No smoking at the Weirs

[dpg]

"Excuse me, Mr. Biker sir. Would you mind please putting out that cigarette?" Yeah right, that's gonna happen.

[ITD]

"I am a smoker, the world is my ashtray."

[Phantom]

WOW !!

I just sit here shaking my head

With no "speed limit" thread to bring out the worst of people this season, we've now found a smoking ban thread where we can take it out on our fellow forum members ...................

again, sitting here just shaking my head in Awe.

Bring on ICE-Out ...... personally I need to get back on the water!

[fatlazyless]

Smoking has been banned from the outside grounds of Lakes Region Community College for like ten years or so. What this state school that is located in Laconia has is a designated outdoor smoker's gazebo which is large enough for about ten smokers at once. It has a cigarette butt deposit that is a water-filled, plastic container with a long spout.

Possibly, the Laconia city council could take a look at the smokers' gazebo at LRCC and consider if they want to have something similar at Weirs Beach.

Supposedly, 20% of american adults are smokers, down from 50%, fifty years ago. Can you recall hearing the radio & tv advertising lines: "I'd walk a mile for a Camel.,' "I'd rather fight than switch,' "L S M F T - Lucky Strike means fine tobacco," " Salem - take a puff, and it is spring time," "Winston's taste good, like a (knock-knock) cigarette should!"

[sa meredith]

"You've come a long way, baby."

[NonVoting Taxpayer]

Maybe we can deputize GTO for bike week since he seems so opinionated and passionate on the subject and have him enforce the rules in his Speedo.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by NonVoting Taxpayer

Maybe we can deputize GTO for bike week since he seems so opinionated and passionate on the subject and have him enforce the rules in his Speedo.

If you want to fantasize about me in a speedo, your a sick person. Deputize....that was cute. I guess we could deputize just about everybody on this forum seeing that everyone is either passionate or opinionated about something in each thread.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by NonVoting Taxpayer

Maybe we can deputize GTO for bike week since he seems so opinionated and passionate on the subject and have him enforce the rules in his Speedo.

As newly appointed deputy with my shiny badge and one bullet in my top left hand shirt pocket, I hereby ban bike week. Also effective immediately, nobody from Lowell or Lawrence will be allowed past exit 20. I hereby declare that boats may now travel at any speed that the driver feels safe. And as part of my own personal "STIMULAS PACKAGE" Only Speedos will be allowed at Weirs beach this summer

[BAK04GT]

Originally Posted by dpg

"Excuse me, Mr. Biker sir. Would you mind please putting out that cigarette?" Yeah right, that's gonna happen.

...amazing..what a way to bring revenue to the wiers...chew and spit I guess....Place is nothing but a pit for the PC crowd now anyways.....Glade i have my own beach with a fire pit 5 ft from the water on a dirt road smokin and drinkin.....shotgun next to the door.....and no trash pick up..dont get any better than that

[Silver Duck]

Is the ban only in the actual beach area, or does it include the boardwalk, dock, and arcade areas as well?

Silver Duck

[BAK04GT]

Originally Posted by Silver Duck

Is the ban only in the actual beach area, or does it include the boardwalk, dock, and arcade areas as well?

Silver Duck

This as writen from city web page Weirs Community Park – including the park house, trails, parking lots and all other areas..Boy...wonder who writes their laws....all other areas?....gotta be a lib...or a lawyer...$$$$$$$$$..probly a transplant from Ma....Just another knee jerk feel good idea..

[Pontoon Goon]

Originally Posted by BAK04GT

probly a transplant from Ma.....

Sigh !!!!!!!!!! What does that even mean ?

[KTO]

Ban smoking in all public places! Why should public places (which I'm pretty sure smokers and non-smokers tax money pays for) should not be a turn-off to those who don't smoke. I personally get sick to my stomach when I smell smoke (Really, I do). They banned it in bars and restaurants recently which are usually individually owned, why shouldn't beaches and public parks ban it?

