re To smokers wrote on Mar 11, 2008 2:52 PM:
" No going back to bars...It aint over until the the Big Lawmakers sings a different tune! The tune their singing is way off and doesn't work. "
To Stoopid Stuff: wrote on Mar 11, 2008 7:06 AM:
" So, you couldn't quit on your own, you had to have the government tell you to do so? Thats the issue here. My addiction hurts no one but myself. If anyone else is hurting from it, it is by there own choice of going in a smoking establishment. Look at all in this world that is causing health issues, Look at the water, now we have drugs in it. Look at the food, Whats next? This is the issue here. Wake up America, your vice will be next. "
To smokers wrote on Mar 10, 2008 10:21 PM:
" You lost.
There's no going back.
Get over it. "
To Jay wrote on Mar 10, 2008 1:08 PM:
" Do you sit in your garage with the door closed while your car is running? I hope not, unless that is why you make no sense. Well, that's what it has been like to sit in a smoke filled bar. The air IS much cleaner now INSIDE! No one is forcing anybody out the door to smoke. It is your choice to smoke, but just not in a public place now. And I wish some of you would learn how to spell before you make a public posting!! "
re David Collins wrote on Mar 10, 2008 1:48 AM:
" I don't think any one wants your drugged uped abuse. Take some poison nerve pill or have a drink.... Just don't drive for the sake of the children... "
DAVID COLLINS wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:36 AM:
" SMOKERS,
YOUR ADDICTION HURTS OTHERS. MOST OF YOU HURT THE ADULTS AND CHILDREN YOU LOVE BECAUSE YOU CARE MORE ABOUT YOUR FIX THAN THE LONG TERM HEALTH OF OTHERS. SINCE YOU CAN NOT REGULATE YOUSELF AND SHOW CONCERN FOR OTHERS, THE STAE HAD TO STEP IN TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. IT IS YOUR FAULT, WE ARE NOT GOING BACK, SO GET OVER IT AND GO SMOKE IN THE SNOW. BE SURE YOU ARE AT LEAST 15 FEET FROM THE DOOR. WE DO NOT WANT OT SMELL LIKE YOU. "
Time for Growth? wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:58 PM:
" I'm falling for something! But, I will stand! "
Stoopid Stuff wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:52 PM:
" I AM a smoker and i totally agree with the ban. It has helped me to quit. 4 weeks and still going. If a person can't go to a restaurant and not smoke then they have a problem and need to quit. How often do we have to be told that we are killing ourselves before we do something about it. This ban might help those who are wanting to quit. "
SC1968 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 3:05 PM:
" "Common Sense", the seatbelt law IS communistic. The idea that everyone will pay for one person's injuries is a smokescreen built by the government and the insurance industry to cover up their efforts to control us all. They're lying! The insurance industry is nothing but liars! The government is nothing but liars! Don't fall for their bull crap! "
LIVE WITH FREEDOM TO CHOOSE PROPERTY... wrote on Mar 7, 2008 7:04 PM:
" "We've only just begun, too live"! "
SHOW ME THE MONEY wrote on Mar 7, 2008 6:45 PM:
" Heck, if their ant no people their ant gonna be no government. "Image all the people living for today, AHAY AY AY AY!" "
SHOW ME THE MONEY wrote on Mar 7, 2008 6:41 PM:
" SOME PRESIDENT SHERIFF SAID SOMETHING ABOUT BEING PATIENT TELL THAT TO THE TABLE, THE BANKS... "
Bob wrote on Mar 7, 2008 11:29 AM:
" world dominatin world government it is only just begginning "
Common Sense wrote on Mar 7, 2008 9:06 AM:
" All these comments about "taking away my right to smoke", "communistic seat belt laws", "communistic helmet laws" sound like they come from a lunatic fringe. You have the right to do whatever damage to yourself that you want to. Just don't expect me to help pay for your bad decisions when you have emphysema, lung cancer, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, etc. The result of risk taking behavior is higher insurance costs and higher consumer prices for products caused by frivolous lawsuits, brought by cretins that caused their own injuries and now want the rest of the world to help pay for their bad judgement. I take comfort in knowing that many of the posters here may not live in Southern Illinois. We aren't home to all the ignorance in the world. "
We the People! wrote on Mar 7, 2008 7:00 AM:
" I Have a Word To We the people not we the Goverment The goverment is sticking its noes in to the peoples rights and we have to pay there sallerys we own them they dont own us. "
To Jay you ignorant: wrote on Mar 6, 2008 7:34 AM:
" But you see, big brother is taking away a businesses right. The business is not owned by the government and the government does not pay the businesses taxes. It should be the businesses choice to smoke or not to smoke and then if the non smoker choses to walk into a smoking establishment then don't complain about breathing fresh air. This is so wrong. I was in a bar/restaurant in carbondale the other night that use to be packed but there were only about 10 people in there. The owner said he has lost so much business due to this ban. the good old non smokers are not taking up the slack here. It should be the business owners choice not the government. "
The Big Picture wrote on Mar 5, 2008 2:37 PM:
" As I read the article and the comments I am dumbfounded...
