Stay in your home. It gets weird outside your door.

And then there's the radiation that you pick up passing by stone buildings as you walk down the street. And the combustion byproducts in exhaust that you inhale. And the carcinogenic potential of the sun. Better stay home.

stay under the bed, the sun will give you skin cancer, food is full of poison, and you sound like a weenie anyway.

btw when did spain go back to fascism?

I've heard that a typical home is one of the most pollution rich environments. Face it, either live in a thatch hut on an isolated island or accept that you are inevitably at risk for daily exposure to things that are not healthy.

this third hand smoke nonsense is just smoke being blown up your skirt. Like you all have said there is plenty of other carcinogens out there, but people like to demonize smokers. Now they can't even apply for certain jobs anymore which is discrimination at it's best. I am all for having smoke free places indoors where smoking is harmful, but like in NY city now you can't even smoke outside. It's all agenda and people have hijacked this train and crammed it down our throats. Now if we could only have a mandate that pushy intolerant people like these could be silenced that would benefit all.

DON'T DRINK THIS COOL-AID, AS A SMOKER MIGHT HAVE TAKEN A SIP BEFORE YOU AND THEIR CANCER CAUSING GERMS MAY INFECT YOU.

I truly understand the harm of smoking to everyone! My biggest issue even here in the states is that Gov't is telling me that In a building I own that I run a bar out of that I cannot allow people to do something completely legal..... I think there would have been better (sneekier) ways to do... say don't renew the liquor license to those who allow smoking... ohh wait the gov't would loose money... Can't let the gov't loose money but fine for Joe who owns the corner bar in NY or Phila

My biggest issue even here in the states is that Gov't is telling me that In a building I own that I run a bar out of that I cannot allow people to do something completely legal.....

I see your point. However, you could lose business because a lot of people do not want to go into a building that is filled with smoke.

It never hurt business before. And it gives people choice. To go to a nonsmoking, or a smoking business.

Allowing that might be so, wouldn't your gross have declined and might you not then have been moved to go smokeless in order to survive in business as your clients left to patronize smokeless venues? Seems like something the market might have accomplished all on its own without government intervention.

I don't want to hear one word from Government about DEATH. They are the leading entities in killing around the world, doing illegal and immoral deeds. Allowing much more dangerous activities to exist. Until they straighten out there own act, I don't see them being successful straightening out mine.

Yep these laws did allot of good here. this town use to have 27 bars and about 60 restaurants. now they cut that number down to 8 bars and 12 restaurants. sure am glad they did away with all that smoke and all those pesky jobs that went with them

not to mention the tax's they no longer have to collect. good thing. yep.

That's right. I quit going out to eat all together. I stil home and eat so I can smoke afterwords. And seriously, I USED to go out and eat all the time and NOT smoke in RESPECT of those who didn't. But since they didn't care and wanted Governement to FORCE it upon me, I just quit giving them money and allowed them to go out of businsess. So even though, in my case, it solved nothing, it created a worse problem.

It never hurt business before. And it gives people choice. To go to a nonsmoking, or a smoking business.

Well, back before the whole anti-smoking campaign started, any kid could buy cigarettes at the store and smoking was always being advertised as a 'cool' thing. Now that people know that it's not a 'cool' thing and are aware of how nasty cigarettes are, the people who don't smoke don't want to be in areas where people are smoking.

To apfluxx13. But that would be his own choice. If someone goes out of business because of a choice they made, that's called Free Enterprise. If they go out of business because of a law enforce onto them by Governement, that's called Tyranny.

you can't always blame the government. afterall, they are public servants -- even if they don't do all we ask. you may want to consider there may have been some PUBLIC anti-smoking outcry going on.

I would be scared to eat at a restaurant if there were no laws regarding the quality and sanitation of the food, and I don't consider that tyranny. But those laws regarding food are there for health reasons, and so are smoking laws.

I'm tired of smelling 2nd hand BBQ. The smoke and chemicals that come from a charcoal fire are by far worse than any cigarette, yet these are still legal!!!! Bon fires too! Where is my government nanny when I need them! In case you couldn't tell, this is sarcasm.

You know as soon as you step in the door if it's a smoking establishment. You don't know when you walk in what conditions prevail in the kitchen. And that's why there are sanitation laws.

It is still a health issue.

We used to have "Speak-Easies", maybe we'll "Smoke-Easies" where people can drink, eat and smoke in peace below the arm of the law. HA HA HA

Alot of it is a common courtesy issue, that people just aren't aware of until there is some sort of ordinance. I was a smoker myself in my twenties when you could smoke anywhere. I just rudely, never gave it a thought. The first time I was even aware my habit might be offensive or unhealthy to someone else was in a restaurant when I "lit up" and the person at the next table started "choking to death". I understand smokers feel infringed on with these bans but some people can't enter a smoke filled room and honestly, the smokers could take a moment to go outside. My particular area still allows smoking in casino's and we like the restaurants and you have to walk through the casino to get to the restaurants. Now, as a non-smoker, I can barely walk through the casino to get to the restaurant from the smoke its so overwhelming.

That's it, I'm not going to Spain anymore.

Banning smoking in restaurants doesn't hurt business? B.S. !!!

Pre California smoking ban, within a 5 mile radius of my house, there were 12 restaurants open 24 hours. Now there are only 4 open 24 hours. And, 3 of the original 12 have closed completely.

Prior to the smoking ban, I ate at least 65% of my meals in restaurants. Post prohibition, I eat out no more than twice a month and many months not at all.

@ Justathought #1.21: Excellent post!

Why force ALL businesses to ban smoking? Why not leave it to the owner to decide whether or not to allow smoking? Or, have sperate smoking and non smoking areas.

If you don't like smoking--go to a non smoking bar or restaurant !

@apfluxx13

Do you really want the government determining everything you eat or consume? There are a lot of things that are "health issues" that the government shouldn't mandate. Your comparison between the sanitation of the food and whether smoking should be allowed in buildings doesn't apply because in the former case you would have no idea if the food you're eating was contaminated. It's not like anyone has ever gone into a smoker friendly restaurant and not known that there was second hand smoke in the air.

For the most part, I like to think that people are smart enough to determine for themselves what they choose to put into their bodies. I don't think we need politicians making our consumption choices for us.

Just a thought, but did it occur to all those posting that restaurants have closed in areas where there are now smoking bans that those restaurants may have closed due to the recession and not the smoking ban?

@apflux

The non-smokers haven't flocked to the restaurants that smokers used to go to. So the restaurants are actually losing money with the smoking ban. In NYC alot of places that were bars are now turned into private clubs. They charge an entrance fee and you get a drink and a stamp on your hand. This is mostly in the outer-boros but it will end up catching on when the money is there.