I shouldn't have to worry about getting lung cancer when I go to the beach (I should be worrying more about skin cancer from the sun!).

Smoking is bad for the smoker.
Smoking is bad for the public.
Smoking pollutes the air and lazy smokers create unnecessary litter.
It will be nice not stepping on half-butts and breathing in those toxic fumes.

[Argie's Wife]

Yes, smoking is bad for you...

So is eating fatty foods... what if all fried foods were banned?

How about drinking alcohol - some people get addicted... what if that was made illegal?

Reading certain books or listening to certain music might be bad for you, according to some groups... what if those were made illegal?

Speeding can cause fatal accidents - what if your car was designed to not go any faster than 25MPH?

Yes, you can get skin cancer from sun exposure so what if tanning in general was made illegal?

Too much caffeine is bad for you - so what if your coffee was made illegal?

The point of this is: What if your choices were taken away from you because someone else (i.e. government) felt you couldn't be trusted to make decisions for yourself?

Like I said... If the matter of the cigarette butts being dropped is the issue, then set a fine for littering. However, if this is done on the premise "it's bad for you!" then it's revolting logic that crosses the line into allowing government to make our moral decisions for us.

[KTO]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

So is eating fatty foods... what if all fried foods were banned?

Doesn't hurt the people around you.

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

How about drinking alcohol - some people get addicted... what if that was made illegal?

Doesn't hurt the people around you. (Unless you're irresponsible)

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Reading certain books or listening to certain music might be bad for you, according to some groups... what if those were made illegal?

I can't see reading on the beach hurting my vacation. Read a banned book!

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Speeding can cause fatal accidents - what if your car was designed to not go any faster than 25MPH?

On the flip side, what if there were no speed limits? People would be going 110 down 93...that could be fatal! Hm, sometimes rules DO help the public. Irony?

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Yes, you can get skin cancer from sun exposure so what if tanning in general was made illegal?

Hey, if someone wants to chance it and no wear sunblock, it doesn't affect me. Nobody else is going to lose out on the fun at the Weirs because of an overly-burnt swimmer.

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Too much caffeine is bad for you - so what if your coffee was made illegal?

I don't drink coffee. But again, someone ELSE drinking coffee doesn't hurt me.

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

The point of this is: What if your choices were taken away from you because someone else (i.e. government) felt you couldn't be trusted to make decisions for yourself?

In conclusion, it's kind of like this: Other people are directly affected by smoking in public places. Should I NOT be able to use a public park because I can't handle the smoke? It's not my fault!

In truth, people apparently CAN'T be trusted to make decisions on their own, or they'd realize that smoking next to the family with the two year old two umbrellas over is hurting him, VERY DIRECTLY.

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Like I said... If the matter of the cigarette butts being dropped is the issue, then set a fine for littering.

That's just an added bonus.

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

However, if this is done on the premise "it's bad for you!" then it's revolting logic that crosses the line into allowing government to make our moral decisions for us.

Then make it for yourself!

[Argie's Wife]

KTO - my post wasn't directed at "you" - and I'm sorry if it bothered you but I think you're missing the point... I did say "no offence intended". By the energy you put into your response, you come across as offended and I am sorry again if my post got your dander up...

It's more about the taking away of choice - by government - than anything else.


You could apply my arguments to anything else that's "shared in the air" - car exhaust, bbq grill smoke, campfire smoke, whatever. (I know someone who get nauseated by the smell of coffee - so should it be outlawed?)

What if it was your choice or freedom that was being taken away and suddenly made the issue? What then? What if it was something that *you* liked or preferred or maybe (gasp!) was even addicted to? (Put the shoe on the other foot, theory...)

I'm the first to acknowledge that smoking is bad for you and those around you but I'm also aware that these laws affect a part of our society and lead me to wonder what the government will go after *next*... Right now, this doesn't affect me directly (or you, according to your post)... but what could be next? Oh, consider the possibilities and ask, "Why think for myself anymore; the government will tell me how to live!" (Uh, no thanks!)