Does anyone actually understand the point and purpose of this law? It is about public health! Smoking causes Cancer, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, and many many other terrible conditions and diseases. If someone is not intelligent enough to take care of themselves that is their God given right in America. But I will never be okay with them exposing me without my permission! I HAVE THE RIGHT to breath smoke free air when I walk into a restaurant or any public place. If you want to smoke, go at it, but not when it endangers another person's health. How do you know if the person next to you has asthma or COPD? The cases of asthma in children has quadrupled in the past decade, why is that? Secondhand smoke is thrust upon innocent children and the elderly, who has the right to put them in danger? You would be arrested if you fed them tainted food, or hurt them physically, how is this any different? Just because you choose to ignore the long term consequences doesn't mean they aren't real.
I hope and pray that the majority in this country truly want to take care of one another and understand that while we are free to do as we please, we should always consider and care about those around us...
You know, if smokers had done that in the first place this law would not have been necessary. "
Wow wrote on Mar 5, 2008 9:56 AM:
" ""This is the land of the free supposedly. And not the land of the nannies. If you honestly think SHS can hurt you, have you ever tried inhaling vehicle fumes for 2 hours?""
When is the last time that you ate a meal right next to a car's exhaust?
The State isn't telling us that we can't smoke. The State is telling us that we can't smoke in certain areas. Specifically areas in which we expose other people directly to our fumes.
Can a woman walk into a restaurant topless? Oh no, where's our freedom! Would I be allowed to sit at a bar and yell profanities at the owner for 2 hours? What?! Where's my freedom! "
Jay, you're ignorant wrote on Mar 4, 2008 4:56 PM:
" The ban is for health reasons, not to be big brother and take away your rights. I don't have the choice but to breath in the second hand smoke. It's not fair that just because you don't care about your health, you have to ruin mine while you're at it. Tell me genius, how many cases have there been presented showing vehicle fumes causing cancer? "
SEEKING ANSW. wrote on Mar 4, 2008 3:11 PM:
" What about the "prohibiting, HOME LAWS?" "
WSR wrote on Mar 4, 2008 1:32 PM:
" I don't smoke or do I even own a boat but I think I'll buy on just so I can give John some business. I may even smoke a stogie with him to discuss this crazy law,which,by the way,is one of the dumbest laws ever passed.This law could have been passed and at the same time business friendly.
Go John!! "
Just me wrote on Mar 4, 2008 1:29 PM:
" Saw the attendees on the news segment. What a great looking group--just the kind of people you would take home to meet mom! It's a good thing the gathering took place on Saturday the 1st and not Monday the 3rd when most of them would have been at their maiboxes waiting for their checks to arrive. This type of law is nothing new and has been on the books in other states and large cities around the country. You know, those places where there are zoning laws, restrictive covenants, nice subdivisions and not trailer parks, and the local elected officials don't show up for meetings wearing bib overalls.Is it any wonder why we are ridiculed by people who live in the Chicago area? "
JD wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:31 AM:
" So it was a success that several people gathered OUTSIDE to protest an INDOOR smoking ban? I suppose most of these people had a PhD in Economic or Geography from SIU. I would bet most were lucky to have a GED! The right to smoke has not been taken away. Just the location has been restricted to respect the rights of others. Why be so selfish? Get over it and move on! "
embarassed. wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:40 AM:
" wave the flag...utter "freedom, freedom, freedom...take a drag...cough up a lung...degrade your health and the image of those that seek to improve it...yell "freedom" again...blame a bunch of people...cry about how bad/good this country is, depending on what suits your argument...light a smoke and go stand in front of a boat repair shop waving your flag...just don't let that flag get to close to your cigarette...that would be horrible! "
ruth wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:08 AM:
" and what about the handicapped or senior citizens being forced outside to smoke in parking lots, streets and etc, with no protection from either the weather or from vandalism or criminal activity?
