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~ADVERTISING~
Culver to sign smoking ban law next week
By CHARLOTTE EBY, Courier Des Moines Bureau
DES MOINES --- Iowa Gov. Chet Culver likely will sign a statewide smoking ban into law on Tuesday, spokesman Brad Anderson said.
The governor’s office is expecting a large crowd for the formal signing ceremony, which tentatively will be held in the Statehouse Rotunda.
“It’s going to be a big day,” Anderson said.
Both chambers of the Iowa Legislature moved quickly Tuesday to approve a statewide public smoking ban with exemptions for casino gaming floors and the Iowa Veterans Home. The vote ended months of struggle between the chambers to land on a compromise, which ultimately was reached by a conference committee appointed to hammer out differences.
When Culver ran for governor in 2006, he said he preferred letting local governments set their own smoking restrictions. But Iowa lawmakers, spurred in part by a national move to stamp out smoking in public places, went further than local control by approving the statewide ban this week.
The ban includes restaurants, bars, workplaces and most other public spaces and will go into effect July 1.
Contact Charlotte Eby at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.
The governor’s office is expecting a large crowd for the formal signing ceremony, which tentatively will be held in the Statehouse Rotunda.
“It’s going to be a big day,” Anderson said.
Both chambers of the Iowa Legislature moved quickly Tuesday to approve a statewide public smoking ban with exemptions for casino gaming floors and the Iowa Veterans Home. The vote ended months of struggle between the chambers to land on a compromise, which ultimately was reached by a conference committee appointed to hammer out differences.
When Culver ran for governor in 2006, he said he preferred letting local governments set their own smoking restrictions. But Iowa lawmakers, spurred in part by a national move to stamp out smoking in public places, went further than local control by approving the statewide ban this week.
The ban includes restaurants, bars, workplaces and most other public spaces and will go into effect July 1.
Contact Charlotte Eby at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.
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hetfield wrote on Apr 9, 2008 7:21 PM:
" Ray writes "This will continue until smokers ban together and protest these outrageous right violations."
I know of no document that gives citizens a right to smoke anywhere let alone in a public area. What rights of yours are violated? The bar owners rights? Why cant the local McDonalds serve beer? Because they dont own a liquor license which is the law. Do McDonalds owners clamour over their rights being taken from them? No.
I'm sure they will file suits just as they did when the state took all the slot machines out of their establishments, to no avail. "
I know of no document that gives citizens a right to smoke anywhere let alone in a public area. What rights of yours are violated? The bar owners rights? Why cant the local McDonalds serve beer? Because they dont own a liquor license which is the law. Do McDonalds owners clamour over their rights being taken from them? No.
I'm sure they will file suits just as they did when the state took all the slot machines out of their establishments, to no avail. "
christiandad wrote on Apr 10, 2008 7:02 AM:
" What I find especially funny is all the people who think this is the end all for business. This will drive the bars into bankruptcy or would have caused the casinos to lose millions. But all you have to do is look around..New York City business said the same thing but their ban works fine. LA and Chicago business cried but it works fine. "
arcsus wrote on Apr 10, 2008 7:36 AM:
" I agree "christiandad". Maybe some establishments may lose a few smoking customers, but who's to say they aren't going to gain new ones? Many people may now become patrons of establishments they've never been to before, simply because of the smoking ban. "
gkb32 wrote on Apr 10, 2008 7:52 AM:
" Hetfield, I have to disagree with you. If you read the paper or watch the news, you will see that Iowa is in big trouble regarding those Touch Play machines (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080318/NEWS10/803180368/1011). That's what gives me the biggest concern with them exempting casinos. They are talking the state may have to pay upwards of $900million to cover those lawsuits. The same will probably be true of the smoking ban and bar owners going after the state. I'm a non-smoker and this law/infringment, won't really affect me personally. But by exempting casinos, it's going to open up a lot of court costs like touch play did, and guess who's going to pay the bill? Yep, you and I taxpayer. No exemptions should've been allowed. Opens up too many lawsuits. And if you and the legislators really, REALLY cared so much about our health, why not make cigarettes illegal in the state of Iowa? They wouldn't due to tax money from cigs. Greed is the bottom line, but with lawsuits probably being prepared as we speak, we're going to lose a lot of money because there is no way an exemption is not prejudicial when you say "one place can have smoking but others can't". 100% they will lose any lawsuit filed by a bar. "
Anthony wrote on Apr 10, 2008 7:53 AM:
" That may be the case Christian, but what about the bars within a 5 or 10 mile radius from the casinos? I guess we'll just have to see. I think it is just another case of the state protecting us from ourselves. Any business already has the right to make their establishment non-smoking (many already have) and it should remain that way. "
Anthony wrote on Apr 10, 2008 7:55 AM:
" Hey hetfield, what about the pursuit of happiness? A good smoky bar is some people's favorite place to be, it makes them happy. :) "
KC wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:23 AM:
" I suspect businesses will increase their revenues. I, along with many friends, will probably frequent their establishments more often because they are smoke free.
I can't imagine having an addiction where you coudln't live without a smoke for 1-2 hours. The rest of us needn't be subjected to that. "
I can't imagine having an addiction where you coudln't live without a smoke for 1-2 hours. The rest of us needn't be subjected to that. "
lovewaterloo wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:37 AM:
" As I've said on this issue before. If you can't go out to eat with your family without lighting up you have more then a smoking problem. Point blank, if you live to smoke, guess you better head to the casino! July 1st is a long overdue day. Yay for Iowa joining over 20 other states, yay for us moving into 2008. "
avee wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:32 AM:
" I don't smoke and I don't go to bars or restaurants that I don't like. I know of restaurants that are non-smoking that I will not go to because they are dirty and I don't trust the food they serve or trust the preparers of the food.