Just some food for thought...

Peace.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

It's more about the taking away of choice - by government - than anything else.


You could apply my arguments to anything else that's "shared in the air" - car exhaust, bbq grill smoke, campfire smoke, whatever. (I know someone who get nauseated by the smell of coffee - so should it be outlawed?)

Peace.

The biggest arguments against banning smoking in public places is generally that the second-hand smoke is both dangerous to others in the area (the exact degree to which I realize is somewhat debated) AND it smells bad. Additionally, unlike BBQ grill or coffee fumes (from your example) the smell lingers in the air, and since people tend to smoke multiple cigarettes, the smells maintain over a long period of time.

I'm fairly anti-government, but I don't see how this equates to losing your rights. You can still smoke on your own private property. There are many activities that you can do in private that are outlawed in public.

[SAMIAM]

No need to appologize AW....your point was correct.But you can't argue with a moonbat.

[Lakesrider]

KTO, well actually most of the things you, listed. DO hurt others. Indirectly, maybe, but it drives up health care costs, and our taxes increase due to them as well. Some day we will all be wearing little one peice Hazmat suits with dark glasses, live in little sterile oxygen bubbles and such!

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

KTO, well actually most of the things you, listed. DO hurt others. Indirectly, maybe, but it drives up health care costs, and our taxes increase due to them as well. Some day we will all be wearing little one peice Hazmat suits with dark glasses, live in little sterile oxygen bubbles and such!

Smoking actually is a revenue base (taxes) and a money saver for the general non-smoking population. Smokers die, on average, 7.5 years sooner than non-smokers. You anti smoking folks should thank us for helping save the social security trust fund.

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.c...ract_id=227498

And, saving you taxes.

http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/22477.html Be sure to read the last paragraph of this one.

A simple Thank You would be OK with me.

Seriously folks. I smoke only in places that couldn't possibly bother anyone. I have no problem with the "banning" at Weirs Beach, or any other venue, indoors or outdoors. Frankly most smokers I know feel the same way. I admit to avoiding hotels that are 100% non smoking when I can choose one that has “smoking rooms”, And, I will avoid the Weirs if the ban extends beyond the beach area. For the record, I agree that people smoking at any beach and littering the sand with butts is disgusting.

But a simple fact remains; government banning anything reduces someone’s rights. ( Pineneedles is not believing this from me right now )

Sometimes that is a good thing, when the "greater public good" is concerned. Examples would be, and not limited to, drunk driving, child abuse.. and so on and on.

The big issue really is where is the line between the “Greater Public Good” and
“Individual Rights”? I have more than a little problem with the whole idea that "banning" is decided by a few elected officials and often changed by the next set of elected public officials. (See.. Shoreline Protection Act)

Just think how nice it would be if people, not officials, all decided it's not good to do anything to break the common sense rule that says.... be careful that what you do, dosen't bother other people. (Breath, Pineneedles.. I’m still a democrat, I haven’t slipped to the dark side )


Just think, we wouldn't be worried about boat speed limits, wake sizes, fellow drivers, smokers, drinkers, people with kids in restaurants’, neighbors with dogs, trash after the fishing derby... etc.

Polly Anna? Probably.

"Can't we just all get along?" (Rodney King)

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

... Additionally, unlike BBQ grill or coffee fumes (from your example) the smell lingers in the air, and since people tend to smoke multiple cigarettes, the smells maintain over a long period of time.....

So does the smell from the 'Golden Arches".

[tis]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Yes, smoking is bad for you...

So is eating fatty foods... what if all fried foods were banned?

How about drinking alcohol - some people get addicted... what if that was made illegal?

Reading certain books or listening to certain music might be bad for you, according to some groups... what if those were made illegal?

Speeding can cause fatal accidents - what if your car was designed to not go any faster than 25MPH?

Yes, you can get skin cancer from sun exposure so what if tanning in general was made illegal?

Too much caffeine is bad for you - so what if your coffee was made illegal?