What of the risks to our lives and our health? People in wheelchairs or using walkers and canes to get around at all, much less trying to walk around outside in all kinds of weather?
People who have smoked 50-70 years and have no desire to stop? We know the ETS and SHS "surveys" are a bunch of crap or we would never have survived as long as we have. The so-called "studies" are just a bunch of numbers put in a computer and shuffled around to get the wanted results
If this is a plot to kill us off quickly to save on medical expenses, you are doing a great job. Falls on ice and snow, pneumonia, respiratory infections, etc...
STOPPING SMOKING AT OUR AGES OR NOT GOING TO ADD ONE DAY TO OUR LIVES< BUT GOING OUTSIDE IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER IS SURE TO SHORTEN IT FOR US> "
reply Maryetta wrote on Mar 3, 2008 11:05 PM:
" I appreciate you honesty. But, you are distressing me. "
Jay wrote on Mar 3, 2008 10:47 PM:
" As long as we have vehicles in the streets, you will NEVER have "clean air" to breathe in any city or state. I don't know what makes nonsmokers think if nobody is smoking, then the air is cleaner.
I wouldn't want to smell the air in an area with lots of trash in a can or in a trash dump. The air on planet Earth is is far from 100 percent clean.
http://chicagosmoker-jay.blogspot.com/ "
Jay wrote on Mar 3, 2008 8:56 PM:
" To the person who said he would rather have the government control your life by banning smoking. Would you like it if the govt decided to ban fast foods and your favorite drinks?
This is the land of the free supposedly. And not the land of the nannies. If you honestly think SHS can hurt you, have you ever tried inhaling vehicle fumes for 2 hours?
This is the land of the free, where Americans no longer have the right to choose anything without government's approval first. "
I wonder wrote on Mar 3, 2008 7:40 PM:
" I wonder what size jack-boots I'll have to wear and how long it will take to learn the goose-step. "
NON NEW YORKER wrote on Mar 3, 2008 7:02 PM:
" We live in southern Illinois, and not NEW YORK, so I think that we better first remember what Ronald Reagan stated before he lost his thinking rights. "IN THE PRESENT CRISIS, GOVERNMENT IS NOT THE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM; GOVERNMENT IS THE PROBLEM." Thank You "
RE GREGORY wrote on Mar 3, 2008 6:41 PM:
" I like your style. "
Maryetta wrote on Mar 3, 2008 6:38 PM:
" Do the words "globalization", "one world government", "democracy" bother you? Does the concept of government funded, through special interest groups, "social BEHAVIOR LAWS" bother you?
Has anyone stopped to notice that every major platform issue in the 2008 election are directly from United Nations mandates, as are smoking bans.
While I can appreciate a "global attitude", I am not ready for the UN to be writing the laws of the United States, we are, at least the last time I checked, a government of the people, by the people, for the people. In other words, We the People own our Government, not the UN.
We the People have the Right to determine what our laws will be. "
HEARER wrote on Mar 3, 2008 6:28 PM:
" Sounds like grow and roll your own is coming. I heard that U.S.A. will not be getting taxes from cigs. But "are going to sale them." So, I say before any anti-fat rulings, or booz rullings... Cigs might not be lit anyway. Sounds like more losses...in the pockets of smokers and non-smokers. Fine, fine, everybodies Fined. "
On-line Reader wrote on Mar 3, 2008 2:58 PM:
" Once again, I ask why people just cannot just deal with this, adapt to it, and move forward. A smoking ban is not unique to Illinois. I don't know why people won't or can't understand that. Many states and cities have adopted a similar ban, most of which are stricter than what is in place in Illinois. I think this protest was unnecessary and only further proves the hillbilly and backwoods culture that exists in Southern Illinois. Smoking in public is a privilege, not a right. People do have a right to breathe clean air. "
chris wrote on Mar 3, 2008 12:18 PM:
" Good. If we'd started doing this years ago, we might not be the targets of the latest Great American Witch Hunt. "
They "force" lies wrote on Mar 3, 2008 7:22 AM:
" Of course bars go out of business, all the time, before and after New York's smoking ban. And they go into business too.