There are smoking restaurants and bars that I go to because I like the food and the service, etc.
If you don't want to breath second hand smoke, don't go to bars or restaurants that allows smoking. There are plenty of places that are smoke free.
"
There are smoking restaurants and bars that I go to because I like the food and the service, etc.
If you don't want to breath second hand smoke, don't go to bars or restaurants that allows smoking. There are plenty of places that are smoke free.
"
iceman wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:49 AM:
" Hetfield... The McDonalds comment is crazy. There is no law prohibiting Mcdonalds from getting a liquor license. It is the businesses choice just like smoking should be. Last time I checked we are not a country of flaming socialists but the demos are getting closer every day. "
gkb32 wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:59 AM:
" Avee makes a perfect point. Avee says that he/she doesn't go to certain restaurants because he/she doesn't like the food/service/etc. He/She "chooses" not to go there. In comparison, if you don't like a restaurant that allows smoking, it's your "choice" not to go. 90% of restaurants in the state are already smoke free, so you have plenty of choices out there. As for bars, I stick by my stance that if you are against smoking, you MUST also be against drinking. Both affect the non-smoker/drinker. It's hypocritial to be against one supposed "sin" (ie. smoking), but be FOR another in drinking. Drunks are just as, if not more, harmful to society as a whole. "
jb3 wrote on Apr 10, 2008 12:18 PM:
" The government needs to step in and prevent people's habits/actions from affecting the safety and well-being of OTHER people. The government tried to tell the people that they couldn't drink alcohol (ie prohibition) but when that failed, they enacted laws againts drinking and driving, public intox, etc to prevent YOUR actions from harming OTHER people. Smoking is the same. YOUR habit of smoking directly affects the safety and well-being of others around you through second-hand smoke. The gov't doesn't tell you that you CANT smoke, it just has to be done where it won't affect others. So the argument of infringing on "smoker's rights" is not valid. If you need the buzz or other effects of nicotine, chew smokeless tobacco in the bar. Just don't spit in my drink. "
Anthony wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:14 PM:
" People have always had the CHOICE to go to any establishment they want. If a bar allows smoking, you can choose to not go there. What is so wrong with that concept? Another choice down the drain.
Peanuts, peanut oil and other peanut products have a direct effect on a lot of people's health, has the government banned them from public? Shellfish is the same way. Ban it. Oh wait, those people choose not to eat those things. What a novel idea. "
Peanuts, peanut oil and other peanut products have a direct effect on a lot of people's health, has the government banned them from public? Shellfish is the same way. Ban it. Oh wait, those people choose not to eat those things. What a novel idea. "
avee wrote on Apr 10, 2008 3:02 PM:
" Don't think this is going to stop with this. If your neighbor is one of the anti-smoking zealots and can smell your cigarette smoke from your deck or patio they will probably sue you and if we still have Culver and this bunch in power you'll have to stay in your house and smoke - then the State will come and take your kids because you are abusing them with second hand smoke. Several years ago the building where I worked went somke free because of the legitimate complaint from a few of the non-smokers. A few smokers then would go outside and smoke a couple times a day and a couple of the complainers still complained that the smoke was coming into the building from the heating and cooling air intakes located several stories above ground level!!
I hope you smokers remember this (and the cigarette tax increase) at the elections next November.
"
I hope you smokers remember this (and the cigarette tax increase) at the elections next November.
"
Anthony wrote on Apr 10, 2008 5:00 PM:
" Just a thought. How many people complaining about second hand smoke go to a tanning booth or go outside a lot in the summer to get that nice bronze look. Skin cancer is the number 1 cancer in America ya know. "
cfreader wrote on Apr 10, 2008 5:11 PM:
" Reading the posts from smokers has been my daily entertainment. You would think we are becoming a communist country. For the mentally challenged, I will try to write slowly... You're right to smoke is not being taken away!!! You are only being asked not to smoke around others who choose not to smoke and around workers who are serving you food and drinks. I have the "right" not to breathe in your disgusting habit. You lost, deal with it and move on. "
gramma of 2 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 6:35 AM:
" I would like to see my neighbors try and sue me for smoking in my yard. If Culver tries to stop you from smoking in your own home then he is going to have a lot of problems! I as a smoker have rights just as you who don't smoke. My house and yard are my business. What's next?, they going to post guards outside our houses? Have fun.
I don't have a problem going to the restaurant and not smoke, I can wait until I get home or in my vehicle. But to tell me I can't smoke in my house or yard? YOU CAN'T STOP ME CULVER! "
I don't have a problem going to the restaurant and not smoke, I can wait until I get home or in my vehicle. But to tell me I can't smoke in my house or yard? YOU CAN'T STOP ME CULVER! "
KC wrote on Apr 11, 2008 6:57 AM:
" Anthony - going to a tanning bed does not directly impact the health of ANOTHER person!
It's about time, Iowa..... "
It's about time, Iowa..... "
gkb32 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:29 AM:
" cfreader, the smokers will deal with it. They'll have to. But they don't have to like it. I'll write slowly so you can understand.....you talk about "right"s. Well, I'm talking about "choice". You have a "choice" on where you go to eat/drink. If a bar/restaurant allows smoking.....now stay with me here.....YOU....DO...NOT...HAVE...TO...GO...THERE. Understand. To me, THAT is ignorant if you continually do something you don't like. If you don't like smoke, don't frequent those establishments. It's said that 80% of people do not smoke. And non-smoking places are popping up all the time. The marketplace was already going that way, but now, private business owners are forced to. I just don't understand how the pro-ban folks cannot understand the word "choice". "
jb3 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:01 AM:
" Actually Anthony, the number one form of cancer caused deaths is lung and bronchus. It is estimated that lung and bronchus cancer will be responsible for 31% of cancer related deaths in men in 2008. You may want to check www.cancer.org. That's just my thought. "
Anthony wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:04 AM:
" I know KC, I just figured with all of the absurdity on here, I'd add a little more.