I am not a smoker but I do consider this an infringement on people's rights that extends past the laws of clean kitchens. It is letting the Gov. get a foot in the door. What will be next the people who don't drive will look to ban cars?

Do you really want the government determining everything you eat or consume? There are a lot of things that are "health issues" that the government shouldn't mandate. Your comparison between the sanitation of the food and whether smoking should be allowed in buildings doesn't apply because in the former case you would have no idea if the food you're eating was contaminated. It's not like anyone has ever gone into a smoker friendly restaurant and not known that there was second hand smoke in the air.

Here's my stance: a restaurant is a place where people go to EAT, not smoke. Go to a bar if you want to smoke (even though that's illegal in a lot of places now) or go outside.

Good we don't want you here anyway. One less loud obnoxious American trying to tell us what to do in our country is certainly NOT needed and certainly not wanted. Stay home and our beaches will be fine.

Smoking Nazi's don't have a credible threat. They merely have an excuse to deny others while they shield themselves. Smoking will diminish without intruding on the public demeanor. The mention of the lives that will be saved is an unverifiable statistic. There is room for smokers and non-smokers if the market is allowed to make the decisions. Businesses that allow smoking would cater to smokers and vise versa and if you didn't like either or the other you just boycott one and attend your preference. But that depends to much on your own responsibility and the recognition of your lack of a right to prevent your own harm at the expense of other's rights as long as you can excuse yourself from behavior or attendance on your whim.

"We have to start being civilized," said Pena, 53. "No one should have to put up with secondhand smoke."

The law will make Spain a tougher place to smoke than EU countries where bars and restaurants are still allowed to have smoking sections.

If smoke-free environments are desired that much, business owners would have put up no-smoking signs and had the masses flooding in. If you dont' smoke, don't go to a smoking establishment. What's next? Banning gay bars because someone might want to drink in that building but not see gay people? If you're incapable of keeping yourself out of smoking establishments or out of other environments you may not want to be in, you have bigger issues.

And whether you want to admit it or not, this will end up in more unemployed people when businesses lose patrons and owners have to cut back or shut down.

jake, dont take out your inablility to find a man on the rest of us. your voodoo science has run amok long enough.

Jake, when you get back move to Mississippi, they just had a state rep propose a law that prohibits restaurants from serving obese people, You would feel right at home there.

Very large number of people willing to give up my rights, let's see what happens when the Gestapo, comes for their rights, some how, I don't think ay one is going to be interested in helping Jake out, when they come for his rights.

Incidentally Jake, I wouldn't put too much stock in the story about it not hurting business.

Illinois passes the same law 1/1/2008.

Illinois says the same thing But Iwent to the casino at Metropolis Il, 3 or 4 times a week, when I quit going there a customer service rep called me and asked why I wasn't coming ther any more, I told him it was the no smoking ban.

He sighed. aand said, "I was afraid of that we are off about 25% since the ban went in.

Illionois also lost 146 places that served alcohol, and bordered on states without the smoking laws.

Illionis still says the ban didn't hurt business, I'm not sure how Illinois got 12 billion in debt.

most of it is b.s. , follow the money, need more money for gov.? the children are starving and we need to pay the teachers more money. want to get rid of smoking ? simple, hell 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th hand smoke kills at least 1000000000 people every min. these people are the selvish ones they dont like the smell but they cant get laws passed just on that alone, so they have to make shirt up, but at the same time, dont cripple the tobacco ind. to bad so we still smoke, and the young ones comming up will start

Ahh yes,

Lets imagine Jake's Utopia.

No smoking, no drinking, no red meat, no fast food, no candy or cookies, no soda, or sweet tea, no no no, all these things are bad for you and big brother can take care of you.

Personal freedoms taken away for the greater good of Jake'ssmug ideology of what HE believes is good for everyone.

Bravo Socialists. Bravo

From now on only brown rice and tofu with steamed veggies for all. Maybe some sparkling water to go with that.

Jake stay home if you are so afraid of the world.

Some people will find a niche in life, a purpose by attacking people that smoke.. Power has been said to be an aphrodesiac. Jake uses his anti-smoking stand to make himself feel better, it helps his self esteam. There are many people who will use smoking as an exclusionary tool. They want to feel exclusive, better than others by virtue of there non-smoking status. It's sad if they don't want to smoke just go somewhere that doesn't allow smoking. As far as the walls and people having remnints of smoke that's redicules. Cars put out so much more carbon dyoxide than cigarette smoke. There is a stupid comercial on TV in Nevada that states that just by living in the state of Nevada the average household peys $500 because of sick days, because smokers get sick more often than non-smokers and lost time in productivity(cigarette breaks) They wont source there facts even if they did, the source would be one sympothetic with non-smokers. Makes no mention of the fact that smokers pay an increadable amount of revinue in taxes to the states and federal income tax. The cost of a pack of smokes is almost $6 at some places. There is definately money being made the cost of a pack of smokes to make is probably twentyfive cents. Having said that it is a nasty expensive habit I do want to get rid of.

right? I see people jogging and walking along areas where there is a lot of vehicle traffic -- cars, diesel trucks -- and the anti-smokers want to blame cigaretttes on everyone's kind of cancer. really, it makes so much sense.

blah blah blah

The personal freedom/big government argument is total rubbish.

I don't give a damm about what someone wants to put in their system I JUST DON"T WANT TO PAY FOR IT!!!

When a smoker gets cancer, non-smokers like me pay for it. Uninsured? I pay for it through my taxes. Elderly? My medicare $. Have group health with an employer? I pay the same premium as you, but you'll use more benefit...so I PAY FOR IT.

I want my personal freedom! I don't want to PAY FOR SMOKERS!

Then why don't you push for a ban on anything and everything that MIGHT lead to any kind of illness? Oh I don't know say something like...life. Nonsmokers get cancer too, you know. I don't see you pushing for a ban on them. Obese people have a myriad of health problems. I don't hear you screaming to make it illegal to be fat.

You sound like a democrat, personal freedom is good for all as long as it's the freedoms you agree with.

@jw: obesity is far more costly to your heath insurance than smoking. Do I hear you whining about fat people or, demanding a law against them?

Carlita: Please don't stereotype anyone. Your comment is the equivalent of racism. We are all human individuals living within the borders of different countries that we did not choose by birth. I'm sure there are "loud obnoxious Americans that you do not want". There are also many kind, generous, loving, ones that are quiet and caring that likely far outnumber the "loud obnoxious ones". I'm sure "loud obnoxious people" live within the borders of every country and export themselves. I'm sure the loving and caring and generous Spaniards far outnumber the ones who insult and stereotype those they do not know (cough cough)

So I suppose, Jake, that you don't drive a car, have never indulged in a McDonald's hamburger or a bowl of fettucine alfredo, you exercise daily, you don't consume products made in China?

Because if you do any of these things, you clearly don't give a crap about yourself, your health, or others health...have fun on your island.

