic..smokers - love em' or hate em'?

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36. 87

    gamergirlposted 15 years ago

    I only smoke electronic cigs now (wrote a hub about them, go look at it!)  and happen to looooove them.  They're so much cheaper, don't yellow up my fingers or make my hands/lips smell bad, and I only spend about a dollar for the equivalent of a pack of smokes.
    
    All that said, I don't mind people who smoke real cigs, as long as they realize that they're missing out!

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    1. 69

       imadorkposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Where do you get those Gamergirl?

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       1. 87

          gamergirlposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          http://www.yourblucigs.com technically.

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37. 69

    imadorkposted 15 years ago

    I smoke, but am respectful about it (as long as people aren't disrespectful to me about it).

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38. 69

    imadorkposted 15 years ago

    With the new federal tax on cigs in the U.S., that cheap $2 pack became a $3 pack.

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       Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Ah I guess then the Philippines is a smoker's paradise. No strict regulations - follow your conscience as to where to smoke - and less than a dollar per pack.

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          Sufidreamerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Same here - smoking is supposed to be banned in public buildings, but go into the police station and the guy behind the desk will be puffing away!
          
          I can go either way on the tax - we pay for medical insurance already, and if you are going to tax smokers then anybody eating fast-food, not exercising, or indulging in extreme sports should also be taxed.

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             Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             But didn't you say in your previous post that regulations are in the offing in Greece?
             
             True that. But I guess nonsmokers' argument is that smoking's "harm" is both self-directed and outward as opposed to fast-food, nonexercise etc where the harm is strictly to the self

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                Sufidreamerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                True, but everybody will ignore them. It is the law, in Greece, that everybody should wear motorcycle helmets, but nobody does. Greeks have a healthy disrespect for authority, and the police cannot be bothered to actually do any work. That would be crazy.
                
                The second-hand bit does not apply here - it is an outdoor culture for most of the year

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                   Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

                   Well Greece and the Philippines seem to have the same problems, or advantages depending on how you see it - only that you have Zeus and we have Pacquiao!
                   
                   Fair enough and I am partial to that reasoning, of course

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       Lisa HWposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I love to point out the kind of stuff Massachusetts does:  In Massachusetts a pack of cigarettes now costs over $8.  The "fine" government in Massachusetts (where tea was once thrown into Boston Harbor because of taxes) continues to come up with more and more taxes on everything (while attempting to supervise the lifestyle of citizens).

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    Eaglekiwiposted 15 years ago

    Try almost $13 a pack in New Zealand!
    Government taxes cigarettes and alcohol quite heavily.
    
    Most of the reasons given are smoking related diseases tax the hospital system more ,therefore smokers should pay.
    Alcohol related car accidents further bear heavy on hospitals etc hence their justification for high taxes.
    
    My opinion is yes smokers and drinkers should be accountable via taxes...just not that high!!!! and the price of ones chosen drug doesnt deter the buyer.
    
    
    less than a dollar!!!! wow

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    jimmythejockposted 15 years ago

    As a smoker myself I want to know what my fellow hubbers think of non smokers, I smoke through choice.....jimmy

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       Cris Aposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I think we need to start a thread for that one! What do you say?

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       mandybeauposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I actually have no probs with smokers at all, if they don't blow it around me I was a smoker. and you know what they say converted is always worse bit like Born Agains.

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    jimmythejockposted 15 years ago

    Hear Hear lol.....jimmy

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42. 74

    frogdroppingposted 15 years ago

    Portugal also has a smoking ban. So I'm told anyway.
    
    I took the night train from Lisbon through to the border of southern France once. Smoking was banned on the train. So the driver got round it by having ciggy stops.
    
    I asked one of the carriage attendants what would happen if I smoked in my (private) berth. He said 'If I smell smoke in your berth, I will ask you if you've been smoking - if you say 'no' -then who am I to call you a liar?'
    
