Smokers just don't care

Trying to stomp out smoking in public places always brings out strong feelings on both sides. It really would make public places nicer for everyone if a simple ban could be put in place to eliminate smoking. Everyone would benefit from it.

The North Carolina Legislature is trying once again this year to eliminate smoking in all state owned buildings to help improve everyone's health. Since this is a tobacco state no doubt this will bring out a barrage of negative comments from all as the debate proceeds.

Some of the well known smoking issues:

• Smoking causes cancer and other health problems
• Second hand smoke contributes to sickness in non-smokers
• Smokers litter - flip butts on the ground, out car windows, anywhere that's easy
• Smokers dump auto ash trays in the road
• Smokers waste LOTS of money on cigarettes
• Smoke always drifts from smoking areas into non smoking areas
• Smokers care absolutely nothing about health of other people

The following exerpt is from a simple statement typical of a non-smokers view reported in the February 4, 2007, Pantagraph daily newspaper in central Illinois that immediately triggered a round of nasty comments back and forth in the community. Sample comments from their viewers are included...

From the Pantagraph in central Illinois




Smoking ban triggers a problem with litter

Sunday, February 4, 2007 12:44 AM CST

The recent non-smoking ban passed has been awesome. It has a flaw. I have noticed cigarettes droppings in several locations around town. What can be done to keep America clean.

Brenda F.
Lexington

Copyright © 2006, Pantagraph Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Sample reader responses...

Well........ wrote on February 05, 2007 3:19 PM
It annoys me to see all the chewing gum that is on the sidewalks and everywhere else. Let's ban chewing gum too. It's full of sugar and bad for teeth. Isn't that a health hazard too?????

Jipsi wrote on February 05, 2007 1:04 PM
You said, "Since the ban evicted a large paying clientele from the businesses that needed them." I'd like to know who has been "evicted?" From what I have read, the "paying clientele" who went to these places prior to the smoking ban, are still alowed at the very same places they've always gone.

lightning wrote on February 05, 2007 12:56 PM
while we're banning smoking from parks, lets go ahead and ban lightning too because that is the cause of most forest fires. Bad God!

to Life is good wrote on February 05, 2007 12:48 PM
so to para-phrase- nothing about the ban can be negative, nothing is bad except smokers. The ban is good, I am good, smokers evil. Just wanted to get your position clear. By the way what are you popping to live in such a dream world??

excuse me wrote on February 05, 2007 12:39 PM
have you looked at new cars in the last 10 years? They have been made with out ashtrays! As far as outside the resturants they have been that way for years. We had ashtrays inside.. All I have to say is hush up, and quit trying to be a saint, I am sure you have tossed something on the ground from time to time, just don't blame us!

Wake up people wrote on February 05, 2007 12:27 PM
Stop whining about the cigarette butts. If you are truly worried about litter worry about the other items that make up 99% of litter. Oh wait - you just want to blame everything on smokers......The Iraq war? Must be the smokers!! The raising of our electric rates? It's those dang smokers!!! The Bears losing the Superbowl? If only the smokers weren't around we would have won!!!! Yes, you sound this stupid!!

Woodford Pundit wrote on February 05, 2007 10:28 AM
The obvious solution to this perceived problem is a ban on littering. Oh, wait; I guess there already is. Isn't there a fine or something. Oh, wait; same thing as with the smoking ban. Perhaps a ban on banning would solve the whole thing, since the ban on littering hasn't worked out so well. Seems to be an enforcement problem. Oh, wait; that's right, we can enlist citizens at large to enforce these things on other citizens. Yep, that should do it. Posses to enforce the littering and smoking bans. That's what I was trying to say.

Smokey wrote on February 05, 2007 9:59 AM
The problem with cigarette smokers littering is not a new issue. Smokers have ashtrays in their cars but usually choose to flick it out the window (wouldn't want that nasty smell in their car of course). Some who don't mind the smell, will wait until the ashtray is full and then empty it at a stoplight. Looks real nice especially after it rains and forms a clump of butts. But my favorite thing about smokers is when they smoke at restaraunt and enjoy a nice smoke before or after a meal. They take a nice big drag off the cigarette and then exhale their smoke over their shoulder, away from THEIR faces and others at THEIR table. Stupid smoking ban, now if I want to smoke, I'll have to buy my own cigarettes.

IL is not your ashtray wrote on February 05, 2007 9:01 AM
This needs to be the state's slogan to smokers. Too many smokers are disrespectful or ignorant of their littering. Smokers, stop making yourselves look like a fool and contain you butts. Illinois is not your ashtray!

Duh wrote on February 05, 2007 8:44 AM
What did you expect? You told us to go smoke outside, so we did. I've noticed a great many places since the ban that haven't added anywhere outside to place a cigarette when you're done smoking it. Others have a can for butts but since it's still right next to the door it's actually illegal to smoke anywhere near it. Smokers pointed out that this would be one of the effects of an indoor smoking ban, but no one listened.

no difference wrote on February 05, 2007 7:03 AM
Smokers threw their trash around before the joke of a ban, too. They've always been inconsiderate litterbugs who think their addiction is above littering laws. If there's no trash can in front of a store, go find one, or, here's a thought - don't smoke on your way there! But no, you're too addicted and have to have your fix. How's this - say I can't drive home without stuffing a cheeseburger in my mouth, so I'll be sure to throw the wrappers in your yard because I don't want to dirty up my car.