Jake, by your reasoning, a smoker should not ever be allowed to stay in a hotel room anywhere or anytime since they have "residue from previous smokes".

Hotel industry may colapse if smokers were not allowed.

So your American Master told you to do it YEARS ago and you did it SLAVE.

Get 'em Carlita! If you think you are free in the USA try to light up a smoke.

Carlita, In the US it was a public process, where the people decide, something of a difference?

Sorry Lecreo. I had NO say so in the DECISION made that it was illigal for me to smoke in a private club in North Carolina. So I'm not qute sure where you get the "people" decided. And since there is NO difference between Repsublicans and Democrats today. I have no choice on who to vote for.

David

The state law has some loopholes, exempting country clubs and cigar bars, The Wall Street Journal reports. But it is a major shift for a state where 255,000 people work in the tobacco industry, according to state officials.

"We are keenly aware of the history in our state, but now it's just that -- history," said Betsy Vetter, chair of the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

Gov. Bev Perdue signed the legislation in May. Two previous attempts at smoking bans had failed

source: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/01/03/North-Carolina-smoking-ban-takes-effect/UPI-36071262507251/

David, The Key word is "Legislation" that is how the process works in the USA, we are a Republic and your representatives who you elect, if you choose to vote, represent you, not quite the same in Spain. Right Carlita?

We were created as a Republic. But we aren' t one now. A Republic is Governed by laws in which a democracy cannot overrule. Example, the people cannot vote to take peoples 1st ammendment right away. But our Governement does it everyday.

You ain't seen noithin" yet

the brown shirts are taking over and there doing it politicaly corect how much longer till THE NIGHT OF BREAKING GLASS i wonder? spain was facist in ww2 and still hate gypsies got a bunch of them are thay the first to take the poison gas showers? ,or is that honor still reserved for the jews your political corect it wont be the gays just yet iv seen this before youll git around to the gays and blacks or anyone who dosnt belive as you do nazi pig

ok seriously. it's like always one extreme or another... "the government's controlling me too much" "no one's doing enough" it's like... they're not saying you can't smoke at all, just don't force others to suffer, and for one thing, there's tons of people and young children who don't have a voice, like for me when i was younger, i couldn't even go to a bowling alley without losing the ability to breathe, now, i can. and for those saying it destroys restaurants and other public establishments... seriously? i was a server for 5 years, and when the smoking ban came in to our state, we still had smokers, they just had to step outside. how is that a horrendous deal? your health and my health are protected, so what's so horrible?

Granted, the smoking bans might be "the will of the people."

If 2nd hand smoke is as deadly as the smoking prohibitionists want us to believe it to be, wouldn't every smoker be dead in 5 or 10 years?

Business in the bars and cafes will eventually be better. Even in Europe the majority of people don't smoke. Once the non smokers realize they can go to a bar without breathing toxic air they will. Non smokers won't sit there for hours smoking without ordering much either.

I don't know why it was ever allowed where people eat. Its disgusting for someone to smoke while someone is trying to eat their dinner.

People using ATV's damage my environment. Boats on public waters pollute and I don't have one. Etc. Your argument is only a "Screw them as I make it easier for you to screw me." idiocy.

Once the non smokers realize they can go to a bar without breathing toxic air they will.

That's the argument they used when they passed similar laws in Texas cities. Funny though, many of those bars are closed now and most of the previous employees are unemployed. The areas around Dallas and Austin that allow smoking still are booming though. I can't speak for the other cities though as I don't frequent them often.

If non-smoking bars are so friggin awesome and such crowd drawers, why aren't you opening one right now to draw all those potential non-smoking crowds to?

Agree 100%. This is why I never smoked in restaraunts. I never wanted to force others to endure my smoke. I waited until I got to private clubs where everyone smokes and it was known. Thanks for having the same respect for me as I had for you. Now you've lost that respect, and I could care less what you breath. Since it wasn't illigal and I cared, and you still kicked me in the &$^s. I will never respect non smokers ever again. The two faced mentality got way to old.

A much bigger threat to the world. Second and third hand Hummus.

carolyn g -- that is a load of bs! you go to your favorite fast food -- admit it, everything, down to the last shred of lettuce is not natural. everything gmo'd. you go to your supermarket, you have a choice of conventional and organic. you choose your sweeteners -- artificial garbage or natural can sugars. i don't understand this contradictory crap. marketing and corporations are your enemy, not joe schmoe having a cigarette.

HOLD YOUR BREATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carolyn G. "For THOSE OF US who wish to maintain a healthier lifestyle"??!! You're kidding right? Like, everywhere you go there's smoke or residue? Or do you just have no tolerance for those that don't think like YOU do? To suggest that YOU maintain a "healthier lifestyle" puts 'others' as NOT?? My guess:

You drive a polluting car (if battery then someday dispose of them).

You use items packaged in wrap derived from petrolium.

You use services that must engage in chemical & toxin to serve you.

You wear clothes and shoes made with overseas sweat-labor.

Most likely apply fragrance that we all endure upon your passing.

Sorry girl, yours stinks too - you just have a control issue. And by the way, if people stopped smoking then how will the government stop funding all the free-healthcare and other programs now supported by the revenue...hmmmmm?? THINK.......

Thank U for exposing your true identity Carolyn: a pretentious fascist who wants to impose her choices upon others.

Shout it out! People who wish to ban smoking (anywhere other than a restaurant - I can undertand the restaurant smoking ban) had better not be driving a motor vehicle! Put 100 people (50 smoking 50 not smoking) in a closed room 25' x 25' for 2 hours - all survive..... however, put 100 people in that same closed room with a running car for 2 hours ..... who's walking out of there????? Non-smoking fanatics... if you drive a motor vehicle, you have serious mental issues.

If it's all about health then why ban smoking in bars? You go to a bar to drink, not exactly a healthy activity. I have no problem with smoking bans in places where children might be present, but other than that...

And really, 3rd hand smoke now? What a ridiculous and proposterous idea. The problem with these facts nonsmokers like to spew is any death from any illness ever attributed to smoking they claim is a smoking related death. If you add up all the deaths they claim smoking causes and deaths from other sources you are well over. The CDC there are approximately 2.4 million a year but when I add the smokers stats and others I get 92 million. Somebody is padding some numbers.