I've said it and so has GKB, we all have the ability to make the CHOICE to go into an establishment that allows smoking. That choice has been taken away. "
I've said it and so has GKB, we all have the ability to make the CHOICE to go into an establishment that allows smoking. That choice has been taken away. "
gramma of 2 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:29 AM:
" While I was working on Thursday, a Waterloo Police Officer came into my c-store and we were talking about the ban. Our question was, if you light up in a bar, who is going to make you leave if the business owner doesn't stop you? The police officer told us that it will not be them responding to stupid calls for the smoking ban because they have more important things to do. Like she said, it is her choice not to go to places that allow smoking so she stays away. Why doesn't anyone else see that??
So if the business owner does not stop us from smoking who will? Is Culver going to post the National Guard inside every non-smoking establishment?
All I can say is the bar owners need to get together and fight for their rights just like us smokers!
By the way, why would anyone sit by someone who smokes and complain about it? What morons! "
So if the business owner does not stop us from smoking who will? Is Culver going to post the National Guard inside every non-smoking establishment?
All I can say is the bar owners need to get together and fight for their rights just like us smokers!
By the way, why would anyone sit by someone who smokes and complain about it? What morons! "
carrot311 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:32 AM:
" This state is a disgrace. I am ashamed to be from here. This is pathetic. "
subl1m1nal wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:52 AM:
" LOL. I'm getting a kick out of the smoker's posts (no pun intended). I can imagine how stressed this is making smokers, causing them to smoke more. Smoke as much as you can while you can!
Seriously though, smoking went from the cool thing to do in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Today it's the unpopular thing to do. Live in the now, kick the habit. It'll save you some money and make you and the people around you healthier. "
Seriously though, smoking went from the cool thing to do in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Today it's the unpopular thing to do. Live in the now, kick the habit. It'll save you some money and make you and the people around you healthier. "
unistudent wrote on Apr 11, 2008 9:14 AM:
" It's about time that Iowa can get a smoking ban. 47 States already have some type of smoking bans in place. 15 States have complete statewide smoking bans. So I would say we are pretty much behind the times but better late than never I suppose. Second hand smoke is a group a carcinogen. It causes 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths each year in NON smokers. Empolyees that were exposed to second hand smoke in their workplace have adverse health effects. The levels of the carcinogens in their workplaces were found to be 5 times higher than that found in a home of a smoker.The Surgeon generals report states there is no safe level of second hand smoke exposure. Even small amounts for short periods of time cause blood platelets to become stickier, damage the lining of blood vessels, decrease coronary flow velocity reserves, and reduce heart rate variability, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack (all this info from the American Lung association webpage http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35422). Smokers get mad at say "well people can still drink, and that harms your health" exactly, it harms "your" health. If I am sitting next to someone who is drinking I will not catch the damage they are doing to themselves. I won't get liver damage and/or a vast array of cancers. Therefore, it is their right to drink up at the table next to me. We do we drunk driving laws, and yes I understand many people die every year from alcohol related crashes but you can't stop people from breaking the law. All you can do is give them countless duis and throw them in jail. Smoking on the other hand does directly affect my health. Smokers still have the rights to smoke in their homes, and many subject their children to it which is very sad. At least alcoholics generally don't let their small children drink with them. If you smoke in your home, and don't go outside you are ruining the health of your children. Well my anti smoking rant is done. I am very happy this state has stepped up like many others have done and we can finally be (almost) smoke free.
"
"
cfreader wrote on Apr 11, 2008 9:56 AM:
" gramma of 2 - Do you smoke when you are around your grandchildren? "
avee wrote on Apr 11, 2008 10:21 AM:
" """the number one form of cancer caused deaths is lung and bronchus"""-----------------
One of my pet peeves is this comment. The implication is that if you don't smoke you won’t die. We need to talk about how much longer will you live? If you quit smoking will you take up some other habit that will be just as bad? There are all kinds of things people can do to extend life. Will we make all bad choices illegal? Also I think the second hand smoke thing is bogus and probably not as bad as living downwind from a major highway with a lot of truck traffic.
I don't smoke and encourage everyone I can to quit or not start. If they do that's their choice. I just don't want to pay for their health care or for the health care of anyone that wants to overdo any unhealthy practices. (overeating - alcohol - drugs etc.)
"
One of my pet peeves is this comment. The implication is that if you don't smoke you won’t die. We need to talk about how much longer will you live? If you quit smoking will you take up some other habit that will be just as bad? There are all kinds of things people can do to extend life. Will we make all bad choices illegal? Also I think the second hand smoke thing is bogus and probably not as bad as living downwind from a major highway with a lot of truck traffic.
I don't smoke and encourage everyone I can to quit or not start. If they do that's their choice. I just don't want to pay for their health care or for the health care of anyone that wants to overdo any unhealthy practices. (overeating - alcohol - drugs etc.)
