"The benefit of an outdoor prohibition is hazier. Studies indicate secondhand smoke has minimal impact more than a couple of feet from the person who's smoking and, unlike in an enclosed space, the smoke drifts away after the cigarette has been stubbed out. No workers are typically nearby to be protected."
Enough of government chasing around after us like a nagging mother. Instead of creating more ordinances, how about we enforce the laws we already have? Every day I drive three miles to mom's house and three miles back. Within those 6 miles, I see at least three major traffic violations, often more. Every single day. Saturday, a guy blew the stop sign at 7th St. and Lake Ave., while a few blocks further down Lake, another guy was driving against traffic.
Let's get our priorities straight. I'd much rather our police officers be busting gangbangers or enforcing traffic laws rather than issuing citations for outdoor smoking violations. Enough already.
Related links:
Racine Post: "Racine Board of Health Considers Banning Smoking in Parks"
http://news.racinepost.com/2011/05/racine-board-of-health-considers.html
Racine Uncovered: "Letter from reader-To smoke or not to smoke, what are our rights?"
http://racineuncovered.org/?p=35065
Journal Times: "Smoking opponents overreach with attempted parks ban"
http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_90c45b5e-267a-11e0-a196-001cc4c002e0.html
I'm against it.. I understand the inside restaurants and public buildings.. but outside is ridiculous.. As you say there are more important things to go after, that actually will harm another person. I do think people should use common sense and not smoke in a large crowd people, but there are not many out there that seem to have common sense.. doesn't mean we need to send the cops out after them..
ReplyDeleteI tend to aggree with you Orbs. Caledonia PD could make their monthly revenue in a week by stopping speeders on Hwy K going thru Franksville, I think I am the only one who goes 30mph. Also by the roundabout on 38/K, people go flying thru there, not paying attention to who has the right-of-way.
ReplyDeleteI'm a former smoker. It has been over 25 years since I quit. I have perspective on both sides.
ReplyDeleteI can smell secondhand smoke even outside; however, in my opinion, this is going too far. Seems foolish. Inside, you can't get away from it. I've had dinners ruined by someone smoking nearby in a restaurant. Outside, if you are bothered, just move.
Another problem associated with no smoking in bars are the crowds of intoxicated, rowdy people who hang outside to smoke and disturb the neighborhoods around them.
We have so many laws already that aren't enforced. This would just be another impossible task. I'm sure they would just tack it on for other offenses... beer in a park AND smoking.
Ohio Street, 21st Street, Hwy 20 and Hwy 31 are all roads that people go way too fast. In the morning, people easily drive 50 miles an hour on 31. You are a danger (or are in danger yourself) if you try to follow the speed limit.
I never understood the smoking ban in bars. Restaurants and other public places, OK, but wtf with bars? You can't smoke one poison but you can drink another. Absolutely inane. Our politicians play us like fools.
ReplyDeleteLack of traffic law enforcement is one of my biggest pet peeves with Racine. It is absolutely horrible out there. Again, EVERY SINGLE DAY I witness multiple violations. I hate driving in Racine now. It's a battle zone and only idiots like me are licensed and insured. I've complained to cops and they say they are too busy with "important" crime. Same thing at the police station.
A while back I read some woman complained to the city about smoking in parks that is will affect her kids. This woman has no idea what she is talking about, but it was enough to stir the city board or health dept. into looking at banning smoking in parks.
ReplyDeleteJust another “Blue” law! Did you know it is illegal to spit on a sidewalk in Racine? How many times have you heard of someone getting arrested for that?
Throwing your cigarette butts on the ground is littering, not too many arrest make for that either!
It never ceases to amaze me the time the City Board wastes on such trivial crap. The police don’t even want to waste the time it takes to fill out all the forms because of racial profiling while making an arrest. If you are breaking the law who gives a shit what color you are.
How many times have you read were someone was shot over a cigarette, but get drunk and there are fights and shooting the police have to deal with now because of alcohol!
I'm a former smoker as well. I think being outside, there is plenty of space for a person to move to if the smoke bothers them. But if I'm sitting on a bench and you come along, plop down next to me and light up, I may bop you!
ReplyDeleteWe have gotten to the point where folks are just a mite carried away with this smoking thing, or rather no-smoking thing.
I have been smoke free for 11 years now, (wish I wasn't) but I'm sick of all the crap the Government insists Is good or not for us. In all honesty they really don't give a shit.
ReplyDeleteJedwis...they have crashed a few out there on the roundabout at 38 & K
ReplyDeleteWe have problems with lead in this city - both the kind that comes in old paint and the kind that comes out of the barrel of a gun. Another man was shot today. Please, address those issues first.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I'm also a former smoker - 15 years
I smoke and I thought those were already laws. Oh well maybe I was just being too nice. I haven't had a drink in two years cause I can't smoke there. (Good for me) Another thought..the government should encourage smoking so they can get more taxes. They would be in the black in no time.
ReplyDeleteOrb's: You did It again, with the "Lead" comment. I don't know how you think of these things. Too funny.
ReplyDelete