Actually, tbone, if I was one of those people in the room with smokers, I would NOT survive. My issue is that, if people want to go ahead and pollute their own lungs, that's fine but I would appreciate it if they would not kill me in the process. I have asthma, and while some common pollutants such as car exhaust do sometimes trigger it, the one thing that will ALWAYS trigger an attack is second hand smoke. I used to be a regular bus rider, and oftentimes I couldn't even wait at the stop because there were so many people smoking (in spite of the NUMEROUS posted placards prohibiting it). At bus stations, I would always look around to see where the smokers were and hold my breath so I could walk past them. Once, I missed one and I was late for my bus so I ran straight past him, breathing heavily. I got a full dose of his smoke. Not only did I miss my bus, but I spent about 20 minutes coughing on the sidewalk and using my inhaler numerous times just so that I could breathe again. One of the worse asthma attacks I've had. I was in New York recently, and I couldn't even walk down the street without constantly holding my breath when walking by doorways. In Washington state (where I live), there are strict anti-secondhand-smoke laws prohibiting smoking within 25 feet of doorways. This makes it more or less safe for me to walk down the streets of downtown Seattle, as there are very few smokers out. New York made me realize just how good I have it - and why I will never live anywhere that does not have a similar law.

Smokers assert that they have a "right" to do whatever they want and they're "entitled" to their habits. No. You are NOT entitled to a habit when it is lethal to others.

Actually rj what most are saying is that the choice should be the business owners. If someone buys something, it is there's and they should have the right to run that business as they see fit. If this bar owner decides he/she wants to allow smoking then that should be ok, if they decide not to that should be ok too. Just have you the right to not frequent those establishments that do allow smoking. As I have said previously, I have no problem with a ban on smoking in establishments where children are present. But a ban on an establishment that only adults are allowed to enter is complete bs.

That would be too easy. Job app. qualification for employment: must be willing to tolerate atmosphere.

I agree 100% with that Michael. Let people who smoke enjoy an establishment where they can enjoy both a smoke and a joke with their friends.

Careful what you wish for. Friends will be illigalized next.

Im see no problem with requiring public places to have a no smoking section.

Shuttinthem down altogether is a typical liberal trick, if they don't wany to smoke, they want tp pass laws, that don't allow anyone to smoke.

Death to all Donkeys.

Michael, if you consider inconsiderate idiots like you donkeys then yes. More people probably do die from the acts of irresponsible donkeys than second hand smoke each year.

What about my "right" to not be subjected to harmful carcinogens. And my right to "not having to deal with donkeys like you" on the message boards.

Fail. I believe in personal freedoms too. To not have to breathe second hand smoke wherever I go. I would smoke if I chose to. Smokers have had it boths ways forever - now its changing. So they don't have to care about their own health, but they have to give way because I care about mine.

Idiot....."more people die from donkeys....we should kill every donkey in the world." Donkey's aren't illegal, cigarettes aren't illegal. Taking your stupid donkey to my restaurant IS illegal, so taking your cigarettes to my restaurant should be illegal as well.

Idiocracy is indeed here -- let's slaughter all the donkeys so the fascists can breath "clean" air.

Rev Michael, surely your joking. You cant be that stupid. Well maybe you can.

If you would bother to read ANY medical research before spouting off, you would find vast amlounts of "FACTS" that demonstrate the extent of health issues related to second hand smoke. Hospitals, doctors offices, clinics, as well as graves of people who have never smoked yet now suffer(ed) from 2nd hand smoke. Where are there rights ???

How many tax $ are spent treating these AND the smokers who continue to smoke even though it is slowly killing them and disabling their friends, family and innocent bystanders. I have seen it first hand and it is disgusting.

Having a "smoking section" in a restaurant is like having a peeing section in a pool. You're still gonna smell it.

You forgot that not just donkeys but elephants are also deadly so more people die from elephants than donkeys. More people die from Horsing too. But they do not have a secondhand effect as smoke. Stop looking at the law as a bull-run instead welcome it.

What have you been smoking? You seem a bit angry...

Sadly I lived in the USA for 15 years before my mom finally decided to come home and I see how whack you people really are. So when I read these comments and you call us slaves and stupid for doing what you did years ago, angry I am, I just hate you stupid hypocrital Americans, I just do... Sorry But you must admit you are stupid and the most vapid people imaginable.

So when I read these comments and you call us slaves and stupid for doing what you did years ago

lol. Doing what we did years ago doesn't mean that we do it anymore. The law changed. Perhaps you should look up the word "hypocrite" because we're not being hypocrites. Silly girl.

No, you're just doing what you do best online....acting like ugly Americans so that the rest of the world can roll its eyes like she just did. It's embarassing to be associated w/ ppl like you who wahhwahh about every little thing not only in the US but abroad as if you own the planet. Get over your bad selves, esp when it's some other country's business. And stay home in your bubble wrapped cocoon if the big bad world is so dangerous to you. I got new for you....you're going to die, too, no matter how much green organic microbiotic crap you wallow in. The only difference is, the rest of us are going to have a fun life & not bite our nails over the possibility of *gasp* some residue from the 70s that's going to kill us. Jeez!

[chainsmokes furiously while pondering if someone's going to crawl up my ass for a source of fourthhand smoke for the crybabies who want a nanny state to whine over]

Where did I ever complain about the smoking? I was complaining about her nasty attitude towards Americans when this article is not about Americans; it's about Spain. Those are two different countries, dear.

She should take her irrelevant and hateful argument elsewhere.

I've lived in Spain. Great place as a child. Returned as an adult. Not the same impression, though still thoroughly enjoyable.

There is no freedom anywhere save for the criminals.

Well Carlita you will never see me stepping foot in Spain. I prefer the Caribbean where the people are warm and friendly. They actually want American business.

I also notice that you have an amazing handle on the English language and pretty good knowledge of what goes on in the states which make me wonder if you are Spanish at all. Maybe you should post your comments in Spanish for a more authentic aire.

Over here we call them stupid spics....

America ended public smoking years ago and yet we're slaves for doing so now. Only places I know to publicly smoke in the US are Vegas and A. City

Uh, I smoke in public all the time. I don't think you paid much attention when you were over here. You do realize these anti-smoking laws are being passed/failed on a city by city basis, right?

Truth is we Spaniards hate you loud obnoxious Americans and we simply don't want you here.

How...obnoxious.

you're blasting us about our beaches where people smoke.

I see people on both sides of the issue here. Yet, as a Spaniard, you feel compelled to group everyone together and spout hate speech about them? You're not making your own citizens look very good on the international cyber-stage.

I've never felt compelled to visit Spain or France because of the snobby attitude their famous for. I keep trying not to think they're all like that and it might be worth a shot, but then people like you keep jumping out and reaffirming what I've been told.

By the way, Carlita I noticed from your thread in the article "Explosion kills 1 in Stockholm" that you are also Swedish.

carlita, I'd like to volunteer for that spanking. and I'll light your smoke afterwards. I quit, but this country has been run by pc nazis for too long now. remember when they banned sacarin (sp?) because if you ate 50 lbs/day for 100 yrs you might get cancer? same thing with all the anti smoking 'science.'

allen, learn to spell, then get snotty.

allen, learn to spell, then get snotty.

Learn to not be a hypocrite.