"
stenny1963 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 10:24 AM:
" well gramma i'm sure that there are no buisness owners that will risk the fines and possible suspension of liscence to allow smoking on their property.also what most people are misreading is that the bars at the casino also have to be smoke free.it is only the gaming floor that is exempt from the ban so the local watering holes will not be losing any buisness to the casinos.I moved here from another state six years ago where there was a smoking ban and the bars and restaraunts there have never been fuller.i'm still an occasional smoker and never minded stepping outside to have a smoke.I think when i go out to breakfast in the morning too that now the food may just taste a little bit better. "
arcsus wrote on Apr 11, 2008 10:50 AM:
" One of the big arguements I've been seeing from the opponents of the ban is that it is the non-smokers choice to go (or not go) into establishments that allow smoking. However, proponents see the ban as ALLOWING them the choice to go to establishments that they've never been able to go to before because of sensitivites to second-hand smoke. "
4bikers wrote on Apr 11, 2008 11:17 AM:
" gramma,
I call bs to your story. There are a lot of stupid calls police are required to answer too. If the business owner chooses to look the other way, they are breaking the law too. I honestly feel bad for smokers on this, but spouting rumors and calling names won't change things.
On a brighter note, maybe local bars will learn that outdoor "beer gardens" are a profitable way to allow smoking. You can heat these areas too! Out west, these are very popular. Think outside the box and you may be rewarded. "
I call bs to your story. There are a lot of stupid calls police are required to answer too. If the business owner chooses to look the other way, they are breaking the law too. I honestly feel bad for smokers on this, but spouting rumors and calling names won't change things.
On a brighter note, maybe local bars will learn that outdoor "beer gardens" are a profitable way to allow smoking. You can heat these areas too! Out west, these are very popular. Think outside the box and you may be rewarded. "
conservativeme wrote on Apr 11, 2008 12:17 PM:
" Info from our state legistlator:
What places are covered by the ban on smoking?
Restaurants and bars, including any outdoor seating they have; Places of employment that are indoors; Seating areas of stadiums and outdoor entertainment venues; Government-owned property and buildings – including parks; All public and private school property and in any vehicles located on the property; Private clubs that have employees and volunteers or have functions that the public is allowed to attend. Among those covered would be service organizations and veterans groups; Construction cranes and bulldozers with enclosed cabs; Child care facilities – even in a person’s private home; Shopping malls; taxi cabs and public buses; and Farm buildings.
Where is a person be allowed to smoke under House File 2212?
In their home; Smoking rooms in hotels and motels that meet certain conditions; Retail tobacco stores; Places of employment that are outside; The State fairgrounds and other fairgrounds; Farm tractors, trucks, and other farm equipment; Semi trucks, if there are no non-smokers present; Private rooms in nursing homes; Casino gaming floors; The Iowa Veterans’ Home; and State prisons.
"
What places are covered by the ban on smoking?
Restaurants and bars, including any outdoor seating they have; Places of employment that are indoors; Seating areas of stadiums and outdoor entertainment venues; Government-owned property and buildings – including parks; All public and private school property and in any vehicles located on the property; Private clubs that have employees and volunteers or have functions that the public is allowed to attend. Among those covered would be service organizations and veterans groups; Construction cranes and bulldozers with enclosed cabs; Child care facilities – even in a person’s private home; Shopping malls; taxi cabs and public buses; and Farm buildings.
Where is a person be allowed to smoke under House File 2212?
In their home; Smoking rooms in hotels and motels that meet certain conditions; Retail tobacco stores; Places of employment that are outside; The State fairgrounds and other fairgrounds; Farm tractors, trucks, and other farm equipment; Semi trucks, if there are no non-smokers present; Private rooms in nursing homes; Casino gaming floors; The Iowa Veterans’ Home; and State prisons.
"
gramma of 2 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 12:25 PM:
" Just thought some of you might want to write to Culver, he may not see this but will definately hear about it:
Just because you can make your wife quit smoking it doesn't give you the right to take our rights as smokers away from us! If I cannot smoke while am out in the bar or enjoying my Sunday night bowling league with my friends then I and many others will no longer frequent these places. Do you plan on placing the National Guard inside these facilities to keep people from smoking? The Waterloo Police do not have time to stop it as they have more important things to deal with.
I can go to a restaurant to eat and go without a smoke but I should not have to be told that I and others cannot smoke while we are out in the bar or at the bowling alley.
What one of your rights are you going to lose? I am so glad that I did not vote for you! I do feel sorry for the people who did vote for you and I bet they are all regretting it now if they are smokers!!
What's next, are you going to tell me that I cannot smoke in my home?, my car?, backyard? Guess what Mr. Culver, I choose to smoke, my parents are smokers and were while I was growing up and the only one that isn't here is my father (GOD BLESS HIM). His cancer was in his lungs, brain, and bones. Tell me who you know that has died from second-hand smoke!
Dr. Sangha, Oncologist in Waterloo, Ia. told my family that smoking doesn't cause cancer. He said that it can contribute to each individual cancer cells to pop out but doesn't cause it. You may want to talk to him, oh, that is right, you are a doctor or you think so? You do not have a right to take our rights away!
YES!, I would like a reply. Maybe you are too busy thinking up something else to take away from us.
When do you plan on stopping the drunk drivers or hiking the taxes on alcohol which also kills! Oh, you do not read the paper? Stop trying to get our money in your pocket!
By the way, I have never had health insurance and I do not see you helping me!!!
I sent this to his e-mail. I went under Chet Culver and you can call or e-mail. "
Just because you can make your wife quit smoking it doesn't give you the right to take our rights as smokers away from us! If I cannot smoke while am out in the bar or enjoying my Sunday night bowling league with my friends then I and many others will no longer frequent these places. Do you plan on placing the National Guard inside these facilities to keep people from smoking? The Waterloo Police do not have time to stop it as they have more important things to deal with.
I can go to a restaurant to eat and go without a smoke but I should not have to be told that I and others cannot smoke while we are out in the bar or at the bowling alley.
What one of your rights are you going to lose? I am so glad that I did not vote for you! I do feel sorry for the people who did vote for you and I bet they are all regretting it now if they are smokers!!
