I agree with Mr. Shaw's statement. It's open air full of plenty of other pollutants as well. Should we violate the people's rights just to satisfy ours? And, now that pot is legal, will there also be a ban on smoking marijuana in these parks as well or is it only an outright ban on those who are using a product that has been legal and commercially available for centuries? Keeping all smoking out of buildings makes sense, but out doors too? Come on! What's next, no eating fast food in parks because obesity is a problem and the act of eating junk food in a park may encourage children to eat unhealthy food too? Where is the line in the sand?
Ron Shaw - 11 years ago
I do not smoke, never have. BUT when the majority of any group impose such restrictive rules on minority (smokers in this case) then we create an environment where the smokers will disregard the rules and our parks will become a BATTLEGROUND between the cheaters and the "smoking police" of "concerned citizens" who seek to enforce the letter of the law.
Parks should be a place to escape the battle. Do we want to create a new one over a non-issue? If someone is smoking, get up and move 10 feet. There is plenty of fresh air and space for everyone to enjoy. We need to resist becoming bullies just because we have the power of the majority. Respect that we need to allow smokers SOMEWHERE to be able to smoke without harassment.
I agree with Mr. Shaw's statement. It's open air full of plenty of other pollutants as well. Should we violate the people's rights just to satisfy ours? And, now that pot is legal, will there also be a ban on smoking marijuana in these parks as well or is it only an outright ban on those who are using a product that has been legal and commercially available for centuries? Keeping all smoking out of buildings makes sense, but out doors too? Come on! What's next, no eating fast food in parks because obesity is a problem and the act of eating junk food in a park may encourage children to eat unhealthy food too? Where is the line in the sand?
I do not smoke, never have. BUT when the majority of any group impose such restrictive rules on minority (smokers in this case) then we create an environment where the smokers will disregard the rules and our parks will become a BATTLEGROUND between the cheaters and the "smoking police" of "concerned citizens" who seek to enforce the letter of the law.
Parks should be a place to escape the battle. Do we want to create a new one over a non-issue? If someone is smoking, get up and move 10 feet. There is plenty of fresh air and space for everyone to enjoy. We need to resist becoming bullies just because we have the power of the majority. Respect that we need to allow smokers SOMEWHERE to be able to smoke without harassment.