Wow. Is all I have to say. But I will say more just for the fun of it. This post goes out to Carlita, Scar Tissue, Kedbob (for earlier posts) and any other obnoxious jerkoffs. Let me start out by saying I dislike each and everyone of YOU, and people that just like to be rude and negative in general. You think you are hurting any one of us (AMERICANS) by posting these thoughts of yours? We don't care what you think. Why do you care so much what we think? Psychologists might call that penis envy because ours is just simply that much bigger than yours.

You're EU brethren are about ready to throw your Spanish asses and your brothers in Greece the hell out. You no longer meet any of the criteria used to allow in new members to the Economic and Monetary Union of the EU and frankly are some of the main reasons (along with Ireland) for why the EU has been suffering recently. Germany cannot hold up the entire EU forever, with a little help from France. If they could they would toss you in a second. And they should.

Now don't get me wrong. I love Spain, the beautiful places and the people I have met. This post is targeted towards YOU. Not a blanketed post towards an entire group of people. We AMERICANS would call that ignorant and just plain dumb. In my opinion we are a little better off now that you are gone. I will come back to Spain and will enjoy myself, all the while hoping I am pissing you off. Oh and we don't need to make clothes. We are too busy making bombs and missiles that would wipe you right off the planet. Hoorah!

learn to make sense.

Carlita. If a person thinks WE were stupid in doing this, why would you think they wouldn't think you weren't stupid for doing the same thing? And I mean America and Spain, not you and me.

CARLITA--------- Just curious, whydo you think anyone in the USA would care what some twit in some crappy little country cares about anything.

By the way Carlita have you bought your rioting clothes yet, your bond ratings just dropped so I expect austerity measure will follow.

Yet, another socialististic country runs out of someones else's money.

By the way, that 20% unemployment rate you turkeys live with expect to jump a couple of points now.

BOOM! Roasted!

1 automobile produces 50,000 times more(air born) carcer causing agents than 1 person smoking your the stupid one yes you can smoke in bars here dummie only certan states ban that and as far as the eu go's dont come here your not welcome we are sick of europe in our affairs europe has caused more deaths in war than the us ever has so goose step your nazi ass some where else facist goon

FortheGlory,

Really, you hate Americans' Really. You keep on with that socialist mantra and openness to all things Muslim and Spain will continue to be were it has always been, Barely treading water over Third world status. Your statements are ridiculous to say the least. Loved the way you caved to the terrorists when they Bombed your pathetic country, that really showed your mettle in the face of adversity, cowards. Getting ripped by some angry spaniard is about on par with Mexico's President chastising us over Border security when they can't even control there own population, or there police, Army and the entire corrupt government that is in place. To all you backward, welfare state countries i say Hasta la Vista, as i blow a big smoke ring in your faces.

Stay the hell out of America and off our blogs and sit in your Spanish sh2it hole and know that we hate you more than you could ever hate us. We came to Europe and saved your asses from the Nazi "PARTY". Too bad, we should have let them have you for their furnaces and let them do what they would. You have the nerve to say those things about us.... Hope you don't need saving again....

learn to make sense.

Learn to type proper English.

I would respond DomCarHer, but am I the only one who does not understand any points you are trying to make in that mess of a post you just left.

Idea- stop cluttering up this blog and move along. If you would like to clear that mess up with a concise and coherent post that would be great.

Carlita, I read your other post too. Seems like you were Swedish then. If there's an article about Japan that pisses you off next, are you going to tell us you're from Tokyo?

carlita -- bitter and angry much?

but my fine fellow americans, she is right -- to a degree! these posts are publicly read and some of our posts are horrendously indignant, cocky, and ignorant. nothing the matter with that so long as the source of your pride is right. there is a big world out there. countries from which many of our own families originate. a lot of people in this world merely tolerate us because we are awkwardly arrogant. we haven't really done a great thing since WWII and now that we have the first american african president. -- pls note i want to ensure you read american first! they were all probably thinking, "wow, a little ascendance for the US." but we continue to blow that bubble with comments from inbred rednecks, crazy religious righties, folks off their meds. why? because the real rational americans are either working for a living, or are retired and finally living a life. me -- i'm in the grey. still a little off-beat, but working on rational thinking... i'm just as insignificant as the rest of you -- only I realize this ...

Wow, it's amazing how people get offended because someone expressed how they felt toward certain American attitudes. If I read some of the "posts" of these idiots I wouldn't be mad but scared. There is seems to be such an unusual amount of moronic comments from a country that is a world leader.

I hope Carlita understands that these message boards are like the proverbial flame to the moth. They attract the biggest and loudest idiots our great country has to offer. Can't wait til you paranoid, self-centered, egotistical, right wing idiots pass on so this country can be great again.

She can say whatever she wants about Americans. I'm American and I can't stand Americans, either. But the both of you are forgetting the fact that this article had nothing to do with the U.S.; it was about Spain. The only mention about the U.S. was our laws regarding smoking and how our smoking laws are the same laws as the European Union. But she went on a tirade against Americans just because she hates Americans, but really had nothing to contribute to the discussion about the article.

Who were the "sheeple" not that long ago when the Nazi wolf was not just at your door but in your house? Who was it that liberated your little country from that wolf? If it wasn't for the USA, you'd be speaking German now. Who is it that shows up with people, food, water and other supplies when there is a tsunami or earthquake or some other distaster? Who does the world look to when stuff needs to get done? Where do people all over the world go when they need specialized surgery or medical procedure? What country do people risk their lives just to get to? Funny how no one is trying to sneak into Spain. America is not perfect, never has been but then neither is anyone else. It is true that politically and economically we have some challenges now. We will get thru them and be stronger for the struggle. It makes me angry, really angry to hear people like you spouting off with all this anamosity towards the USA. After all that we have done and continue to do for not only your ungrateful country but nearly every country in the world. At some time or another we have provided for, come to the aid of, or just supported every one of the EU countries. Now you don't want our "worthless" dollar? My response is FU to the EU!! As for your pathetic little bleached out country, with so many people in world going hungry you have an annual festival where you waste how many tons of tomatos? Also, I have no sympathy for someone stupid enough to get in front of a heard of running bulls. And you call us stupid. Oh, and by the way my Gibson Les Paul guitar-made in USA, D'Addario guitar string- made in USA, Grover tuners on my project guitars-made in USA, Marlboro cigs-made in USA. Funny, I can't find anything that says "made in Spain", do you guys even make anything? If you start, I will actively boycott your products.

Good points about Carlita straying from the topic and just going on a pointless tirade towards AMERICANS, but I am really getting sick of all these blanketed statements (apfluxx13, "I can't stand Americans, either). 2 things. First, that's a ridiculously ignorant thing to say and I guarantee you do not hate every single AMERICAN. Second, if you hate it so much here then leave. Why do something you don't like and just bitch about it? Move to Mexico, lovely place. Pull a little reverse fence jumping. They won't even see it coming.