What's next, are you going to tell me that I cannot smoke in my home?, my car?, backyard? Guess what Mr. Culver, I choose to smoke, my parents are smokers and were while I was growing up and the only one that isn't here is my father (GOD BLESS HIM). His cancer was in his lungs, brain, and bones. Tell me who you know that has died from second-hand smoke!
Dr. Sangha, Oncologist in Waterloo, Ia. told my family that smoking doesn't cause cancer. He said that it can contribute to each individual cancer cells to pop out but doesn't cause it. You may want to talk to him, oh, that is right, you are a doctor or you think so? You do not have a right to take our rights away!
YES!, I would like a reply. Maybe you are too busy thinking up something else to take away from us.
When do you plan on stopping the drunk drivers or hiking the taxes on alcohol which also kills! Oh, you do not read the paper? Stop trying to get our money in your pocket!
By the way, I have never had health insurance and I do not see you helping me!!!
I sent this to his e-mail. I went under Chet Culver and you can call or e-mail. "
gramma of 2 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 1:22 PM:
" to unistudent and cfreader; it is none of your business if i smoke in my home or around my grandchildren. if you get hit by a drunk driver it will have an effect on your life so don't say it won't! it could KILL YOU! USE YOUR PATHETIC BRAINS!! "
4bikers wrote on Apr 11, 2008 1:47 PM:
" gramma, You realize the House and Senate approved this, Culver is likely to sign it, but this isn't his preferred plan for such smoking legislation. This has nothing to do with the Waterloo Police Dept. or the Natl. Guard. Perhaps they'll send in the ATF on you! :) :) :)Go have a smoke and calm down. Geesh!
conservativeme, I stand corrected. I (thought) I read that it would be allowed outside, 10 feet or further from the entrance of businesses, but I clearly didn't read this into full detail. "
conservativeme, I stand corrected. I (thought) I read that it would be allowed outside, 10 feet or further from the entrance of businesses, but I clearly didn't read this into full detail. "
gkb32 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 2:40 PM:
" 4Bikers, if you saw from the law and conservativeme's post, it says "Restaurants and bars, including any outdoor seating they have". So there goes your beer garden idea. Wouldn't want any non-smokers to be offended in a beer garden. And I've said this before and I'll say it again. Name me 3 people who have died as a result of second hand smoke? And I mean where the death is 100% attributed to second hand smoke and no other condition. "
RUKIDDINGME wrote on Apr 11, 2008 2:46 PM:
" OK gramma of 2 - for the last time!!! it is every responsible adults business if you choose to poison you grandchildren...nobody ever said drunk drivers don't kill!!!...Also, the are plenty of doctors and documentation that say smoking does cause cancer!...my God...when did any one ever say that drunk driving isn't bad?! "
sanyim wrote on Apr 11, 2008 3:11 PM:
" wow your father died of all those cancers and yet you continue to smoke. sounds to me like you are the one who is not so smart gramma. "
jb3 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 3:36 PM:
" gramma of 2, you keep talking about drunk drivers killing other people. You're right, drunk drivers do kill people. Thanks for pointing that out to everyone who didn't know that. What you seem to be missing here is that there are laws in place AGAINST drunk driving to help prevent people from performing that action. No, it does not completely stop the accidents but this ban won't either. There will still be people that smoke but just like those that drive drunk, you will be breaking the law. The ban will reduce the number of occurances just the same. "
BoSox Guy wrote on Apr 11, 2008 3:39 PM:
" If the smokers knew anything, they wouldn't be smoking in the first place. "
unistudent wrote on Apr 11, 2008 3:42 PM:
" Actually gramma of 2 if you are smoking around your grandchildren it is the states business in the case of california. It is illegal there to drive in a vehicle with children while smoking. You would be pulled over and receive a fine. I bet you are happy that you live in good ol' iowa (lol). This is the case in many other states as well. Hopefully this law comes to iowa soon :) I think it is very ignorant to smoke around children. It is also very irresponsible. If someone smoked around my children they would not be allowed to watch them any longer. Also, just some facts for you gramma:
Second hand smoke is even more harmful to children than adults. Children have a higher breathing rate (so they consume more smoke), they are still developing physically. Exposure to second hand smoke can cause asthma in children who previously showed no symptoms, it increases the risk of SIDs,Infants and children younger than 6 who are exposed to second hand smoke are more likely to develop lower respiratory track infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. They are also more likely to develop middle ear infections. Exposure to second hand smoke also inhibits a childs lung capacity. These facts are not just for your gramma as I do not know if you even smoke around your grandchildren or if you smoked around your own children. I actually have 4 family members who have died from lung cancer. They never smoked a day in their life but you better believe their spouses did. As a parent If I did smoke i would always make sure to go outside and never smoke in my house. I hope anyone reading this that smokes around children can take some of these facts to heart and realize smoking around children is in fact a form of child abuse. I got my facts from the EPA's website ( http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/healtheffects.html)
"
Second hand smoke is even more harmful to children than adults. Children have a higher breathing rate (so they consume more smoke), they are still developing physically. Exposure to second hand smoke can cause asthma in children who previously showed no symptoms, it increases the risk of SIDs,Infants and children younger than 6 who are exposed to second hand smoke are more likely to develop lower respiratory track infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. They are also more likely to develop middle ear infections. Exposure to second hand smoke also inhibits a childs lung capacity. These facts are not just for your gramma as I do not know if you even smoke around your grandchildren or if you smoked around your own children. I actually have 4 family members who have died from lung cancer. They never smoked a day in their life but you better believe their spouses did. As a parent If I did smoke i would always make sure to go outside and never smoke in my house. I hope anyone reading this that smokes around children can take some of these facts to heart and realize smoking around children is in fact a form of child abuse. I got my facts from the EPA's website ( http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/healtheffects.html)