Which is why studies show the bar business as a whole rose after the smoking ban.
We were at a (very crowded!) NY bar the other night, next to two guys reminiscing, "Remember all that fuss about the smoking ban?"
The bartender chimed in, dismissive, "Business never been better."
Only some scattered bedraggled dinosaurs, gathered together by the wonders of the internet, get excited about it anymore.
Or spread misleading bs. "
Gregory wrote on Mar 3, 2008 7:20 AM:
" First they came for the smokers....next they are coming for something you enjoy.
Freedom is not just the freedom to do the smart or healthy thing. That kind of freedom is no freedom at all. "
Joe in Naperville wrote on Mar 3, 2008 6:57 AM:
" God Bless America. too bad the report got it wrong, there is a web site.
http://www.illinoissmokersrights.com/ "
Maryetta wrote on Mar 3, 2008 4:43 AM:
" http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=43186&source=rss
The above article is what was referenced during our discussions that the reported mentioned. "
Jim FORCES Illinois wrote on Mar 3, 2008 1:09 AM:
" I want to commend every one of you brave souls who attended the smoke in for your courage in doing so, and for your committment in the fight to keep America free from the tyranny, corruption, and stupidity of the anti-smoking movement. You are the True Americans and you are greatest group of people I've ever met at one time and one place.
Keep your fire burning and never doubt for a moment that we can't succeed in convincing the General Assembly to admit they made a mistake and repeal the senseless Smoke Free Illinois Act. We can and we will!
I'm hoping that John Hemminghaus's spirit, strength of charactor, and his belief in the original American values becomes contagious and business owners in other parts of the state will do the same. When that happens, I look forward to meeting you all again!
Jim Blogg
President
FORCES Illinois
"
Barb wrote on Mar 3, 2008 12:38 AM:
" And when the state of Illinois comes up 200 million dollars short on tax revenue due to casino's huge losses, not to mention rising unemployment (because the casinos are laying off) all of you anti-smokers will be paying with your pocketbook. "
Good Job wrote on Mar 2, 2008 10:49 PM:
" I heard that there were many people there and that it was a resounding success! Oh, and I've written a letter to the IL Gov't requesting a ban on non-smokers opinions in public places including internet forums. LOL Just kidding I wouldn't want the government to take away your rights, even though you want them to take away the rights of others. "
Phil wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:10 PM:
" For Hemminghaus to say that smoking doesn't affect him just shows his level of ignorance about secondhand smoke. As a non-smoker I know that it does affect me. I'd really hate to work for someone who insists that smoking is required in a boat repair shop. And I'd certainly not want to do any business with him either. "
Maryetta wrote on Mar 2, 2008 6:27 PM:
" A correction: it isn't 'force.org' it is forces.org - and they get over 2 million hits a month - bet ya can find it on google. "
INQUIRING MIND wrote on Mar 2, 2008 3:12 PM:
" WHO AND, OR WHAT GIVES? "
ridiculous wrote on Mar 2, 2008 3:02 PM:
" What a joke and how non-news worthy is this. A bunch of smokers stand in a guys yard and smoke, wow, now that proves a lot. Best to your lungs, WHO CARES! "
Tom wrote on Mar 2, 2008 2:04 PM:
" I'm finding that opponents of the new smoke free laws being implemented nationwide don't understand the difference between a right and a privilege . Anything licensed by the government is a privilege; not a right. You may be privileged to operate a business, if you follow the rules.
Unfortunately, in the good ol' flag waving USA we forget the government is supposed to be of it's people. With the overwhelming majority of the population being non-smokers it's hard to believe anybody can argue against clean air for all. I certainly wouldn't support taking away a persons right to the pursuit of happiness by making smoking illegal. But when my choices are either don't go out, or suffer from others smoke, or ask the government to protect my rights--I'll choose the latter. "
Susan Stevens wrote on Mar 2, 2008 2:03 PM:
" I think businesses everywhere should protest. These are OUR businesses. They are NOT public places. Read Lloyd Corp. v Tanner. If we're a PUBLIC place, where do we apply for public funds to bail us out of this mess? You can't have it both ways. So what's next? Banning overweight people from eating in our places? Wake up, America.