The point of this is: What if your choices were taken away from you because someone else (i.e. government) felt you couldn't be trusted to make decisions for yourself?

Like I said... If the matter of the cigarette butts being dropped is the issue, then set a fine for littering. However, if this is done on the premise "it's bad for you!" then it's revolting logic that crosses the line into allowing government to make our moral decisions for us.

I think that was very well said AW! It is unfortunate that there are always some who overdo everything so unfortunately laws need to be made for them and they are usually the ones who don't follow them anyway. Laws only end up hurting us, the law abiding citizens. It is a no win situation.

[KTO]

Although everything AW said was true, you all are missing my point. Why should people have to put up with something potentially harmful and disgusting around them. People have the choice to avoid the other things that were listed on a personal level, but people are still heavily influenced by secondhand smoke, even in the open.

According the the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke in public places can lead to cancer and other diseases as well as death in children. Although people fear the loss of business, "there is no credible evidence that going smoke-free is bad for business." and also "Public places where children go are a special area of concern."

The ACS also states that "there are no safe levels of secondhand smoke".

The American Lung Association also states that levels of secondhand smoke can still remain hours after the smoker has put out his or her cigarette.

Unfortunately, coffee and sunburns don't linger and don't kill others, so we're really on two different levels here.

Sources:
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35422
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/co...Indoor_Air.asp

[M/V_Bear_II]

Originally Posted by KTO

Although everything AW said was true, you all are missing my point. Why should people have to put up with something potentially harmful and disgusting around them. People have the choice to avoid the other things that were listed on a personal level, but people are still heavily influenced by secondhand smoke, even in the open.

According the the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke in public places can lead to cancer and other diseases as well as death in children. Although people fear the loss of business, "there is no credible evidence that going smoke-free is bad for business." and also "Public places where children go are a special area of concern."

The ACS also states that "there are no safe levels of secondhand smoke".

The American Lung Association also states that levels of secondhand smoke can still remain hours after the smoker has put out his or her cigarette.

Unfortunately, coffee and sunburns don't linger and don't kill others, so we're really on two different levels here.

Sources:
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35422
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/co...Indoor_Air.asp

Inside. Those links don't apply in this case.

[Argie's Wife]

KTO - my point is about the choices we make and the "bad habits" we may have. You may choose to focus on whatever aspects of my post as you wish but what someone considers a vice another person may consider a luxury, hobby, pastime - whathaveyou. What was allowed 20, 30, or even 40 years ago in public is now not allowed - and even in public *outside*... It's an interesting progression of things...

On a side note...

It wasn't that long ago that physicians suggested that people take up smoking to help them to deal with stress - my mother-in-law was told to start smoking shortly after the birth of her first baby. She is from Greece and over there (even back then) it was considered bad for a woman to be seen smoking. In other words, she didn't start smoking because of peer pressure or to "look cool" - the society she is from looks down their noses at women who smoke. However, she averages about a pack a day now and is in her late 60's.

Ironic isn't it? Fast forward 50 years later and the advice your doctor was giving you that you followed so long ago now makes you a "social outlaw". Go figure.

[KTO]

Originally Posted by M/V_Bear_II

Inside. Those links don't apply in this case.

Fair enough. According to a recent Tufts University School of Medicine study: "under some conditions, outdoor levels of tobacco smoke (OTS) can be as high as indoor levels of secondhand smoke (SHS)."

And while being indoors with secondhand smoke is clearly worse than being outside, any amount of secondhand smoking isn't healthy.

I really don't care if people smoke. I'm not personally bashing smokers here, I'm bashing smoking in public. It is terrible to have to walk down the sidewalk and hold your breath or sit on a beach as the smoke drifts your way. Not only is it a pleasant scent, it isn't good for your health. If you can smell it, it's affecting you in some way.

Also, AW, I'm not making a personal attack on you or your post. I'm simply trying to argue my side of the point. Just as you are entitled to your opinion, I am entitled to mine.