"
Think wrote on Apr 11, 2008 3:48 PM:
" They lost all the tax money and and now they are after gas and plates. Let's hope people keep smoking or they will tax meat & milk. "
kmh714 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 4:09 PM:
" Respecting gramma of 2 saying that the police have more important things to worry about. I live on the west side in a decent area as of 12 mos. ago. I have heard gunshots twice in the last week. There has been a number of breakins and recently a child was shot by an intruder. About a year ago 4 blocks from my home a mother was killed in her apartment. Many other crimes have been commited within our community. With all of the police officers we have within Waterloo you would think that the crime would lighten up. All the talk about the smoking ban, our community needs to open there eyes and see the real danger. The way the world is going these days we should feel more fear from other humans than breating in occasional smoke. Instead of passing smoking bans I think that they should do something about the crimes that are being commited so often to where the young generation will be afraid to leave there homes by the time they reach adulthood. "
RobertaW wrote on Apr 11, 2008 4:27 PM:
" Whether you are a smoker, know a smoker or choose not to smoke, this bill is unfair. I agree to those saying "it is a choice to go to a smoking bar vs. a non-smoking bar". Does ANYone know of anyone who was actually killed from second hand smoke? Also, where are these supposed statistics coming from? And how does any doctor prove to a patient that they have lung cancer secondary to second hand smoke? I feel this is a tool in which our legislators are using to throw thier weight around. If so many people are "anti-smoke" how are our bars staying open? Talk about an economy stuggling? Wait till all of these small town bars have to shut down because the townspeople that have been smoking in there for 30-40 years can't anymore and choose to go home instead of spending thier money at a bar. My friends that smoke are already talking about avoiding the bar/restaurant scene all together. Dumb move, Mr. Culver. "
facts are facts wrote on Apr 11, 2008 5:12 PM:
" I think "one term Chet" is going to tax an ban everything he can while still in office, lets just all hope we still are able to afford to live in Iowa after is term of office is up. "
gramma of 2 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 5:40 PM:
" Here we go again! rukiddingme; it is not every responsible adults business what I do!
sanyim; my father quit smoking 20 years prior to him being diagnosed with cancer and his Oncologist told us that smoking did not cause it!
4bikers; I wasn't saying that the police department and national guard had anything to do with it, I said that Culver would probably call in the National Guard. Then I said that the police officer I was talking to said that they would NOT be responding to these complaints. Take your time to read what I wrote then let it soak in a bit before voicing your opinion. I am telling you that the police officer told me that herself!
RobertaW; WAY TO GO!!!
unistudent; so call DHS on me, do you want my address? I am sure that I am not the only one who smokes around kids. My grandkids are in the other room, I am in the computer room in case you need to know. Oh by the way, are you going to school to become a doctor? If so, I will make sure that everyone I know will not see you! Also, this is not California and if my window in my car is down then how can that be harming the children?
What about the drugs in the schools with the kids from ages 6 through 9? They need to concentrate more on stopping that instead of the smoking ban.
Oh yea; Culver is involved in the smoking ban and not just for signing it. He wanted to also eliminate smoking from campgrounds, state and local fishing areas. He just wants more money.
"
sanyim; my father quit smoking 20 years prior to him being diagnosed with cancer and his Oncologist told us that smoking did not cause it!
4bikers; I wasn't saying that the police department and national guard had anything to do with it, I said that Culver would probably call in the National Guard. Then I said that the police officer I was talking to said that they would NOT be responding to these complaints. Take your time to read what I wrote then let it soak in a bit before voicing your opinion. I am telling you that the police officer told me that herself!
RobertaW; WAY TO GO!!!
unistudent; so call DHS on me, do you want my address? I am sure that I am not the only one who smokes around kids. My grandkids are in the other room, I am in the computer room in case you need to know. Oh by the way, are you going to school to become a doctor? If so, I will make sure that everyone I know will not see you! Also, this is not California and if my window in my car is down then how can that be harming the children?
What about the drugs in the schools with the kids from ages 6 through 9? They need to concentrate more on stopping that instead of the smoking ban.
Oh yea; Culver is involved in the smoking ban and not just for signing it. He wanted to also eliminate smoking from campgrounds, state and local fishing areas. He just wants more money.
"
KMH714 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 6:13 PM:
" UNI STUDENT: It is your right to have your own opinion if children should be exposed to smoke. There is a reason why in Iowa that it is legal. Gramma 2 stated that alchol is more harmful so maybe they should ban that. I agree with her when she said that because I have never heard of a child dying strictly from second hand smoke. Less than 5 mos. ago here in Iowa a father was charged of murdering his 5 week old daughter. He had been drinking and claims he blacked out from the alchol. More children die in alchol related accidents than second hand smoke.
Not saying that it is good to smoke around children.
I am now a grown adult and raised by parents smoking in the house and so did the rest of my family and my brothers and I never suffered from it. What do you think about passing a law to make alchol illegal? "
Not saying that it is good to smoke around children.
