Reposting, because obviously Tom didn't see this or knew that he couldn't answer it. Seriously, i'd love to know what sources support Tom's claim.

Can we ban people from talking in the theater? That really pisses me. I paid money to see the movie. not listen to some loud obnoxious retard talk.

Next we should ban alcohol because we all know how alcohol leads to fighting, drunk driving, and battery.

I'll save him the trouble - there are none. In fact, every major tobacco company has stated, on record and as a point of evidence, that smoking is inextricably linked to lung cancer and that there is no such thing as a 'safe cigarette'.

Check their websites, Tom - seriously. It's not 1955, no one really believes the 'Frank Statement' anymore - not even the companies who put it out.

Tom, you can't really believe that cigarettes don't cause cancer, and don't have adverse effects on people's health. I understand you run a tobacco shop, but seriously.

I grew up in a household of smokers (my parents and sister both smoke), as well as a large extended family of smokers (most of my cousins and aunts); part of me feels like I've inhaled enough second-hand smoke already, I don't need it when I go into restaurants and bars.

didnt the EPA study that was conducted on second-hand smoke say that second-hand smoke isnt hazardous to a person's health unless inhaled in MASSIVE quantities, quantaties so big that it would be very hard to do in normal every day life?

As far as smoking in public places goes...when I smoke (which isnt very often...normally when stressed out) if someone ask me politely to move or whatever then I will normally do it...if they have an attitude about it when they do it, well that is another story. to me it is just as easy for someone else to move as it is for me to move...I mean I personally dont like being around stupid and immature people...but that doesnt mean I ask the government to ban stupid and immature people from being in public...I simply try not and get around those people. avoiding people that smoke isnt all that difficult

I'm not familiar with that study, and i'm trying to remember what the surgeon general's report said about it but I don't think I read that part (it's a 200 some page document I believe). Again, aside from what it does to someone's lungs, some people have allergic reactions, and most people get burning eyes and stuch. It drives my eyes insane, for instance.

And stupid and immature people have not been proven to be detrimental to your health, sorry. :)

And avoiding smoke really isn't all that easy. And say I was somewhere first, and someone came in the area and started smoking, why should I have to leave? I'm not the one doing something to harm other people.

if you were there first then no...but when you walk into a building or room it is relativly easy to tell who is smoking and you can then take steps to try and stay away from the effects of the smoke...my feelings on the whole topic are that if people want to kill themselves, by smoking a pack of cigarettes a day...let them.

I don't disagree. Unless, of course, when they get sick they want to turn around and sue the tobacco companies (granted, i'm okay with the Attorney Generals of the different states suing and that sort of thing, just not the person personally) or other companies (such as asbestos manufacturers- smoking magnifies the physical affects of asbestos by like three times or something, I forget the exact statistic. Sorry idiot, but your lungs are black because you've been smoking a pack or two a day for fifty years.

Walking into a restaurant or bar, you often DON'T have a choice as to where to sit or stand.

well I can understand those who started smoking when it was not known that smoking can cause cancer, but I still dont agree with it...but the majority of the people suing tobacco companies are just looking for quick cash...like half of the rest of our sue happy country.

Some of the original people when it was first revealed that smoking was dangerous, I could understand. But they've known, and it has been public knowledge, that cigarettes are bad for your health and may ultimately kill you, for decades. There's really know excuse now

But yay for a sue happy country. Helps my career ;)

Yes, and the short fat lady who takes off her shoes allowing her nasty feet smell to permeate the building. She should be banned as well.

why dont we ban anything that might offend even one person and anything that is fun

Just remember... these days anything you do, think or say is either immoral, illegal, not 'politically correct' or fattening. :D

to reinterate Jill1228
 

I don't know if you all caught what Jill1228 posted, but our ENTIRE STATE of Washington now bans cigarette smoking, pretty much anywhere in public.

This includes going outside for a smoke - you have to be >25 ft away from any public place.

I wonder if any other states are going to follow Washington's lead...??

I hope they do in NC. Smoke in your house or car, but not around me.