U r wrong and the article is wrong as well -- US anti smoking laws are not uniform and vary from municipality to municipality and are at large more strict then european anti-smoking laws.

(apfluxx13, "I can't stand Americans, either). 2 things. First, that's a ridiculously ignorant thing to say and I guarantee you do not hate every single AMERICAN.

No, I just can't stand them in general. I understand why the world thinks we are ignorant, rude, etc., because I see it every day.

Second, if you hate it so much here then leave. Why do something you don't like and just bitch about it? Move to Mexico, lovely place. Pull a little reverse fence jumping. They won't even see it coming.

I won't move because I don't have to move if I don't want to. I like my country; just not the stupid people living in it. It also takes money to move. You can't move if you don't have money. Duh.

wow i like you! "sheeple" is the word that describes modern americans right wing left wing whatever my country men are lead around bah bah bahing and not doing a damned thing to stop our "leaders"

apfluxx get a job! That is how AMERICAN'S make money. And also, you can't use "them" and "we" in the same sentence because you just referred to yourself as "ignorant, rude, etc.". You can't have your cake and eat it too as people like to say. I'd put you in the "them" group.

Yog-Sothoth,

Spain has a big problem with people from West Africa trying to sneak in via the Canary Islands. There are many that die because the smuggler's they pay set out in unsuitable boats that sink or capsize.

Carlita

Your Blond rating just dropped!

Carlita what did an American do you to to have so much anger? It looks like some one dropped their junk in wrong place you are crying why a nickel size became 1/2 dollar size. Is that it?

Wasn't Spain a fascist state until recently where hundreds of thousands were massacred. Not to mention the Leader of Spain that was in bed with Hitler.

apfluxx get a job! That is how AMERICAN'S make money.

Sorry, I DO have a full-time job. And I, like every other adult, have bills to pay. Most of my money goes to school, food, and bills. I can't really save anything right now.

And also, you can't use "them" and "we" in the same sentence because you just referred to yourself as "ignorant, rude, etc.". You can't have your cake and eat it too as people like to say. I'd put you in the "them" group.

I was generalizing American people. The fact is that generally, we ARE rude and ignorant. I'm not, but a lot of Americans really don't care about anyone but themselves.

The United States did not liberate Spain during World War II. Spain was a fascist dictatorship from 1939 until 1975 and was neutral in World War II.

I see my comments on various threads of European stories bothers many of you. That is because it is not just me/Carlita answering all the questions. My Swedish friends, my African friends, and my Italian friends who I attend University with all read the stories and reply accordingly. They come from my account because I am the only fluent English speaker among us. And can you imagine how much more petty and vicious you'd be if the comments derived from ESL speakers attempting to respond and argue in English? I can and nope no need to give you ignoramouses any more ammo, best I take on you savages with my account so at least some of you will wake up and get a clue...

Next topic - I can comment American or European I'm ready!

Carlita, you are so full of it.

apfluxx13

She can say whatever she wants about Americans. I'm American and I can't stand Americans,

thought you sounded like one of those america haters. why not move? that's how you ended up here, your ancestors moved when they decided they didn't like where they were. try the middle east, they'll love your america bashing there.

thought you sounded like one of those america haters. why not move? that's how you ended up here, your ancestors moved when they decided they didn't like where they were. try the middle east, they'll love your america bashing there.

If you read my other post, I already told why I would not move. This is where my home, job, family, and friends all are. Moving also costs money that I don't have. So, no. I will not move any time soon.

Americans can be critical of their own government and people. There is no country that is absolutely perfect, you know.

Wow. Is all I have to say. But I will say more just for the fun of it. This post goes out to Carlita, Scar Tissue, Kedbob (for earlier posts) and any other obnoxious jerkoffs. Let me start out by saying I dislike each and everyone of YOU, and people that just like to be rude and negative in general. You think you are hurting any one of us (AMERICANS) by posting these thoughts of yours? We don't care what you think. Why do you care so much what we think? Psychologists might call that penis envy because ours is just simply that much bigger than yours.

I am an American & I hardly think your, um, whatever, measures up, b/c your rdg comp sure doesn't. I did say I was embarassed to be associated w/ ppl acting like ugly Americans, from which any reasonably intelligent being would infer nationality.

Just b/c you're an American doesn't mean you get to stamp your imprimatur on the rest of the world, nor does it mean they're inferior beings to ppl who are so, um, highly evolved as you've just shown yourself to be w/ your tirade. Hammering on punctuation keys & using the ALL-CAPS ARGUMENT doesn't add cred to a rant BTW.

You're acting even uglier than the ppl I cringed at earlier. My pt, since you obvs didn't get it, was that it's an embarassment for Americans to loudly & proudly leap into threads belittling other countries &/or doing the American superior dance b/c they think other countries are "backwards" for implementing legislation the US already has in place.

And it's there b/c of whiny ppl who prefer that the govt legislate every little aspect of our lives, cheerfully abdicate all personal responsibility as they lobby for it, then piss & moan after about what they were too stupid to see that they were going to lose. You want to live in a nanny state? Who's the "sheeple"?

Calling an entire grp of ppl "obnoxious jerkoffs" is also against the CoH you agreed to when you created your acct to take over the world. Reported. Maybe next time you should actually read it b4 agreeing b/c you're so eager to jump into some fray & leave no doubt as to who the, um, let's say "ill-manered" person might be.

Carlita: I know the name of several EXCELLENT Psychiatrists in Spain. You seem to be dual nationality personalites in several articles, who has an amazingly accurate knowledge of the english language. YOU are a bigoted loudmouth yourself who clearly has psychiatric issues that need attending. YOU clearly don't know the first thing about hospitality, generosity, kindheartedness, and benevolence. If you are quoting all your multinational multiple friends around the globe who you say can't speak english, why don't you list there screen names here directly and quote them. Can you do that? I quite frankly, LOVE Spain and have many many many Spaniard friends, who frankly would think you are a MORON. In fact, I am going to send ALL of my Spaish friends an email link to this article so that they can see what kind of idiot is making a fool of themselves in regards to Spain. Likely, you will soon see some postings from your fellow Spaniards.....you are mentally ill Carlita, I hope you get help soon.

They're heavily regulated already on exhaust systems per type of environment. If they serve food (even frozen pizza), regulations get much more strict.

Who cares what kind of ambience it creates. It also create heath issues and increase health care costs. I don't know about you but I really hate paying increased premiums to cover the cost of smoking related diseases when I don't smoke!

Debbie

that's because you are buffaloed by health industry data. Fact: Smoker actually decrease the cost of health coverage (unless exploited by the industry) by dying early. the greatest costs of healthcare are long term care. You can't prevent everything. Some things it is better to avoid. Your kind sets precedence for further limitations on choice.