I am now a grown adult and raised by parents smoking in the house and so did the rest of my family and my brothers and I never suffered from it. What do you think about passing a law to make alchol illegal? "
me wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:06 PM:
" gramma- if second hand smoke isn't bad then why do you leave the room or open the windown when you smoke?
my parents smoked in the house and in the car with me all while i was growing up. every winter i would have a really, very bad cough to the point i couldn't sleep, my throat way raw, the pressure gave me headaches...i missed days of school, i didn't do so well the days i did show up during that time. i not only disrupted my own education but all of the kids around me. i haven't died, you are right, but those were some of the worst days of my life. why would anyone who actually cared about their kids continue to do this to them?? many birthdays and christmas' i asked my parents to quit smoking as my gift. finally they did and they know darn well they will not be causing that same harm to any future grandkids.
and most of you are forgetting the smoking ban is to protect iowa workers, not those that decide to go drink in a bar or eat in a resturant. ok...let's employee bars and resturants with only people that smoke...good luck finding a good work force! the numbers of people who smoke are going down every year. you all act like iowa will be the first state to pass such a law or that the other states that have passed the same type of law have all completely shut down! what on earth will people do if they can't smoke in public??
i really hope this law is just a stepping stone. i hope one day you can't smoke around your kids under 18 years old and also the casinos and the vet home is added to the list.
oh and thanks gramma for giving me the idea to email culver to THANK him! "
my parents smoked in the house and in the car with me all while i was growing up. every winter i would have a really, very bad cough to the point i couldn't sleep, my throat way raw, the pressure gave me headaches...i missed days of school, i didn't do so well the days i did show up during that time. i not only disrupted my own education but all of the kids around me. i haven't died, you are right, but those were some of the worst days of my life. why would anyone who actually cared about their kids continue to do this to them?? many birthdays and christmas' i asked my parents to quit smoking as my gift. finally they did and they know darn well they will not be causing that same harm to any future grandkids.
and most of you are forgetting the smoking ban is to protect iowa workers, not those that decide to go drink in a bar or eat in a resturant. ok...let's employee bars and resturants with only people that smoke...good luck finding a good work force! the numbers of people who smoke are going down every year. you all act like iowa will be the first state to pass such a law or that the other states that have passed the same type of law have all completely shut down! what on earth will people do if they can't smoke in public??
i really hope this law is just a stepping stone. i hope one day you can't smoke around your kids under 18 years old and also the casinos and the vet home is added to the list.
oh and thanks gramma for giving me the idea to email culver to THANK him! "
me wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:07 PM:
" gramma- one more thing...i also remember you attacking me for saying i went to a bar...what a bad habit i have...such a bad drinking problem i have...well looks like you are the pot calling the kettle black AGAIN! "
RUKIDDINGME wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:09 PM:
" Hey gramma you got one right...it IS NOT the business of adults what you do!
But it is other peoples business if you are poisoning your grandkids...you are amazing! I am not against your smoking..and I think the ban is wrong...it should be put up for a vote and not implemented by the government. But...you smoking in front of your grand kids is no different than you giving them cigarettes..or even giving them drugs! Even if you don't believe smoking causes cancer, you can't possibly be so ignorant as to believe that it doesn't contribute to other lung and heart diseases!!! ...or can you?! Are you arrogant and ignorant enough to say that there are no unhealthy by products of smoking??!!
Having your window down only slightly diminished your grandchildren's exposure to the carcinogens...you know...toxins...you know...known poisons in cigarette smoke!!! "
But it is other peoples business if you are poisoning your grandkids...you are amazing! I am not against your smoking..and I think the ban is wrong...it should be put up for a vote and not implemented by the government. But...you smoking in front of your grand kids is no different than you giving them cigarettes..or even giving them drugs! Even if you don't believe smoking causes cancer, you can't possibly be so ignorant as to believe that it doesn't contribute to other lung and heart diseases!!! ...or can you?! Are you arrogant and ignorant enough to say that there are no unhealthy by products of smoking??!!
Having your window down only slightly diminished your grandchildren's exposure to the carcinogens...you know...toxins...you know...known poisons in cigarette smoke!!! "
coalplant wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:19 PM:
" " It truly is hard to understand how short sighted our emotion driven legislature is, they go about things in such stupid ways.
The most equitable and financially prudent solution to this situation is to simply start with the premise that ALL BUSINESSES are smoke free.
Next step is just as with alcohol, if a casino or bar or restaraunt or heck a factory want to allow their customers or employees to indulge in smoking, they have to apply for a smoking license, and live with whatever craptastic regulations the state requires to receive said license.
ya know like a Big sign on the door that says we are going to kill you with second hand smoke so enter at your own risk, air ventilation, gold ashtrays, only hire registered smokers. I am sure us non-smokers could come up with a thousand.
The cost of said license can be great or small but the choice is left up to the business owner to decide if he will prosper by paying a fee and living within those regulations.
Now you get a new revenue stream from licenses, and do away with all the people saying there freedom to choose is being taken away.
But no the smarter thing to do is ban it here or there, depending on which special interest group payed you off this year. You folks who think the legislature cares one bit about people working in smoke, or dying from lung cancer are silly, they only care about lining their pockets and the states pockets with as much special interest money as they can.
"
The most equitable and financially prudent solution to this situation is to simply start with the premise that ALL BUSINESSES are smoke free.
Next step is just as with alcohol, if a casino or bar or restaraunt or heck a factory want to allow their customers or employees to indulge in smoking, they have to apply for a smoking license, and live with whatever craptastic regulations the state requires to receive said license.
ya know like a Big sign on the door that says we are going to kill you with second hand smoke so enter at your own risk, air ventilation, gold ashtrays, only hire registered smokers. I am sure us non-smokers could come up with a thousand.
The cost of said license can be great or small but the choice is left up to the business owner to decide if he will prosper by paying a fee and living within those regulations.
Now you get a new revenue stream from licenses, and do away with all the people saying there freedom to choose is being taken away.
But no the smarter thing to do is ban it here or there, depending on which special interest group payed you off this year. You folks who think the legislature cares one bit about people working in smoke, or dying from lung cancer are silly, they only care about lining their pockets and the states pockets with as much special interest money as they can.
