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Categories
· Smokefree Policies
· Letter
· Elections/Politics
· Dining/Entertainment
USA, by State
· Virginia

LETTER: Smoke out Gear  

Jump to full article: Newport News (VA) Daily Press, 2009-10-31
Author: Hilton Oliver Executive Director, Virginia Group to Alleviate Smoking in Public Virginia Beach

Intro:

Virginia voters were outraged that the legislature took four years to enact the widely popular ban on smoking in restaurants. I hope Peninsula residents have a long memory in the case of Del. Tom Gear.

Gear chaired the six-member subcommittee which peremptorily killed this measure for three straight years and kept it from a floor vote. When a compromise finally enabled the legislature to bypass Gear's subcommittee, he continued to oppose it vocally and even blasted House Speaker William Howell for relenting and allowing a fair vote on it.

When legislators openly and arrogantly defy the clear wishes of their constituents, it is time to show them the door. I urge all voters who value health above the interests of Big Tobacco to defeat Del. Gear.

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Categories
· Smokefree Policies
· Letter
USA, by State
· Iowa

LETTER: First smokers’ rights, then yours 

Jump to full article: Quad-City (IA) Times, 2009-11-01
Author: Patricia Talley Davenport

Intro:

In response to Jason Todtz' rebuttal to Harkins' letter "Smoke not welcome here" on Oct. 26, I support Todtz' right to freedom of speech, his right to work, or not to work, in any business or occupation, his right to frequent, or not, establishments open to the public. I even support a smoking ban in government buildings where the public must go.

However, I do not support the notion that he, nor anyone else, including our government, has a right to tell private business owners that they cannot allow legal activities within their premises. That is what the Iowa smoking ban has done. If I were Todtz, I would be very concerned about the repercussions of this type of legislation.

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Categories
· Business (Tobacco)
· Teen Smoking/Youth
· Letter
· Smokeless
Organizations
· FDA
· RJR

LETTER: PAYNE: Clarification on tobacco 

Jump to full article: Deseret News, 2009-11-01
Author: Tommy J. Payne executive vice president Public Affairs R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.

Intro:

Some points made in your recent article, "Agency warns of candy-like tobacco" (Oct. 26) need to be clarified and corrected. The dissolvable tobacco products made and marketed by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. -- Camel Orbs, Sticks and Strips -- are not "tobacco candy." In fact, these are tobacco products and are sold on the same store shelves as other tobacco products. They carry the same health warnings as other smokeless tobacco products. Their sale is age-restricted and their packaging is child-resistant.

Dissolvable tobacco products have been sold in the U.S. for a number of years.

R.J. Reynolds will work closely with the FDA's Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee and provide any information needed in its analysis of dissolvable tobacco products.

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Categories
· Smokefree Policies
· Tax
· Letter
· Dining/Entertainment
USA, by State
· Missouri

LETTER: Tax and ban, people still will smoke  

Jump to full article: St. Louis (MO) Post-Dispatch, 2009-04-03
Author: Jim Kozlowski St. Louis

Intro:

So, the cigarette smokers are being ostracized and their habit is the only logical choice, the only viable choice, and the only rational choice to tax.

Many low income people smoke. . . .

Not all our money is spent on cigarettes, but I’ll be damned if I am going to take responsibility for someone’s children. If I wanted kids, I would have made sure I could provide for and take care of them, not ask other people to do it for me. So, the government can add taxes to one of my little vices, people can complain, and communities, businesses, bars and restaurants can tell us we cannot smoke. But that will just stop me from coming to your community, your restaurants, businesses, and bars and spending my money. I can stay home, not fight the traffic, pay for parking, wait for a table or use the restroom, have my friends over, watch the game on t.v., put something on the grill, and smoke. Just like the Great American Smoke Out, there should be one day across the country when cigarette smokers do not buy cigarettes.

