Richard

Smoking ban passes in St. Louis County

Wednesday, 4. November 2009, 13:28:51

elections, St. Louis, St Louis county, smoking ban

While last night's election results will mostly make me miserable and my Republican friends happy - and I always like to see my friends happy

- here in St. Louis the county passed, by a wide margin, a smoking ban. This result ratifies a similar ban proposed in the city, so that by 2011, St. Louis will be essentially smoke-free (except certain bars, and naturally enough, the casinos!)

By now it is overwhelming clear that public smoking bans have definite health benefits, most strikingly on heart attacks, so this is good news. Now, if we could only clean up the rest of the garbage in our less-than-pristine industrial air!

River's UpGreen angel in gold

Comments

L2D2 # 4. November 2009, 21:41

I, as an ex-smoker, and COPD patient, do not wish to deny folks their right to smoke---I just want to deny them the right to smoke it in public places. And smokers do not realize just how badly their habit impacts others---I didn't either when I was smoking. I couldn't smell it.

Stardancer # 5. November 2009, 00:31

Originally posted by L2D2:

And smokers do not realize just how badly their habit impacts others---I didn't either when I was smoking. I couldn't smell it.

That is so true. When I was smoking, I couldn't even tell if someone else was a smoker. Now, I know when I get to within about 6 feet of one outside, even when he/she isn't smoking.

My mom has COPD/emphysema, is on oxygen, and still smokes. Walking into her house, I catch my breath every time. The smoke and the smell almost knocks me over. Worse than that, though, I'm afraid she's gonna blow herself up. That recently happened in Arkansas, and the woman died of her injuries.

L2D2 # 5. November 2009, 00:56

Star, I see it all the time, and I get so aggravated with these people, but then, I remember how addicted I was, and they just don't get it! I can smell a cigarette now 50ft. away. Can't tolerate them. At all. The smell is just sickening. And the smoke makes me cough and my chest hurt.

musickna # 5. November 2009, 02:19

I'm sorry to read that you, Linda, suffer from COPD and that your mom does too, Star. It's a testament to the wretchingly persistent addictive power of cigarettes that your mother still smokes - I have nothing but the greatest admiration for anyone can kick the habit. I grew up around smokers, (relatives and friends) and, although I tried cigarettes, I never developed any addiction. Lucky for me.

L2D2 # 5. November 2009, 02:23

Yes, you added a number of years to your life. I quit 9 years ago, but that was 4 years after I found I had COPD, and I continue to pay for that addiction.

musickna # 5. November 2009, 02:25