An honest question to smokers (not another one!!) [View All]

[cushla_machree]

I have been reading the smoking related threads with interest the past few days...clearly it is a topic that gets people worked up on both sides. I understand smokers like to be able to smoke wherever and whenever, regardless of how other people feel about that. Non-smokers and even some smokers, do not want to be exposed to second hand smoke. So where does one persons rights infrige upon the others?

I believe everyone has the right to make the choice of whether or not to smoke, but i do not believe smoking is a right. Does someone's right to smoke trump someone else's right not to smoke? Everyone should have the right to make choices about their own health and well-being and these choices up until now, were limited for non-smokers in public settings. Gradually smoking has been phased out of public spaces....as time goes by...this becomes the norm, how many people still think they should be able to smoke in planes and movie theaters?

I feel like smokers get mad at non-smokers, because the non-smoker's life isn't being changed negatively, its being enhanced, therefore, they aren't going to stick up for the 'rights' of smokers. Smokers themselves are biased, because obviously an addict does not like being told when he or she can get their next fix of good old nicotine. Its a habit, especially at bars where it became an ingrained activity.

My question to both parties: If smoking marijuana was legalized tomorrow, would you support the right of pot smokers everywhere to smoke wherever they wanted, even in enclosed bars and restaurants, where others would be exposed to their smoke? Does the person sitting next to you have the right not to get a contact high from your joint, or should they 'just get another job' or 'go to another restaurant.?' Just asking.