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Categories
· Smokefree Policies
· Letter
· Outdoors
USA, by State
· Alabama

LETTER: Smokers ignore ban  

Jump to full article: Florence (AL) Times Daily, 2009-11-01
Author: Ruth Anne Mak Florence

Intro:

My husband, twin 5-year-old girls and I happened by the Renaissance Faire in Wilson Park and thought since the smoking ban went into effect we might actually get to enjoy some of the activities in the park this time. The last time we ventured out to an event in the park we had to leave with two crying children because of all the smokers mixing in with the crowd. We wrongly assumed that since the law had gone into effect that people might actually observe it and show some consideration for others who might not want to smoke their cigarettes with them. . . .

My children were excited to go and confused when they saw smokers ignoring the ban, and I think it is pretty sad when children comment about people breaking laws and being inconsiderate, and the adults breaking the law apparently don't care about the people around them.

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Categories
· Smokefree Policies
· Letter
non-USA, by Country
· Jamaica

LETTER: Where's the smoking ban?  

- Commentary -
Jump to full article: Jamaica Gleaner (jm), 2009-10-31
Author: KEVIN K.O. SANGSTER

Intro:

The Editor, Sir:

The Ministry of Health promised us earlier this year that it would be moving during the first quarter of the current fiscal year for the enactment of comprehensive legislation respecting a ban on smoking in public spaces.

We are coming towards the end of the third quarter of this fiscal year and the silence from the ministry on this promise has been rather deafening. One wonders whether 'special interests' may be at work here in preventing this from becoming a reality. . . .

It is full time now, Minister, that you stop the pussyfooting and bring meaningful action to restrict severely this bad and unhealthy practice of smoking.

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Categories
· Secondhand Smoke
· Smokefree Policies
· Letter
· Elections/Politics
· Dining/Entertainment
USA, by State
· Missouri

LETTERS: Proposition N: Let business owners decide  

Jump to full article: St. Louis (MO) Post-Dispatch, 2009-10-28

Intro:

  • While I often find secondhand smoke offensive, it is questionable whether the risks of secondhand smoke have been well-documented. When the "greatest generation" grew up, many adults smoked . . .

    But it should be the business owner's decision -- not the government's. That's free enterprise.

  • Let's clear the air about the medical effects of secondhand smoke.

    In 2006, the U.S. surgeon general reported that a safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke does not exist and that secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in exposed people. Secondhand smoke contains cancer-causing agents and other toxins, and it causes approximately 50,000 deaths annually in the United States.

    Smoke-free policies decrease exposure to secondhand smoke, improve the health and productivity of employees and prevent adverse health consequences in business patrons. . . .

    Missouri received all "Fs" on the American Lung Association's State of Tobacco Control 2008 report card. Some cities in Missouri boldly have enacted smoking bans, and the city of St. Louis appears ready to move forward in conjunction with the county if this proposal passes.

    While we wait for the Missouri Legislature to step up to the plate, St. Louis County does not need to take a back seat. Despite certain exemptions, the proposal takes a step in the right direction.

    Jump to full article »

  • Categories
    · Smokefree Policies
    · Letter
    · Ventilation
    · Elections/Politics
    · Dining/Entertainment
    USA, by State
    · Missouri

    LETTERS: Proposition N:Save jobs, tax dollarsand freedom: Vote No  

    Jump to full article: St. Louis (MO) Post-Dispatch, 2009-10-31

    Intro:

    The editorial "Their smoke, your health" (Oct. 25), in favor of the St. Louis County smoking ban, did not provide all the reasons why people are opposed to Proposition N, which will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. The ban is unfair, isn't needed and could cause a loss of jobs and tax dollars for St. Louis County.

    Perhaps the most obvious reason to oppose the smoking ban is that it needlessly would infringe on the freedom of those who want to enjoy a cigarette in places where smoking is allowed. Any person bothered by such establishments has the freedom to not patronize them.

    And modern filtration systems have all but eliminated the dangers of secondhand smoke. . . .

    On Nov. 3, St. Louis County voters can save jobs, save tax dollars, save freedom and help many small businesses stay in business by voting "no" on Proposition N.