To everyone, do a Google search. Hundreds of places across the nation and the world are banning smoking in public places with little opposition. Unfortunately for Americans, we have a hard time of breaking habits that we were so comfortably accustomed to.

Perhaps if EVERYONE realized that just because they were addicted to their smokes, the people around them aren't necessarily in the same boat. All smokers should always put out their cigarettes in public where there is another person besides themselves, out of respect for the non-smoker. But hey, smoke all you want when nobody is around! I'm not offended.

Source:
http://www.repace.com/pdf/OTS_FACT_SHEET.pdf

[GTO]

Originally Posted by BAK04GT

...amazing..what a way to bring revenue to the wiers...chew and spit I guess....Place is nothing but a pit for the PC crowd now anyways.....Glade i have my own beach with a fire pit 5 ft from the water on a dirt road smokin and drinkin.....shotgun next to the door.....and no trash pick up..dont get any better than that

I loved you in Deliverance.

[upthesaukee]

...you have this situation:

At railroad park, in the bay from the boat ramp to the swim dock area and Alton Bay Community Center.





and at Jones Field in Alton:



I do not know how often it is enforced, but this has been enacted for at least one year, and I think actually more than two. As a non-smoker (now), it didn't have an effect on me, and most of our time at the bay is spent on our boat at the docks.

[Nadia]

How are they ever going to enforce this during Bike Week? I am a smoker myself, and although this law takes away a bit of my freedom, it doesn't bother me too much. Non-smokers should not be subjected to smoke, and the butts in the sand where children are playing is disgusting. When I see someone light a smoke in a park where kids are playing I want to smack them right upside the head. I don't smoke in my home or my car, ever. Smoking around children is unnacceptable in my book. There is plenty of room outside to take a walk away from others and light up.

What did come to mind is the many places where smoking is prohibited and it is clearly posted i.e. Lakes Region General Hospital. However, there is many ashtrays put in place, courtesy of the hospital, and many smokers to fill them. Although they ask people not to smoke outside the hospital, many still do, and I don't ever see anyone being fined for it. I wonder if the Weirs will be another instance of this? Where it is posted that smoking is prohibited, but people still do it.

Unfortunately for smokers like myself, who are extremely courteous to others, a few bad apples have spoiled the bunch. It happens all the time. Those jerks that continuously puff away everywhere without the slightest bit of consideration for those around them. Tossing their finished butts out the window, in the lake, in the sand, or wherever...making the world their ashtray. The law is for the better, and we will all have to learn to live with it and adjust to it whether we like it or not...Just my two cents.

[upthesaukee]

These items are usually put there, not for the smokers convenience, but rather as a place to safely deposit the cigarette butts for those who don't know that the area is nonsmoking (or choose to ignore the signs). My wife works at a medical practice, and there are signs in the office, but some people will still come up smoking, and at least there is a receptical for them to place their cigarette butts in, rather than tossing them on the ground.

Since they put out the recepticals, there are very few butts that get tossed on the ground..

[MeEscape]

I must have missed the vote on Alton’s ordinance banning smoking at the town parks and swimming areas, see Upthesaukee’s pic at:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...ll&limit=last1

I could go on about the restriction on my rights but frankly we already know that the invading army from the South has overrun Live free and die.

BTW, I’ll smoke my once a week CIGAR at the docks in the Bay until they pry it from my cold dead fingers!! Oh, I’ll most likely have a beer in my other hand, please remember to recycle the can.

[Pontoon Goon]

MeEscape how in the world can you blame Mass people for smoking bans? Remember we don't have a say we just pay taxes!!!!!

[Argie's Wife]

Alton posted those signs 2 years ago and there were some comments at the deliberative session in 2008 about it.

I think I'm more annoyed about the "no fishing" sign on the beach than the rest of it...

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Alton posted those signs 2 years ago and there were some comments at the deliberative session in 2008 about it.

I think I'm more annoyed about the "no fishing" sign on the beach than the rest of it...

