tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932387366846538961.post4033554661189924751..comments2013-11-08T23:31:48.579-06:00Comments on Family Policy Fall 2013 MWF 10 am: Should San Marcos Ban Smoking?Kelly Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05030814792351569118noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932387366846538961.post-50421670084948831272013-09-06T23:13:02.051-05:002013-09-06T23:13:02.051-05:00Personally, I think it should be considered whethe...Personally, I think it should be considered whether there is enough evidence to support the claim that second-hand smoke is damaging to health. Without substantial evidence backing up this claim, this law really has no basis other than to inhibit the "annoyance" of nearby smokers. It should be considered that those who smoke regularly are addicted on mental and physical levels; not only is it a commodity that can be afforded by some as choice but it becomes an "insulin," if you will, to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay. Though smoking has a bad reputation in many social circles it also becomes a routine so entrenched in smokers' ways that it becomes for them part of their own way- more than something as paper-thin as a fashion statement that can be tossed away without serious and very real physical repercussions. That being said, to ignore the rights and literally medical needs of what are now legally considered law-abiding citizens, a large amount of substantial evidence should be gathered first on the effects of second-hand smoke. I'm not even necessarily saying that I disagree with the smoking ban, I just think more research should be amassed to support claims that second-hand smoke is a health or environmental hazard. I also think individuals should reflect on their biases against smokers and determine why those biases exist, especially if their (the smoker's) behavior is not effecting their personal health.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12664345146435483276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932387366846538961.post-7690014088887963442013-09-06T21:09:58.608-05:002013-09-06T21:09:58.608-05:00I totally agree with you on public place like rest...I totally agree with you on public place like restaurants and other family gatherings, but bars I don't agree with because they have an age limit to be able to get in. Being a smoker is a choice, no one forced you to do it and its not illegal, so therefore if its not illegal, laws shouldn't dictate where and when you're able to light one up. I do agree with not smoking around infants, toddlers, and kids because they cant defend themselves with walking away or picking a different place to go eat and hang out. If certain people do not like smokers then they should choose somewhere that is smoke free. There are so many cities that don't allow smoking in public places and San Marcos is one of the last towns in Texas to have change its law on that. When I have friends visit from out of town, they are amazed that they can smoke in such establishments like the bars on the square and really like that they don't have to be secluded from everyone to just smoke a cigarette. Most bars on the square do not have patios to take your drink and smoke a cigarette therefore where would the smokers be able to smoke since you have to be 15 ft from any establishment to smoke if the law passes. Do they stand in the street? There's always pros and cons about every situation, but before you alienate the smokers everything possible in both cases should be thought about not just the none smokers caring about the health of others.Brittany Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16589702967251452301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932387366846538961.post-24086149778985655282013-09-06T15:32:29.487-05:002013-09-06T15:32:29.487-05:00I definitely agree with you. The policy to ban smo...I definitely agree with you. The policy to ban smoking in pubic areas should increase healthier choices for people within the community. Smoking is detrimental to our health and those who do not smoke should not be exposed to it due to being in a public area. I feel it is very disrespectful to even be smoking around restaurants with families and children around. The city council should carry out the policy to protect the community from second hand smoke. <br /><br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07748469589625128633noreply@blogger.com