    Bill Hannegan -- St. Louis

  • Missourians are ready for a smoke-free state

    Regarding "Smoking ban is in hands of a few" (Oct. 28): I am quoted briefly about Proposition N on the Nov. 3 ballot in St. Louis County. Without additional information, my quote is open to misinterpretation. . . .

    Strong and comprehensive smoke-free policies prevent sickness and death, and Missouri would save millions in state spending on tobacco-related illnesses.

    I believe Missouri is ready for a smoke-free policy, but, because key leaders stand in the way, this is a case in which the people will have to take the power into their own hands through local ordinances.

    When a critical mass of local ordinances has been reached, a statewide law will become inevitable. I wish the policy being considered for St. Louis County was stronger, but it is a good beginning. People who care about public health should vote yes Proposition N (St. Louis County) and Proposition I (Kirkwood) on Nov. 3 in order to move the state forward.

    State Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford -- D-St. Louis

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  • Categories
    · Letter
    · People

    LETTER: Obama blowing smoke?  

    Unfettered Letters
    Jump to full article: Kansas City (MO) Star blogs, 2009-10-26
    Author: Dean D. Richards III, M.D. Leawood

    Intro:

    Maybe I missed it, but is President Obama still smoking cigarettes?

    He seems to be very involved with wanting to invoke change in the country’s health care system, but if he hasn’t yet invoked a change in personal nicotine addiction, I urge members of Congress and the citizens of the U.S. to take another look at his pleas.

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    Categories
    · Letter
    · Litter
    USA, by State
    · New York

    LETTER: Is a cigarette butt acceptable litter? 

    Jump to full article: Albany (NY) Times-Union, 2009-10-26
    Author: David J. Oppedisano Latham

    Intro:

    Would an educated, considerate and articulate smoker please explain why flicking a cigarette butt out of a car window or otherwise tossing it on the road or sidewalk seems to be perceived by the cigarette-smoking population as an acceptable form of littering?

    Jump to full article »

    Categories
    · Business (Tobacco)
    · Sports/Games
    · Letter
    · Advertising/Promos
    · Philanthropy/Funding

    LETTER: Rodeos likely to end tobacco sponsorships  

    Jump to full article: Ogden (UT) Standard-Examiner, 2009-10-22
    Author: Ted Hallisey Bountiful

    Intro:

    There is great news for families that enjoy the sport of Rodeo. We are one step closer to tobacco-free rodeo events.

    The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announced last week that U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (and their new parent company ALTRIA - AKA Philip Morris) will be ending their sponsorship agreement with the PRCA at the end of this year.

    Hopefully this signals the start of a tobacco-free era for professional rodeo. Rodeo has been around since the 1800's. Tobacco sponsorship of rodeo began in 1986.

    A number of organizations including, Buck Tobacco, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Oklahoma Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), Montana REACT, and many others have been instrumental in sending out the message - Rodeos Are For Families - Not Big Tobacco.

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    Categories
    · Health/Science
    · Cessation
    · Letter
    · Smokeless
    · Harm Reduction
    · Alternate/Reduced Risk

    LETTERS: Use snus, you lose 

    Jump to full article: New York Post, 2009-10-22

    Intro:

  • I don't know what Jeff Stier is thinking, but using snus does not eliminate the risk of lung cancer ("Council Votes To BoostButts," PostOpinion, Oct. 16).

    Smokers who use smokeless tobacco as a supplemental source of nicotine in an effort to quit smoking actually increase their risk of lung cancer.

    Stier's assertion that banning flavored tobacco will not protect kids is also a smokescreen. . . .

  • Stier makes the faulty argument that the City Council's ban on flavored-tobacco products will somehow make it harder for smokers to quit.

    Nothing could be further from the truth. The target audience for flavored products is the youth, and they are the ones most using them. . . .

    Jump to full article »

  • Categories
    · Business (Tobacco)
    · Tobacco Control
    · Letter
    · Tribes
    USA, by State
    · New York

    LETTER: Liked story on fellow Native Americans 

    Jump to full article: Watertown (NY) Daily Times, 2009-10-10
    Author: Cynthia Smoke Akwesasne

    Intro:

    I was elated to finally read a story picked up by your news service via the Associated Press. The story concerned 14 smoke shops located on the Poospatuck Indian reservation. . . .

