Some Say Province Should "Butt Out"
Smoking ban not sitting well with everyone
Smoking in your car legally while children are present may soon become a thing of the past in Saskatchewan. The Provincial Government is introducing legislation that would ban the habit while kids are present. But not everyone is on board with the idea, and it's sparking a heated debate. We hit the streets to hear what people are saying. While some support the proposed legislation, others would prefer the government "butt out."
"I grew up in a house where both my parents smoked. All four of us kids turned out just fine. We have no health problems. We're all in our forties. And they smoked in the car all of the time."
"I think it's an excellent initiative. As an adult, I have the autonomy to make this poor life style decision. But a child does not."
"We're responsible for keeping them healthy, and raising them right. I think it's a good initiative."
"I think it's getting a little bit ridiculous. I think you should be able to smoke anywhere out in public. Anywhere, where there is fresh air."
"The Government should find something else to look at. There's so many other things that are important."
The legislation will ban smoking on outdoor patios at restaurants and bars provincewide, something that is already covered by a municipal by-law in Saskatoon.
Comments
Yeah!
People are going to see this as Draconian, to which I say, yeah baby! Even though Saskatoon's bylaw is considered progressive it doesn't go far enough. I can't stop at a street corner or open space without breathing in someone's foul stench. Sure it's fresh air but it's my fresh air, too!
To sum up their objections,
To sum up their objections, "I want to continue to do this thing that negatively affects other people because I like it".
I am recently a non smoker,
I am recently a non smoker, but I do believe that the governament (ie big brother) is really stepping over the line. Next they will say you can't smoke in your own home if you own pets....ok over exageration, but really, if you can't do legal things in or on your own property, then what can you do.
its about time smoking
its about time smoking kills!!! Smoking related illnesses cost the sask. taxpayer over 1.1 bilion a year. Its time to ban smoking altogether and sue the tobacco company's.
well, I WAS against it, until I heard Gormley
and, having never heard such a whiny, high pitched pathetic bleating in my life. I think I now like the law.
Proposed Smoking Legislation......
Some parts of the proposed legislation is getting totally ridiculous, the Health Minister should focus his energy on fulfilling the shortcomings of our dilapidated health system, e.g., Long Waiting Lists. The present government is getting ridiculous and closely resembling the last administration.
I have to wonder about the
I have to wonder about the "parents" that are wanting to fight for their right to pollute their children's lungs....
Smokers who smoke in front of children.
To the lady in the article,
After all we know about smoking, and how harmfull it is to you and to people around you, you still have that attitude that will if it was ok for me then it's ok for my kids? That is sick, and you should have your kids removed from your home and you charged with child abuse. Sure back in the 70's and 80's the tobacco companies paid millions to hide any research that showed what tobacco smoke actually done to you and your loved ones.
Some people actually picked off lead paint from the walls and ate it. Some had no ill effects. Does this mean that it's ok for now? duh!!! I don't think so.
I know a person, who smokes in her house upwards of 2 packs a day, her husband never smoked a day in his life and is not overweight and has had physical jobs all his life. Well he was diagnosed with heart disease. She can't figure out how, she can't figure out why her kids have bad asthma. But when it comes to her smoking, "I WILL NOT SMOKE OUTSIDE IT's MY HOUSE AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" Well you can see where this is ending.
And to the Regular redneck who says if the law passes then his children will be running behind the car. You do not deserve children, and should be charged with child abuse and in jail.
You Can have a CHOICE to smoke or not smoke. I do not have a choice to breath it in if you are smoking in the same space as me. And this junk where smokers get to smoke by doors, I have to walk through this every morning and it's gross. Do smokers realize how badly they stink? I would rather ride an elevator with a wet St. Bernard than a smoker.
My children will now get
My children will now get even more exercise by walking, rather than getting a ride. Bonus, they get physical activity and I save fuel, which saves money to buy more cigars. Its win win.
Too bad its needed
This is a great idea. Its too bad we need governments to step in, because some parents are not smart enough to realize this is not healthy for your kids. Everytime I see someone smoking in a minivan with all the kids in there, I picture each kid with a cigarette of their own. And it doesn't matter at all if the window is down!-My husbands excuse when he smoked, and I was still breathing it in, so I know the kids were too!
Native Exemption...
Since most bylaws are not enforced anyway...what's the point of putting more strain on our city resources. Of course, all Treaty Indians have to be exempted from such a law since this is their land, and no civic municipality should have the power to enforce their small bylaws upon Natives...but alas, this law cannot be enforced anyway, it would take too much manpower, and police cannot enforce bylaws anyway...goodbye new law.
Anyone who needs a law to tell them...
Anyone who needs a law to tell them that they shouldn't smoke in a car with an infant, or child, should get a swift kick in the crotch!
We have no problem allowing
We have no problem allowing laws to protect our children from Sexual exploitation and violence in the home etc. Why should we be shocked for trying to protect children from this abuse?