General Discussion

Dear Editor,

As the ban on smoking in enclosed public areas in England approaches, I would like to take issue with the Self-Righteous Brigade who see all smokers as potential suicide bombers.

My argument is simple:

If these people have the right to a smoke-free atmoshpere, why do I (as a non-driver) not have similar rights as a pedestrian? The two car families on their “school runs” in their 4-Wheel Drive vehicles are polluting my atmosphere on a daily basis, but this seems to be totally acceptable (come to think of it, anything that includes keeping the children happy seems to be totally acceptable, aside from teaching them good manners and respect, but that’ll have to wait for another day).

I’ll bypass going into depth about the apparently insignificant issue of major job losses due to pub’s closing down (30% of pubs in Scotland have had to shed staff since the ban was introduced).

However, I find it hard to accept that on the 91st anniversary of the Battle Of The Somme, England has chosen to eradicate a freedom which has been enjoyed by millions for hundreds of years; especially 17 year old Willie MacBride who might just have needed that fag before having his brains blown out in the name of democracy and freedom all those years ago.

Shame on you Mr Blair and your cohorts……

Yours,

S.P Alford
142 Burnthouse Lane
Wonford
Exeter
EX2 6NB

I couldn't agree more! Check out www.freedom2smoke.org.uk.

Shame my child still wont have the right to walk down The Strand in Dawlish and not be forced to breath in the cancerous filth of a selfish street smoker.

You addicts need to be realise the full extent of your antisocial activities. The new law doesnt go far enough in protecting the clean from the unclean.

The fumes and exhaust of motor vehicles are nowhere near as carcinogenic as tobacco smoke - not even diesel particulates, so you can forget that old chestnut.

But I do agree with you about 4x4 school runners! They should be taxed off the road.

And as for Tony Blair, aren't you supporting him and his government with the multi-millions you and fellow addicts pay in tobbacco tax?

It now outweighs the burden you smokers place upon the NHS and the country.

"Things can only get better"?

I just had a look at www.freedom2smoke.org.uk.

As of 11.02 01/05/07, there were only 4 members and 3 forum postings.

Is this really available to the global public or do they have networking problems?

... or is it just democracy in action?

If you took time to look at the site, you'd realise that it was only launched on that day.....

but ... I havent got the time. Ive got a life to live. Not a death to wait for.

And, whilst im in a confrontational mood, you nicotine addicts aren't smokers. It's the lit tobacco that does the smoking. You addicts are just the SUCKERS.

And whingey whiney filthy little suckers at that.

Stay cool wont you.