Maybe nobody could see the signs with all the 2nd hand smoke in their eyes

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

I think I'm more annoyed about the "no fishing" sign on the beach than the rest of it...

When I was on the parks and rec commission, this was discussed there and the unanimous recommendation was to not allow fishing in swimming areas due to the very real chance of kids (or adults) in bare feet picking up a stray (lost, dropped, discarded, etc) fishhook.

You can fish in any of the areas in the bay other than designated swim areas. Best fishing is by the docks or the Mount Washington dock anyway.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

When I was on the parks and rec commission, this was discussed there and the unanimous recommendation was to not allow fishing in swimming areas due to the very real chance of kids (or adults) in bare feet picking up a stray (lost, dropped, discarded, etc) fishhook.

You can fish in any of the areas in the bay other than designated swim areas. Best fishing is by the docks or the Mount Washington dock anyway.

I know... (I get the logic) but... I still get excited like a little kid when I feel that tug at the end of my line and know there's something on my hook! Nothing beats it!

Somehow that ol' song, "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign... blockin' up the scenery, breaking my mind... Do this; don't do that... Can't 'cha read the sign?!" comes to mind...

[nj2nh]

Okay, I don't care one way or the other about the smoking ban since the only beach I sit on is the one in my backyard. I never smoked, but whether you smoke or not is none of my business. I am happy to move if it bothers me. Really.

However, I am getting pretty darn tired of the NH residents picking on Massachusetts. I mean, I didn't choose to grow up in MA, but I will defend it to the end. NH is my location of choice, but not because of Live Free or Die. Really, come on. Enough already.

Of course, you notice that I live in NJ which is cleary the state that gets more abuse than any other. I chose to live here (sort of - husband came from here, had a job here, we ended up here), but am waiting for the day I can move north - way north. Really, MA looks great compared to Jersey with the ridiculous taxes, unending regulation on everything from whether I have to have a metal or a wooden door between by basement and garage to the number of water bottles put out at a Board of Ed meeting (I kid you not) and unrepaired potholes that stay for years and years and years simply because there aren't enough houses on the street to justify fixing it.

And, we have NY next door.

So, NH, make peace with Massachusetts as your neighbor. I would bet most of your tourist dollars come from just south of the border. And stop calling yourself North Massachusetts . You are sooooo not Massachusetts (for good or for ill).

Of course, I say this all with my tongue firmly in my cheek. I love these controversial threads! So much fun.

nj2nh

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by nj2nh

However, I am getting pretty darn tired of the NH residents picking on Massachusetts. I mean, I didn't choose to grow up in MA, but I will defend it to the end. NH is my location of choice, but not because of Live Free or Die. Really, come on. Enough already.
nj2nh

Not one to get on the Mass Bash bandwagon but you really wouldn't understand if you didn't grow up here and watch the change that has taken place influenced from south of the border.A large % of the citizens are not the problem,the politics are.

[mcdude]

Associated Press 3/25/2009

N.H. House rejects ban on smoking in cars with kids

CONCORD (AP) — The House has rejected legislation banning smoking in cars with young passengers as a violation of the adults’ civil liberties. Critics said the state shouldn’t infringe on the adults’ use of private property. They also said the refraining from smoking around children is common sense and

should not be legislated. But supporters argued the safety of children and their civil rights trumps the rights of adults. They said children have no defense against secondhand smoke in confined places.
The House voted 184-167 to kill the bill.

[jmen24]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Not one to get on the Mass Bash bandwagon but you really wouldn't understand if you didn't grow up here and watch the change that has taken place influenced from south of the border.A large % of the citizens are not the problem,the politics are.

This thread needs a thank you button.

[OCDACTIVE]

I will probably get burnt.... But I had to say something..

I think there are two seperate issues here..

1. second hand smoke

2. litering.