Your enjoying your day, everythings going your way and along comes Debbie Downer,

Always there to tell you about a new disease, a car accident or killer bees,

You beg her to spare you "Debbie Please"

But you can't stop Debbie Downer

I really hate paying increased premiums to cover the cost of smoking related diseases when I don't smoke!

Give the gov't an inch and they'll take a country. Capuccinos, coffee, candy, snacks, soda, skydiving, mountain climbing, unprotected sex outside of marriage, etc all increase chances of needing medical care. Are you sure you want the precedent set for any political party to take away everything you love other than water & carrots?

DEBBIE-------- It is simple enough sunshine don't go to public places that allow smoking.

Nope, the lib way, If they don't want to smoke, the want to pass lsw banning smoking.

Where a conservative would simply, not smoke.

What a load! It's bad enough that I'm going to have to help pay for your self inflicted medical treatment. Don't make me deal with your nasty second hand smoke as well.

It's not just the smoking. It's the way smokers think the world is their ashtray. It's a disgusting habit for self centered people. It's the "White-trash" way!

debbie, stupid, overcome your pompous patronizing american nazi attitude and stop telling other people what to do and how to live their personal life. It's real simple, if you don't like smoke keep your ugly lard ass out of such establishments. We won't miss U!

JeSub, I'm kind of wondering if you have a civilized brain in your head! I don't think so, it must be stuck up your A**!

We already have law in the US that bans smoking at schools, hospitals, bars, buses and many other places.

What we now need in the US is the right to choose which credit agency can and can not retain our credit information. This will improve credit agency operations and will set off competition as to who will do best credit calculation, correct data collection, protection of identity. As it stands there is no competition between the three major credit agencies. We should have the right to choose two out of three for a duration of 5 years.

That law is in place already.

You can not exhibit drunkenness and expect to be served by bars that uphold the law. They can can be liable for servicing to an already drunk and its aftermath.

I agree with you in regards to clubs and bars. For some reason, smoking and drinking just go hand in hand. On the other hand, I do not agree with you in regard to restaurants. I know that I dine out much more frequently now that places are not smoke infested and most cafe's that cater to smokers do have outdoor seating available as you mentioned. I think that you are right though. Owners should have the right to choose for themselves. I think if they classify themselves as a private establishment, they still can.

What another load! Don't blame bars going out of business on the smoking ban. If all bars are subject to it then none have a competitive advantage. Smokers are not going to stop going to bars because they can't smoke in them. Bars go out of business all the time. It has more to do with the economy than the smoking ban.

What's a "faternal organization"? And if you mean "fraternal" that's probably why they went out of business in the first place.

Stupid, U have a choice -- if I don't like the food at a particular place I don't go there again, Similarly if U don't like the smoke at a place: don't go there.

But no, freedom of choice is an alien concept to Idiocracy. Idiocacy will put on his brown shirt, will start wearing his storm trooper boots, take his swastika out of his closet, get his billy-club and impose his will upon the rest of us who cherish freedom and the ability to make our own choices. Hail to Idiocracy!

We already have law in the US that bans smoking at schools, hospitals, bars, buses and many other places.

What we now need in the US is the right to choose which credit agency can and can not retain our credit information. This will improve credit agency operations and will set off competition as to who will do best credit calculation, correct data collection, protection of identity. As it stands there is no competition between the three major credit agencies. We should have the right to choose two out of three for a duration of 5 years.

Unfortunately what you say is anecdotal evidence that is NOT supported by all sorts of studies and statistics in every single state that has enacted the laws. Not one study with which I'm familiar has found any statistically significant loss of business due to enacting no smoking laws and, in fact, some have shown increases in business. But ultimately the general effect is minimal, if any. It would be interesting to see why your experience differs - I don't doubt what you say - but suspect it has something to do with the type of business that would hire a DJ vs all restaurants, clubs, etc. But when one weighs the public health benefit against what has proven to be no loss of business, the upshot is that no smoking laws are all good. Even if unpopular to those who wish to poison themselves...

What another load! Don't blame bars going out of business on the smoking ban. If all bars are subject to it then none have a competitive advantage. Smokers are not going to stop going to bars because they can't smoke in them. Bars go out of business all the time. It has more to do with the economy than the smoking ban.

I stopped going.

I live in a neighborhood that once made the Guinness Book for the amt of bars on its main drag. It was impossible to start at one end & get to the other & have just one drink in every bar, tho hardy souls did try. Since the smoking ban, nearly all of them have gone under. Some places don't have rm for patios, & some places also have a little thing called weather. Smokers now stay home & drink rather than keep dashing thru the snow to have a cigarette. There has been such a significant loss of business that many bars have applied for & received an exemption to the law b/c they can prove financial hardship merely by displaying profit & loss sheets in court.

Yknow what puzzles me is all these alive n kicking baby boomers, who not only grew up in households where both parents smoked & most if not all of their relatives smoked, then grew up to smoke themselves. Public health benefit? We're a huge bulge on that population graph. Hmmm. Odd.

Careful tying your shoes, you could hurt yourself. Better yet, you could be hurt by someone else tying their shoes. Better get policing that issue.

Okay. Thanks for the advice.

When they finally eradicate smoking everywhere....what are they gonna blame lung cancer on then? Cause thats not going away...it's genetic.

Most forms of lung cancer are NOT genetic, sorry.

All forms of cancer are genetic. What do you think cancer is? It's your own cells that mutate into a malignancy. It's not a foreign object that's been inserted into your body. Your immune system is defective in some way & doesn't attack & kill these mutated cells as it should. Why do you think there have been tests developed to see if ppl have a genetic predisposition to cancer? Are all the women who have preventative mastectomies being gulled? There may be environmental factors that trigger the mutations....it's not really known....but if the cells are going to mutate & become cancerous, they will eventually, if your body was born w/ a genetic predisposition to it. Unfortunately there are not yet tests for every single type of cancer, so some ppl have no clue if they're a ticking time bomb.

Where did you go to medical school? Where did you do your Oncology fellowship? Oh, right -- you're not a physician.

There are SOME forms of cancer that have a genetic predisposition. MOST do NOT. Do you see massive runs of childhood ALL in a family?? NO, because it's NOT genetically predisposed.

1 running automobile (internal combustion) produces 50,000 times more airborn cancer causing agents than 1 person smoking got to love that smog

That's why I'm sayin'....when I say is there going to be a check up my ass to discover fourthhand smoke next?

You can live the cleanest, greenest, most organic life possible, use hand sanitizer, wrap yourself in bubble wrap....but we're all going to die sooner or later, no matter what we embrace or what we avoid. Live, don't chew your nails over what "might" kill you. Something will eventually & you don't know what it's going to be.

Waah

don't go there. That is the avoiding from above.

The number of smoking tourists is staggering.