Grow up folks wrote on February 04, 2007 10:14 PM
Take responsibility for your mess. Why should I clean up after you? I don't like seeing butt trash all over. So you want to leave it to the stores, bars to clean up after you. Great, let them raise their prices so they can pay someone to be your maid. Didn't your Mom's teach you how to clean up after your selves. Is leaving trash your childish why to get back at someone for the ban? Who's it hurting. Not the B/N aldermans, board members or mayors. Only visitors. What a lovey site for them to view. You act like Bloomington/Normal is the only place to have restrictions on smoking. We are really behind many states. 22 state have a smoking ban in all public places 17 states have restriction on smoking in public places (IL) 12 state has no smoking ban\restrictions AZ, IN, KY, MS, NC, NM, OH C TN TX,WV, WY You should consider relocating to one of the above states. You can smoke all day, still leave your trash for someone else, but at least it wouldn't be here.

LittleMac wrote on February 04, 2007 4:22 PM
Geez, Brenda had me worried. I've been out in the yard for a couple of hours picking up plastic pop bottles, beer cans, Big Mac wrappers, homework assignments, bubble gum wrappers, styrofoam insulation, used arena tickets, and what's left of the latest edition of the 'Prima Donna Post'. Then I came in and read Brenda's letter. About 'droppings' and how a 'non-smoking ban' had been passed. I hadn't heard of that one and was not looking forward to having to smoke. Now, after reading these posts, I'm relieved that everyone in B/N will not have to smoke. Thank you to whomever didn't make us start to smoke. But, I'm worried worried that Lexingtonites may think they will all have to light up this afternoon. Just in time for the Super Bowl. And are thinking that, thanks to Brenda, the ban on the 'non smoking ban' may not be the ban they originally thought was not being banned.

Li'l Johnny wrote on February 04, 2007 12:15 PM
Here is what the Bloomington City Code, Chapter 38 : Section 21 : Litter Prohibited - Penalty, says about littering: It shall be unlawful for any person, in person or by his agent, employee or servant to cast, throw, sweep, sift or deposit in any manner in or upon any street, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way or other publicly-owned property in the city, or in or upon any river, public water, drain, sewer or basin within the City, any kind of litter. Nor shall any person cast, throw, sweep, sift or deposit any litter anywhere within the City in such manner that it may be carried or deposited, in whole or in part, by the action of the sun, wind, rain or snow, into any of the aforementioned places. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense. (Ordinance No. 2004-62) I would love to see a few $100.00 tickets written. The word would get around and maybe, just maybe the trash and litter problem might abate a little. (We have met the enemy and he is us!)

Attorney wrote on February 04, 2007 6:58 AM
More cigarette butts, and empty cigarette packages, have now been added to the litter that some people throw out for others to clean up. It is nothing new to see people throw a butt out of a car window, but neither is seeing someone discard an empty beer can, a soft-drink cup, or occasionally a whole bag of refuse. Some people just don't care about their environment or that others will have to clean up after them. Others may be angry about the smoking ban and throwing their butt down is their way of getting back at a community that "wronged" them. Business owners affected by the ban should make provision for a butt receptacle, but some may see it as not being their law or responsibility. When State Farm first started its indoor ban 15 years ago, smokers could be seen standing along Regency Drive and they just threw down their butts onto the sidewalk. "Like a good neighbor", State Farm did try putting receptacles out and did periodically clean up the mess, but eventually moved the smoking area closer to its building. Maybe Bloomington’s "beer gardens" are a good idea from a housekeeping perspective.

jipsi, Can't Resist: The Answer wrote on February 04, 2007 6:06 AM
What can be done? I have the ANSWER. Repeal the silly, over-micro-managing ban and allow BUSINESSES to, once again, provide a warm, safe place for THEIR CUSTOMERS to relax and enjoy a sportscast, a noisy band, the dingy surroundings, a blue collar game of pool, a beer and a smoke, if they so desire. The smokers have a place to go, the non-smokers have places THEY can go (there WERE restaurants and taverns ALREADY catering to a non-smoking base of regulars) and the streets are cleaner and sidewalks quieter, less littered... "

jipsi wrote on February 04, 2007 5:59 AM
WHOOOOEEEEE! And see how this will only get worse.... Since the ban evicted a large paying clientele from the businesses that needed them, there have been protests about the "dingy" and "smelly" appearance of the abandoned businesses (with demands the businesses self-finance makeovers to 'fix the problems'), complaints about the NOISE (these from people who OBVIOUSLY are just now stepping out and into the nightlife world -- NEWSFLASH: nightclubs and taverns were and always will be loud and noisy places, the healthier the business, the bigger the crowds, the more noise, REGARDLESS of smoking/non-smoking patrons... stick to the COFFEE HOUSES and JUICE BARS if you need PEACE and QUIET, or STAY HOME!) and now, someone bemoans the LITTER of butts from smokers who have had to "take it outside"??? I think the City/County are going to start becoming more and more embarassed by their decision (and the contituents they BELIEVED were the saner), based on the so-silly whimperings that continue amongst this group..."