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'Outlaw public smoking'

by
2009-05-18 14:10

Dear Editor,

South African smokers are very inconsiderate.

They freely smoke in public places, exposing our small kids to this bad and deadly habit.

Besides kids becoming secondary smokers unnecessarily, public smoking also makes them think smoking is cool.

Smoking areas at family restaurants are normally separated by a glass, which means kids are still exposed.

The time has come for Parliament to pass the long overdue bill that outlaws public smoking. It should carry the same weight and punishment as any other form of public indecency.

I have tried to tolerate these people but they show no consideration or respect for others. I recently had a verbal fight with a woman who smoked one cigarette after another while waiting in a queue right in front of us (at the boarder gate).

I also took a female teacher to task for smoking in an area where kids could see her at my son's school.

What really gets to me is that all these people think I'm being unfair when I confront them.

We really don't have to put up with this kind of behaviour. Smoking is a bad habit that must be discouraged in every way possible.

Lindani Gumede

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BLACKsoWHAT! 5/18/2009 2:15:45 PM
myself i sympathise with you, bt i doubt a law like that will help....the only solution is to ban the sale of tobacco products....Not going to happen though.

EE 5/18/2009 2:17:44 PM
Agree 100%. Go for it, Zuma.

Jacques D van Zyl 5/18/2009 2:18:12 PM
Halleluja, Amen! Won't that be a beautiful day!

farm boy 5/18/2009 2:19:01 PM
I also have had many run-ins with these selfish people,instead of apologizing they will ask you where do you want them to go and smoke? very rude.But yes Gumede at the same time how or who is going to monitor implementation of such a law?

Eles 5/18/2009 2:19:34 PM
We can go too far with dictating what people cannot and can do and I am not comfortable with that. Do I hate it when smokers throw their cigarette butts out of their car windows - absolutely? They should be fined for doing so however people will always smoke as will kids because it is forbidden the best thing for a parent to do is to take their kids to visit people in hospital dying of lung cancer and a picture of cancer ridden lungs should be put on cigarette packets.

Johncarlos 5/18/2009 2:19:53 PM
A system that cannot prevent public crime will not prevent public smoking. We aren't modern enough to successfully prevent smoking. I do however agree with your sentiment. I used to get irritated a lot when I first had to endure second-hand smoking regularly, especially coming from a background that condemns smoking. But I have learned to avoid it effectively. I do however get bothered when smokers are inconsiderate, especially if they're in your own company. Smokers need to be more considerate

SOMEBODY 5/18/2009 2:20:45 PM
Smoking is not a habit it is an addiction. And is very addictive. Even former smokers is considered still to be addicted. And another thing smokers are people to and I think lawmakers should pass a law that bans non smokers from breathing air! If you think that the smoke generated by smoking is messing up your lungs than you should really have a look at what else is in the air my friend. You will really be in for a treat then.

Ken 5/18/2009 2:21:03 PM
All my friends that do, are more than considerate. You sound like that really annoying person in the queue who irritates everyone more than the smokers. by your logic should be confined to a small cell for having subjected everyone around you to your stupidity, which by the way is more dangerous than second hand smoke. Live and let live and while you're at it lighten up. (Pun intended)

Topdog 5/18/2009 2:22:08 PM
also do something with these bastards throwing their cigarette butts out of car windows. I don't know what makes these nicotene-filled morons think they have the right to litter like they do. Then again, you get people urinating next to roads - we live in a beautiful country!

ThePrez 5/18/2009 2:23:02 PM
Even smoking at home around children should be outlawed too. I have seen many parents smoking in cars and at their homes with children around. Protect our youth, just look what happens when people smoke around our youth, just look at the ANCYL!!!

Birdman 5/18/2009 2:23:05 PM
If you dont want your kids to see drinkers,wrestlers, TV or anything that may influence them just poke their eyes out. Other crimes are more serious and parents must teach their children what is cool or not.

oral 5/18/2009 2:23:25 PM
Killing people, murder, rape, abuse are also terrible habits and why should we put up with this kind of behavier.....I think goverment should spend their time on these issues and not somthing rather pathetic as you article.......moving on!!

AK 5/18/2009 2:23:54 PM
Please. "Smoking is a bad habit that must be discouraged" by banning it in public places? How do you define public places in the first place? And I was'nt aware that glass is porous...(leaking air). Let's rather stop those leaking urine in public places, usually near public transport terminals.

abraxas 5/18/2009 2:24:12 PM
i think we should rather outlaw idiots making ME do what THEY want .... speaking of which, can we please ban booze? Cigarettes are harmless compared to booze. Really.

Ricky Bobby? 5/18/2009 2:24:42 PM
there is no problem with kids seeing someone smoke!! IF ITS NOT HARMING THEM ITS FINE!!you cant put a barrier between your kids and everything in life, this isnt a fairy tale. you are selfish. smoking is not illegal, parliment wont make it so just because you are uncomfortable. if you cant smell it it wont hurt you, dont be selfish you lonely onld woman.

Anon 5/18/2009 2:25:16 PM
How about this. Why don't you just not go to places that accomidate smokers, then you won't get so upset.