Bolded, highlighted, quoted, and italicized for emphasis. You do know the tourists and patrons of businesses are what drives the economy, right? Show me a country where it's banned and the "number of tourists" are "staggering" and then maybe these anti-smoking nazi's will have a point.

grow a backbone debbie.

You know...I don't care how much you all trash talk me. Smoking is disgusting and if you don' like my comments, too bad. Stay home and keep sucking on those death sticks!!!

Stay home and keep sucking on those death sticks!!!

Well, if you want to stoop to a nanny nanny boo boo level....then stay home & quit whining about "disgusting" things you experience on vacation. The world is not your oyster & contrary to what the creepy BK king says, you can't have it your way. I find it incredibly arrogant that you would even think you have the right to impose your values on anyone, let alone another country, quite frankly. This may come as a shock, but no one has to cater to your wants & needs.

Why don't you just allow for your choice as well as mine, you dolt? Why should you feel free to infringe upon my liberty when there are other remdies to be had? Say goodbye to your own rights when you sell everyone else's. You're to lazy to make your own decisions anyway, it appears.

BTW A privately owned bar is not truly a public place in the sense of government funded public places. When do you want the government deciding your choice of shoes?

This is why smokers annoy me a lot. They think the whole world should have to accommodate to their disgusting addiction.

I don't care if you choose to smoke until your lungs go black, but I shouldn't be forced to breathe in your nasty cigarette when I want to go out and enjoy a meal.

Keep your disgusting habits inside your own home; that's all we ask.

Kedbob...I see you point on the seperation from public and private establishments. What the smoking ban is doing is...creating a common ground for the sheaple to roam. IMO...magority of smokers are not respectful to nonsmokers.

APFLUXX-------- No what you libbies want to di is the same thing you always do, if you don't want to do something you want to pass laws stopping everyone else from doing it..

Why is it that every state law that I have seen has a clause that doesn't allow you open a private club and allow smoking unless it was established 6 months prior to the inception of the law.

Two years ago, My states passed that law, I no longer frequent any of the places, wheree I used to smoke.. I live in a city of 10, 000 they have lost 19 restaurants since the ban and 26 taverns.

I belong to a group of 41 couples, we meet twice a week, one time in Missouri and one time in Kentucky.

We all have dinner a few drinks, fill the gas tank.

We calculate it costs the state Of Tn, about $ 500, 000 a year in lost sales and taxes..

Once a year we chip in $500 a piece and donate it to the opponet of anyone who voted for this law.

We have two of them out of office and we'll keep working on it.

APFLUXX-------- No what you libbies want to di is the same thing you always do, if you don't want to do something you want to pass laws stopping everyone else from doing it..

I never said that people couldn't smoke. Just don't smoke where people @!$%#ing eat, or are sitting/ standing in an enclosed public space. Is that too much to ask?

Yes dummy it is to much to ask because you have the choice not to patronize a place where smoking is permitted just like U can choose to only patronize non-smoking establishments. Don't eat where I'm smoking, nazi.

You choose to smoke when you know you can become addicted, and you think the world has to cater to your addiction. And it is people like you who think that employers should give you all of these extra breaks simply because you think you have a "right" to smoke. I even see people sneak out the building at work while they are not on break just so they can have a cigarette, even though they know they will be in big trouble if they get caught. It's ridiculous.

Smokers are like the legal heroin addicts to me. All you care about is your drug (yes, nicotine is a drug) and don't care about how expensive it is and how it affects other people.

YOU are the ones who are the one asking for too much.

This is why smokers annoy me a lot. They think the whole world should have to accommodate to their disgusting addiction.

This is why non-smokers annoy me a lot. They think the whole world should have to accommodate to their disgusting addiction to being control freaks.

YOU are the ones who are the one asking for too much.

I think it's the other way around. You demanded abolition & you certainly didn't do it politely. Why would you think that, in turn, would engender polite behavior toward you? You are the ones asking for the entire planet. Go stand upwind of the smokers' corner & leave em alone, not march over to whine, complain, lecture, & be rude. Don't put yourself in situations where ppl will be smoking. There aren't that many of them left, so I'd think it would be EZ to avoid them, don't you?

And speaking of "expensive".....cigarettes themselves are not at all expensive. Taxes are. When you've successfully eradicated the last smoker, are you going to remember to thank them for contributing a larger share to, say, filling your town's potholes than the non-smoker did?

No....you'll be off on another crusade whining about that huge tax hike your wallet just took b/c smokers aren't around to pay their share, your share, & that of your entire municipality anymore.

magority of smokers are not respectful to nonsmokers.

I just laughed so hard I seriously almost went paratroops over the side out of my chair. Are you serious? Smokers don't march over to total strangers & lecture them, hand them pamphlets, offer stop smoking advice, tell them they stink, tell them they hope they die of lung cancer, hysterically scream that they should think of the children, etc. That's incredibly disrespectful. The smoker has gone out of his way to accommodate you by stepping outside the establishment & moving away from entrances (except for the brief moment it takes to extinguish the cig, b/c for some stupid reason they put the ashtrays right by the door), sometimes in freezing cold temps or blistering hot ones, & non-smokers fanatically trail after them to start @!$%# instead of minding their own business. Obvs some of em enjoy secondhand smoke a lot, judging by how often they'll deliberately get in a smoker's airspace when they don't have to be there. Pray, elaborate on how smokers are "disrespectful" when they're obeying the law & getting out of the huge chunk of real estate to which non-smokers can now lay claim.

PS>Spell-check icon is that ABC thing w/ the blue checkmark over to the R of your post box. Find it. Use it. Learn to love it. I find that sort of laziness to be disrespectful of others in a forum.

Incrementalism works through ignorance and apathy. Any one over 40 can probably tell you what they have seen. Current generations have no reference through the wonders of technology. Business developed their grid for control of the masses through technology. The time has come for that NWO (whatever) and it's not going to be pretty for billions of people. The population is easier to control when reduced.

Looks like Kedob has been smoking a LOT. And NOT cigs.

where do you git your information...fox news?

I agree. Just like alcohol is a habit fromed by weak minded people and has no benifits. And caffeine is a habit fromed by weak minded people and has no benifits. And...... uh... wait...... what point were we making again?

How about I seperate your face?

Being "GAY" is a habit formed by weak minded indivduals. Being "GAY" has no benefits. Keep on being "GAY" so I can keep seperating the strong willed from the weak.

Drink at home or don't drink at all is my moto.

Think of that Great Depression when the economy goes under from the loss of the tobacco industry & the loss of all those extra taxes on cigarettes.

You can always come to California instead, Spanish spoken here and lots of weed! We're broke too!

Wow, Thanks! just for a minute I thought he was Glenn Beck with a mask on, he deffinitely has all his books and O'Reily's too. C'mon Miguel admit you live in California! The City?