oh, and Rich???..............Bite ME!!!!

The "smoke-free" environment argument for working people is solid, but as usual, California has allowed the discussion to be dominated by hysterical people (you've seen a few here).

1. Smoking is NOT a good thing.

2. California is good at making all sorts of accommodations for people, provided they happen to fit into whatever the current definition of "politically correct" is on the left coast.

3. There is reasonable middle ground on this issue, but you're not likely to find it in California.

Being someone on "the other side of the counter", I have to agree with Paul. I certainly don't miss serving drinks to someone as they blow their nasty smoke in my face and I could say nothing. Or the linger of smoke on my clothes when I come home. Not to mention the fact that I have always found it unfair that I (and every other non smiker) is forced to breathe in second hand smoke. Hello! Face facts. Second hand smoke harms other people. I would find it truly ironic to die of cancer from a cigarette that I never actually smoked!

Rod,
this is the perfect answer. Two extreme sides just won't match.

Good for all you smokers who are able to get all this pent-up hostility out of your smoke-infested systems. Now, that's healthy. And, if we could get you to stop smoking, you'd be even healthier.
P.S.: It's great that you're all avoiding California. I'm going there on Tuesday and feel healthier already!

YES PLEASE go....Nevada..Arizona. Texas. heck even Oregon, just stay out of Washington..

Let's say that everyone is entilted to their addiction. They are entilted to self destruct in any way they chose. This particular thread just happens to deal with nicotine addicts as opposed to say herion addicts. Personally I'm willing to allow you your drug of choice. The question is one of where you are entilted to fix. And what rights others of us who do not share your addiction have to be protected from the consequences of your fixing in our presence. As long as your habit does not impinge upon me , I say go for it. If you believe that going to Vegas or Arizona will allow you to enjoy your addiction to its fullest, then you are free to do that. I don't see what the problem here is. Vegas and Arizona adore you. What more could you want?

Oh God! The smokers on this thread are killing me! They say they have rights and this ought to be a matter of "choice", then they threaten to exercise their "choice" and not patronize California.

So what are complaining about? They have a choice. One choice is quit or die. Another choice is smoke somewhere else.

Just a reminder: the mortality rate from all causes in the State of California remains 100%.

Hello, OO. And Hi to you too, Khemi. Well, congrats on reaching 70, Khemi ... and many happy returns. Just a suggestion ... take an oxygen supply with you to Nepal, but don't smoke around it. And congrats on your choice of Aeroflot. Do give us a trip report upon your return ... I love to hear about you high-wire types. Ciao

Oh, man, this thread is just cracking me up!!! You guys and gals are hysterical!

I find it amazing that folks from outside of CA, and who smoke, say that there is a DICTATORSHIP in California! Oh, now THAT'S a hoot! Just for info: a dictatorship is usually something imposed on people - normally against their will. The non-smoking laws in CA were put before the voters and the VOTERS (i.e. citizens) of CA overwhelmingly voted them in. In all cases, they were landslide votes. So, hey, tourist dollars or no - it's what the people who LIVE in CA want.

And this is coming from some one who used to be a 3 pack a day smoker, living in CA during the time when things started to change. Yes, I HATED it then, and can definitely relate to those who smoke and are complaining now. I truly believed that the entire state was "after" all the smokers. (it's also called "paranoia", folks) But after I quit, I was thankful that I could actually enjoy a meal smoke-free. Or even enjoy the environment of our "boring bars" with having my throat constrict so much I couldn't even talk.

To all the smokers: try doing without the cigs for a while, then place your judgements. Now, THAT'S a challenge that none will take up.

Oh, and by all means, feel free to go to Las Vegas, Arizona, or where ever. By not having you here, it only makes more room and less traffic for me! YEAH!

Enjoying the smoke-free life in California!

Question..where are you going to go when the folks in the other 49 wise up??
Smoke um if you got um cause its only a matter of time...

They are threatening NOT to come to CA because they can't smoke...what a hoot! It's fine!!! Please don't come....please, please, please...we have enough tourists here already! Take your smoke to a state that allows it...there's plenty of them! What a bunch of imbecils!

I have to say also, that you smokers must think that cigarette butts are not trash...otherwise you would'nt throw them all over the street...what a bunch of pigs!

Hey, Brad, you've got some good points on your side of the issue. Too bad you have to talk like a first-class smoking Nazi, too. You know: de-humanize those who are different than you -- generalize and make them ALL the same -- and then you can rationalize treating them any way you want. You've got the law your way. So why is it that you need to keep ranting and resorting to name-calling too? Got a pair of jack-boots to go along with that attitude, pal?