    Located close to Long Island, Harry Wallace is a fellow Native American but a greater leader. He has held true to his people and those who wish to retain a true and free identity. He is a man renowned by a large contingent of our people; the Poospatucks have demonstrated what the smaller nation can achieve over the years. Harry and our leaders met many years ago at a time when our nation at Akwesasne was under siege.

    We at Akwesasne also have several smoke shops, yet they have not thrived because the majority are controlled by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council. As a larger collection of nations, we keep in touch daily.

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    Categories
    · Health/Science
    · Secondhand Smoke
    · Smokefree Policies
    · Letter
    · Cardio-vascular

    Smoking Bans Reduce Heart Attacks and Disease - Readers' Comments 

    Jump to full article: Article Comments-New York Times, 2009-10-16
    Author: PAM BELLUCK

    Intro:

  • harleyrider1978

    new york

    October 16th, 2009

    7:49 am

    SECOND HAND SMOKE IS A JOKE. Ask the anti-tobacco folks to tell you what truly is in second hand smoke...when it burns from the coal its oxygenated and everything is burned and turned into water vapor..................thats right water..........you ever burned leaves in the fall...know how the heavy smoke bellows off.......thats the organic material releasing the moisture in the leaves the greener the leaves/organic material the more smoke thats made......thats why second hand smoke is classified as a class 3 irritant by osha and epa as of 2006........after that time EPA decided to change the listing of shs as a carcinogen for political reasons....... . . .

  • Ken Perkins

    Pittsburgh PA

    October 16th, 2009

    11:15 am

    Most of these comments are from wingnuts who know very little about the science behind these studies. I'm surprised Dr. Siegel, the skeptic quoted in the article, also doesn't seem to know that most of these studies include control communities with no smoking ban, to see how much more heart attack rates drop in the communities with, versus those without, the smoking ban. The effect is likely fairly small, but a small effect applied to a large population can save a lot of lives. . . .

  • thoughts from

    New Haven

    October 16th, 2009

    11:15 am

    Smoking is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk. If you go to www.pubmed.gov and search "smoking cardiovascular risk" you will pull down 14,363 scientific references. This is hardly smoke and mirrors. The good news is that the smokers will be rapidly eliminating themselves from our environment, without any need for legistation, and they won't be missed.

    A cardiologist from New Haven.

    Jump to full article »

  • Categories
    · Smokefree Policies
    · Letter
    · Op-Ed
    · Dining/Entertainment
    · waivers/exceptions
    USA, by State
    · Indiana

    Smoking bans: an issue of rights or health? 

    Jump to full article: Indianapolis (IN) Star, 2009-10-15

    Intro:

    What's the most divisive political issue these days? The president's Nobel Prize? Health-care reform?

    At the community level in and around Indianapolis, I think it might be smoking in public.

    Whether it's a proposal to toughen the existing ordinance in Indianapolis, or the debates on whether to extend them throughout surrounding communities, I can't think of a topic that causes people to react more quickly or more emotionally.

    And I can understand why.

    For a nonsmoker who grew up in a nonsmoking family, I've always felt that I had a pretty good grasp of both sides of the issue. . . .

    Some area communities, most notably Fishers, still don't have any limits on smoking in public. Others -- Zionsville, Plainfield and Franklin -- have stronger smoking bans than Indianapolis.

    But most communities have followed Indianapolis' lead -- banning smoking in most workplaces but allowing it in some bars and nightclubs. Westfield is the most recent to enact this partial ban.

    What do you think? At what point do rights of ownership and privacy supersede the goal of promoting public health?

    Let's chat about it on Friday during my online discussion of community issues at IndyStar.com/communitychat, starting at 1 p.m. If you can't join us then, send me an e-mail or leave a telephone message.

    I look forward to hearing from you.

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