Christo Booysen 5/18/2009 2:25:49 PM
Alcohol is a much bigger problem than smoking, it is a fact. As soon as the same regulations apply to alcohol as to smoking, you can stop your whining...

smithers 5/18/2009 2:26:15 PM
maybe you should spend more time with your kids than worry about what other people do with their lives. I will gladly stop smoking if someone asks me to, but to ban smoking we might aswell inlcude banning drinking in front of kids to.

Sharon 5/18/2009 2:26:25 PM
But I think I'm a very considerate smoker. I only smoke in well ventilated areas and never smoke if I'm in a queue (like when I stood in line to vote). However, if there is a designated smoking area i.e. in a restaurant, I feel no guilt in smoking. If you don't want your kid to see me smoking, seat him/her with their back to the smoking section.

Bruce 5/18/2009 2:26:56 PM
YES PLEASE!!!!!Why should EVERYONE have to be subjected to the toxic and unpleasant odour of someones smoke. Many resturants allow smoking at their outside tables, forcing non smokers to have to sit inside. The irony of it. People would love to sit outside and enjoy the "fresh" air. Ban smoking as one would any other drug.

Glock 22 c 5/18/2009 2:27:05 PM
Smoke inside their houses and no where ells.

smoker! 5/18/2009 2:27:20 PM
Ag please... you obviously have nothing better to do than moan. get real. there is more in life that is far worse at this point in time than smokers or smoking. how about tkaing the resources and using it for the real concerns in life... my smoke wont kill your kid before the next taxi or robber or peadofile does it I can promise you that! wake up and concern yourselves with somthing real for once!

Anonymouse 5/18/2009 2:27:30 PM
and south african drinkers are? please go find some other ax to grind. the only reason smokers are being targeted is that they are far more considerate and accepting than boorish loud-mouthed drinkers who cause both health and social problems in society. have you ever chastised anyone for their drinking in public or in front of kids? complained about the numerous drinking ads that fill television? that theres a booze shop around every corner? i doubt it...how many people do the two really kill...

Lizzy 5/18/2009 2:27:37 PM
I am not a smoker, but I think that they are being unfairly judged here. Yes, there are certain smokers that simply don't give a hoot about others, but the majority of people that I know that smoke are very considerate in their habits. So I don't mind them lighting up. And I think it is very unfair to take away their right to smoke. Just as you have a right not to smoke, they have a right to smoke..

Alien Dude 5/18/2009 2:28:15 PM
good idea.Lets pass ANOTHER bill/law that won't be enforced....get real....

Juan 5/18/2009 2:29:19 PM
Murder and rape is practically legal in SA! Smokers will now become an easy target for cops, and they will rather arrest 'soft' targets (smokers) than pull finger and arrest murderers!

Big Buddha 5/18/2009 2:30:01 PM
Taxi Drivers, Real Estate Agents, Call Centre Operators, Window Washers, Blacks, Whites, Helen Zille, Metro Police, ANCYL, Car Gaurds, My mother in-law, Steve Hofmeyer, Poor People, Cosatu, Zapiro, Malema, street kids, Bulls Rugby Supporters, Bafana Bafana, Luke Watson, Joost, Benni etc etc...because at one time or another we disliked them.

cos 5/18/2009 2:32:45 PM
You & your like are PATHETIC.I am an ex-smoker (gave up 2yrs ago after smoking about 25 a day for 26yrs)but I have much sympathy for smokers as they are treated like lepers. All smokers I know are VERY considerate and mindful of non-smokers. Rude people will be rude smokers - dont blame all smokers!! Anyway when last did anyone smoke a packet of cigs, jump a red robot & kill an entire family. U should worry about drinking & in particular drunk drivers - not smokers!!

J Bones 5/18/2009 2:32:56 PM
Sounds fine, but why stop there? What about farting in public, albeit a silent one and spectators at sporting events shown on national TV downing large beers?

Viparo 5/18/2009 2:34:05 PM
I hear what you're saying. You do get very inconsiderate smokers, however I feel they are in the minority. As for the issue of health, I'm afraid to tell you but if you live in a city, you breathe the equivalent of 2 packs of smokes a day. Just by breathing the air. Also, if second hand smoke was as bad as you make it out to be, then everyone in their 60s now would have lung cancer, as smoking was allowed everywhere in the past.

WTF 5/18/2009 2:34:15 PM
Ahhh please, go jump in the lake... While we at it way don't we outlaw drinking, peeing on street poles during peak traffic, farting in lifts and picking noses in public?

Zee 5/18/2009 2:34:35 PM
It's one of those tricky arguments - as a smoker, I do sympathise with you, and I try and do my smoking away from the general public as often as possible. But it's also a question of freedom I think -I think that if you banned cigarettes in public the same would have to go for drinking in public, driving a car that emits carbon gases in public etc etc. A logistical headache! But your points are all valid, most smokers just need to choose the time and place more carefully!