1. I am a reformed smoker. I was always very courtious when I smoked. I would never do it around children and make sure it wasn't bothering anyone. I realize that there are many people out there who are not so attentive. But do we really need another law. I would have had no problem with someone if they simply asked "could you do that elsewhere?". Because I was always careful this never happened, but why do we need laws to speak up? If someone is smoking and it is blowing near me or my son I will ask them if they could move. 99.9% of the time they will. Are people really too afraid of a fellow beach goer to ask them to move? If they won't I will. Not going to let it spoil my day. I don't think we need laws to hide behind.

2. litering.. I am pretty sure, but aren't their laws against this already? Do we need another law on top of a law to make sure it is adhered to? Oh wait, thats right we just passed another law we are not allowed to talk about that wasn't needed.

I am not going to jump up and down crying civil liberties for smokers etc.. but I will say we need civility.......

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by mcdude

Associated Press 3/25/2009

Oh my gawd, there is some sanity in the gov't! Thanks mcdude. I know some say that the children have rights too but I would wager dollars to donuts that those same folks in the Leg. feel that a woman's rights trump the unborn child's rights. Not that I am in favor of outlawing abortion again, its one of those things that you have to try and make it easier for the mother to keep the baby to full term, and eventually the number of abortions will diminish.

Its the same way with smoking. Spend some of that tobacco settlement money on helping people kick the habit and everyone will benefit.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by MeEscape

I could go on about the restriction on my rights but frankly we already know that the invading army from the South has overrun Live free and die.

I am Locutus of Massachusetts. Resistance is futile. Your life as it has been, is over. From this time forward, you will service us.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by Rose

I am Locutus of Massachusetts. Resistance is futile. Your life as it has been, is over. From this time forward, you will service us.

Do I detect another Trekkie?

Signed,

SevenOfNine

[John A. Birdsall]

Hey they ban cigarettes, great second hand smoke is worse than first grade smoke, but why? I will tell you, its the bad breath mixed in. Smoke, and beer afterglow smoke, will give you a high as it kills you.

You know what the state of Nh should ban? Taking kids on vacation! or maybe just having kids, seems they are a punishment. oops did I say that. I hope my daughter does not read this.

[BAK04GT]

Originally Posted by Nadia

How are they ever going to enforce this during Bike Week? I am a smoker myself, and although this law takes away a bit of my freedom, it doesn't bother me too much. Non-smokers should not be subjected to smoke, and the butts in the sand where children are playing is disgusting. When I see someone light a smoke in a park where kids are playing I want to smack them right upside the head. I don't smoke in my home or my car, ever. Smoking around children is unacceptable in my book. There is plenty of room outside to take a walk away from others and light up.

What did come to mind is the many places where smoking is prohibited and it is clearly posted i.e. Lakes Region General Hospital. However, there is many ashtrays put in place, courtesy of the hospital, and many smokers to fill them. Although they ask people not to smoke outside the hospital, many still do, and I don't ever see anyone being fined for it. I wonder if the Weirs will be another instance of this? Where it is posted that smoking is prohibited, but people still do it.

Unfortunately for smokers like myself, who are extremely courteous to others, a few bad apples have spoiled the bunch. It happens all the time. Those jerks that continuously puff away everywhere without the slightest bit of consideration for those around them. Tossing their finished butts out the window, in the lake, in the sand, or wherever...making the world their ashtray. The law is for the better, and we will all have to learn to live with it and adjust to it whether we like it or not...Just my two cents.

...The whole idea is to generate money...they want you to smoke so they can stay in business...why don't people see that...its not because people were not going there to spend money...business has been slowing because of the economy and they need a way to generate more dollars..don't let them fool you into thinking its about the health of goers...Their sitting there rubbing there hands waiting for bike week $$$$$

[SAMIAM]

I found out that president Obama had scheduled a "town hall" type meeting at the Weirs beach so that he could present a big stimulis check to fix up all the roads,buildings and beaches..........then a staffer told him about the smoking ban and he said "Screw them....if I can't have a butt I'm not going".........so they called it off.......way to go Laconia CC