    That pretty much sums up smoking here. Most places observe the law. It's just that no one says anything if you exploit it.

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    Anamika Sposted 15 years ago

    I can't stand those who smoke.

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       frogdroppingposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       You judge me and others on a cigarette.
       
       Ahhh well, not to worry

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       aka-djposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I just can't stand the SMOKE. They are OK!

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    Eaglekiwiposted 15 years ago

    I would agree with Smokers being checked for polluting areas IF
    Companies also would quit emitting huge volumes of Polutants into our otherwise fresh air.
    And how bout cars spewing fumes ,damn Id hate to live beside any busy arterial route ,let alone work in the city.
    
    Cigarette smoke is part of our great big happy green world....yea right!

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    ripplemakerposted 15 years ago

    My sinuses gets inflamed (sinusitis)and I get headaches.   It got to a point I lost my sense of smell.  But doing healing work, something happened...my sense of smell came back. 

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       Eaglekiwiposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Noses are pretty sensitive , and slow down recovery for the smoker.
       The best clean air is beside the ocean or a river!

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    Blessed2BeeAliveposted 15 years ago

    I like most everyone even smokers, I just can't breath smoke without it causing an allergic reaction: it makes it so I can hardly breath, besides the smell bothers me as well.
    
    Unfortunately, I grew up in a smoking environment & the more I'm around it, the less I seem to be able to tolerate it.
    
    The man I married doesn't smoke, so now I'm in an environment where smoke isn't there.  Other then a little bit in the walls of our home & well.......Our neighbor smokes.
    
    I love Arizona: as there is no-smoking in the stores, etc.......!!  And I know people have to smoke somewhere, but why do they do it before the door of the place you want to enter in @?  And why do smokers smoke outside their own home?  You'd think they'd smoke inside their own home. 
    
    We have a neighbor & he doesn't smoke, but his wife does.  He married her, you'd think he could tolerate the smoke a lot better then the neighbors who breath her smoke.  So, why does she smoke outside, rather then inside? 
    
    We live in a townhouse & well the neighbor lives close by & the only thing between us is a wall.  I do not know why it is, but wind seems to go in the direction of the non smoker & so the smoke usually goes towards the non-smoker.
    
    I go out of my way, not to breath smoke.  I will take the long around to get to where I'm going if a smoker is outside.  I like to let all the cool air go into my home, in the early morning: however when our neighbor is outside smoking, I end up shutting up the windows & the sliding glass doors just to avoid breathing smoke. 
    
    There are some people who want smoke & choose to smoke & yet there are others who couldn't stop if they wanted to: because of the addictive stuff in the cigarettes.
    
    While there are others who choose not to smoke, nor breath it.  I guess there are many angles in which to take on this, but my main question is why do smokers have to smoke outside their home when they have neighbors within breathing range?

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       mandybeauposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Because, basically in their tiny minds they are protecting their people from breathing in secondary smoke.... They don't care about anyone else smokers are intrinsically selfish.

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47. 0

    Greta Lieskeposted 15 years ago

    I don't mind smokers...it is their choice. Sure, I wish people didn't smoke, especially close friends of mine, because it is bad for them, but I am not their mother. Everyone makes their own choices, but I don't allow people to smoke in my house or car. I think that's fair...right?

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    Elynjoposted 15 years ago

    I am not a smoker. For me, world is chaotic enough to worry myself about who smokes or who doesn't.

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49. 0

    Leta Sposted 15 years ago

    I don't care.  But not in my house.  I don't want lung cancer.

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    Eaglekiwiposted 15 years ago

    I dont smoke in the house or anyone else either
    but outside ,well that airs to be shared  ( my opinion)and by the way that air can be pretty clogged on in some places from factories and car fumes etc...so smokers are not the number one polluters no no no ....but how do I feel about smokers...Im fine with them...if they are jerks I am not fine with them ,smoke in their hand or not.
    Pretty much sums it up for me..

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