"The 5th Amendment is an old friend and a good friend, one of the great landmarks in men's struggle to be free of tyranny, to be decent and civilized." - William O. Douglas
"
Charles wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:11 PM:
" By the way the website isnt called www.Force.org it is www.forces.org and that will show up. Just thought I had to make this correction. "
maxine wrote on Mar 2, 2008 12:51 PM:
" www.forces.org
(to the writer of this article, best to get the s pelling correct on anything you release for print).
There are casinos in the state of New York, not within the city limits of New York, the city.
I can't imagine why I am spending any time at all editing this article for you. Sloppy reporting annoys me. "
dynphna wrote on Mar 2, 2008 12:46 PM:
" It is Forces not Force and can be found on Google and Yahoo. "
ruth wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:40 AM:
" Forces International.org is very much alive and well and continuing to fight the smoking bans. Forces.org has branches in several states including Illinois.
Also present were people who are members of Illinois Smoker's Rights and the Illinois Smoker's Alliance. "
Hankpi wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:39 AM:
" Dear Senator Durbin
I ran across this post on the internet. Can you tell me what will you try to ban next in the state of Illinois so that I can ready to quit eating or change the color of my skin.
I smoke and I enjoy it knowing its health risks, but there are health risks in everything we do. Are you going to try to ban everything?
I have children and grandchildren they don’t smoke, when I go to visit I don’t smoke in their house and they tell me that I could. But It’s my choice not to smoke in their house not yours, Mr. Senator.
The neighborhood bar I used to visit all the employees and owner smoke what difference would it make to exempt bars and let them decide for themselves on smoking policies. "
Bayta wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:30 AM:
" I would like to take this opportunity to correct a couple of things in this article. To read about forces.org just go to their website www.forces.org you will find much information there. The Southern did not get it right when they called it force.org, get your act together guys. This protest wasn't even so much about the smoking ban in my eyes, it was about the government taking away our rights as citizens. Jon had it right when he said that people are forgetting that our flag stood for freedom at one time unfortunately no more. Stand up people and take a stand somewhere, the smoking ban is the one to stand up to and say no more taking our rights away. To all you second-hand smoke haters just remember it is smokers rights going now, obese people will be next, and while all this is going on they are chasing the small bar owners out of business due to police harrassment etc. at the rate we are going we won't be allowed to go rock climbing or engage in any rishy behavior because god forbid we might get hurt. This sounds like a very boring existence to me. I kind of enjoy living on the edge a little bit. "
Bill Williams wrote on Mar 2, 2008 8:26 AM:
" The link is forces.org, not force.org "
JimB wrote on Mar 2, 2008 8:15 AM:
" It shows up in a Google search if you spell it right. It's forces.org, not force.org.
Thank you John Hemminghaus for having the courage to host the smoke in and for being such a gracious host. It gave my great hope that America is coming back!
"
Colonist wrote on Mar 2, 2008 7:53 AM:
" Strike one for this article:
The correct address of the organization is FORCES.ORG (maybe that's why the reporter couldn't find it on a google search)
Strike two for this article:
The reporter confused two separate discussions concerning Bloomberg in NY and the casino revenue in other states.
Sharpen the pencil next time, and clean out those ears....Journalism 101. "
Dave Clark wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:44 AM:
" A Google search didn't find it because the smokers rights site is FORCES.ORG!! NOT Force.org. MORONS! Or was that misspelling intentional?? Wouldn't want freedom or free thinking to possibly spread, now would we? "
Audrey Silk wrote on Mar 2, 2008 12:37 AM:
" My first instinct is to say that this is a bit of sloppy journalism. Of course you found no web site for force.org since it is forceS.org. It's hard to imagine that the FORCES representative provided a wrong web address. More like reporter inattentiveness.
And while it's true that there were no casino bankruptcies in NYC since NYC has no casinos I'm inclined -- due to other evidence -- that this too was the result of misquoting the speaker. Short of that there is a possibility that it was an innocent mistake on the part of the speaker -- who meant to say "bars" instead of "casinos." When the state joined the city a few short months later in banning smoking everywhere, indeed bars across the state did go out of business, regardless of the lies put forth by ban proponents such as NYC Mayor Bloomberg that it caused no harm to business.
Audrey Silk
NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment (NYC C.L.A.S.H.)
Brooklyn, NY
www.nycclash.com "