"
justagirlinloo wrote on Apr 11, 2008 9:35 PM:
" Hey "Me" - sounds like we had similar childhoods as far as smoking is concerned. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. "
gramma of 2 wrote on Apr 11, 2008 11:29 PM:
" RUKIDDINGME; YOU'VE GOT TO BE JOKING!!!! HOW IS IT YOUR BUSINESS WHAT I DO IN MY HOME OR ANYONE ELSES BUSINESS??? YOU ARE THE ONE THAT SAID "IT IS EVERY RESPONSIBLE ADULTS BUSINESS IF YOU CHOOSE TO POISON YOUR GRANDKIDS". GO BACK AND READ IT! THIS ISN'T SUPPOSE TO BE A SLAM SESSION! HOW DO YOU FIGURE THAT IT IS LIKE PUTTING A CIGARETTE IN THEIR MOUTH OR GIVING THEM DRUGS? SPEAKING OF BEING IGNORANT!! KEEP READING, LIKE EVERYONE SAYS; IT IS YOUR CHOICE NOT TO SMOKE AND IT IS MY CHOICE TO SMOKE. THE WHOLE POINT OF THIS SMOKING BAN IS TO HELP LOWER THE COSTS OF HEALTH CARE, WELL I NEVER HAVE HAD INSURANCE AND I DON'T CARE CUZ THE INSURANCE COMPANIES RIP OFF THE DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS. WE NEED TO STOP SLAMMING AND STAND UP FOR THE RIGHTS OF EVERYONE. YOU MAY NOT DRINK OR SMOKE BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS GOING UP LIKE FUEL, GROCERIES, ETC. CULVER IS GOING TO KEEP RAISING WHATEVER HE CAN AND NONE OF US WILL HAVE ANYTHING. "
me wrote on Apr 12, 2008 4:45 PM:
" gramma- you seem to be a waste of good air anyway...no health insurance, work in a gas station, smoke around your grandkids, and hang out in bars. "
andypandy wrote on Apr 13, 2008 4:32 AM:
" I am without doubt in support of a smoking ban. But please lets make it a total ban, this Casino exemption stinks every bit as bad as second hand smoke and will no doubt come back to haunt the law makers in some sort of damages lawsuite that will be paid for by the Iowa taxpayer.
It's my belief that smokers should be allowed to indulge their habit socially in the appropriate enviroment such as seperate smokers rooms rather than areas in bars and restaurants etc and even some type of smokers club. If the Casinos are the only places left for smokers to go smoke and drink socially then obviously thats where many of them will gather from now on and no doubt pick up a nasty gambling habit along the way ( with it's own set of disasterous social consiquences ) to go with the smoking habit.
Heaven knows how many poor innocents will have to suffer due to the potential upsurge in drink driving this half baked compromise of a law will cause. "
It's my belief that smokers should be allowed to indulge their habit socially in the appropriate enviroment such as seperate smokers rooms rather than areas in bars and restaurants etc and even some type of smokers club. If the Casinos are the only places left for smokers to go smoke and drink socially then obviously thats where many of them will gather from now on and no doubt pick up a nasty gambling habit along the way ( with it's own set of disasterous social consiquences ) to go with the smoking habit.
Heaven knows how many poor innocents will have to suffer due to the potential upsurge in drink driving this half baked compromise of a law will cause. "
iceman wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:18 PM:
" This issue is not about smoking. All of you "do gooders" can see the forrest but not the trees. Just think when is the givernment control going to stop. Next will be alcohol or trans fats. This is just a stepping stone for socialism. "
oldandgrey wrote on Apr 14, 2008 6:44 PM:
" I believe that there is no good reason for any restaurant to go under with this law in place. If you put out a good product people will always come back. Good service and good food are a winning combination everytime. Bar owners will have to think "outside the box" so to speak. I am not in the bar business so I am not able to speak for them. But when I am in Chicago the bars that I visit there are full most of the time, people do adapt, I really hope that the bar owners here do not see a difference.
"
"
oldandgrey wrote on Apr 14, 2008 7:05 PM:
" gramma of 2, If this was happening twenty years ago, your strong opinion would be my mom's. I can relate to your feelings, she felt the same way, no one was going to tell her when she could smoke and where. However I do not agree with your opinion on smoking around children. I grew up in a house full of smoke, like many others we begged our parents to quit. Dad did just before he had a masssive heart attack, which he survived. Mom quit six years later while undergoing knee replacement. She felt it was time. They are both long gone now, dad died of heart disease and mom died of lung cancer. The problem us three kids have now is we all have asthma, and severe allergies. Being around all of the smoke growing up did leave its mark on us. On my mother's death bed she apologized for her smoking all of the years we were growing up. Smoking took both of my parents from us way too early. "
the_bat wrote on Apr 25, 2008 8:48 PM:
" I can't help but reflect that in the past century, at least, the ranks of smokers included luminaries like Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bertrand Russell, and so on. While, probably, the most (in)famous anti-smoking advocate was Adolf Hitler. "
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Raymour wrote on Apr 9, 2008 2:57 PM:
I am a smoker and though I don't agree that the state should create a law banning smoking, that it should be left up to the businesses to decide, this law is not fair to everyone in Iowa.
It does it exempt casinos and Iowans Veterans Home? Are they not worthy of your concern of health issues.
Well we all know why they did this.
MONEY !!!!!
The casinos carry alot of financial weight. Where would the state get the money they would lose if the casinos closed?
I don't know why they exempted the Veterans Home. Can anyone tell me?
Totally unfair and if I had a business (like a bar) I would be forming a law suit against the state for discriminating against businesses.
If you don't allow smoking in bars, why exempt any other business?
MONEY that's why.
We expect these kind of unfair law from out federal officials but I thought the state officials were above that...
Guess not. This will continue until smokers ban together and protest these outrageous right violations.
JUST MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD TO BE AN IOWAN DOES IT ??? "