SMOKER 5/18/2009 2:36:12 PM
AAG SHAME I REALY THINK THERE ARE BETTER THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT I THINK Lindani Gumede GOT NOTHING ELSE TO WRITE ABOUT OR BETTER WHY DON`T NON SMOKERS WEAR MASKS

ADW 5/18/2009 2:36:34 PM
Um? We have so many issues in South Africa. Crime, Education, AIDS, Corruption, Primary Health-care. Smoking is not healthy and all attempts should be done to discourage smoking, but to concentrate so much energy on "smoking out in the open," is a utter unnecessary distraction. Solve the major issues, not the minor annoyances that only effects the over-sensitive.

Kev 5/18/2009 2:37:01 PM
South African Johncarloses and all the other imbeciles are very inconsiderate. They freely talk without logical thought exposing our small kids to this bad and deadly habit. What really gets to me is that all these people think I'm being unfair when I confront them.....Now is that not more informative! I love my smoke but never inconvenience others! Love u all!

DWP 5/18/2009 2:37:17 PM
Don't be a tonsil! Then we should outlaw drinking at restaurants too.

WAM 5/18/2009 2:37:29 PM
Why should taxpayers pay for someone else's health problem IF they cause their own problems. If you are a smoker, take responsibility for your own health. If you get ill because of smoking, then you are on your own. Don't ask the taxpayer to bail you out.

Luke 5/18/2009 2:39:20 PM
I am a smoker and I really think that this is going a bit far, I am considerate and really feel that everyone that I know that smokes is too. We as smokers have already been push into tiny little glass boxes in restaraunts and in some place that I used to enjoy I can't smoke there at all. How can you justify banning smoking outside talk about the loss of freedom. Why don't we just ban drinking, take-aways, sweets and anything else that is bad for children. This is really a stupid suggestion...

smokey 5/18/2009 2:39:35 PM
Let's bn all factories and cars. You really think that a cigarette's smoke is much worse for you than the smog that hangs over your local city?

Fred Basset 5/18/2009 2:39:39 PM
Smokers give your children bad ideas? Then you better outlaw dreadlocks too...if your kid sees a dude with dreads, he will probably grow up to be a zonked out loser. Better outlaw Reeboks too...they make you look like a gangsta. Oh, and wine is a definite NONO...we have all seen homeless people drinking Paarl Perle from a paper bag, so it must be bad for your kids.

Barry Liversage 5/18/2009 2:39:54 PM
There are very few considerate smokers who will take non-smokers into consideration. The will always sit with their cigaret hand extended away fom their own face while letting the smoke drift into other people faces. If there is no ashtray available the floor will do, and the butts get thrown any where. "YES" ban all smoking in all public places and make it a punishable offence for smoking around children

Mandy 5/18/2009 2:39:58 PM
You moan about people smoking. You've got to be kidding me. Look around you. People are dying of hunger, Aids, crime etc in this here rainbow country of ours. Oh pleezzeee. Write about something worthy or shut up. You are really boring and pathetic. Go do something worthwhile like volunteer at the SPCA. Git

Leon 5/18/2009 2:41:09 PM
while we are at it, ban smoking on beaches as well. Nothing more disgusting than sharing the fresh sea breeze with second hand smoke and leveling out the sand for your towel and then digging up old butts! ahhgggg..

JP 5/18/2009 2:41:51 PM
Rape, murder, theft, assult, corruption, etc. Oh, I forgot, the above are already "outlawed"... This country has many other, more serious problems than people smoking, so please put a sock in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Johncarlos 5/18/2009 2:42:16 PM
Crime is an addiction too, and criminals are often addicted. Should we then 'overlook' them just as u seem to suggest we do smokers? After all, u are more likely to have your friend kill you with his smoke than with a knife or gun

non smoker 5/18/2009 2:42:21 PM
i think you crazy and am a non smoker, imagine what they think of you. get a life

lizzie 5/18/2009 2:42:33 PM
i smoke and am considerate about it, too. i take care to not dump my stompies all over the show and i don't blow smoke anywhere hear kids. it'd probably help if you moved your kids away from smokers... some people dislike children as much as you dislike smoking.

Ex smoker 5/18/2009 2:42:52 PM
Somebody's right. Smoking is extremely addictive and the hardest thing I ever did. It is easier to quit with nicotine replacement - who is going to provide these for smokers if smoking everywhere is banned? Many smokers also smoke to mask an underlying depression - who is going to pay for their treatment? Be realistic. We can't even get people to stop jaywalking.

Amazed 5/18/2009 2:42:57 PM
Wow! how could this utter nonsense even get published. I am a smoker myself and I try and follow the rules already set. I smoke in designated areas and far away from windows and doors. Taking smoking away is impeding on a culture and you do not want to do that. Yes, some smokers should learn to sympithize with smokers, but non smokers should also learn to tolirate it.

Clarissah 5/18/2009 2:43:10 PM
Have some sympathy on us poor addicts. Don't make generalizations about ALL smokers. I smoke. I don't smoke where I'm not allowed to. Even when I'm in a outdoor public place, I will ask the people around me if they mind if I smoke. I don't smoke in someone's house if they're non smokers. The laws have already removed the rights from smokers, so have some tolerance. A public area is a public area, and smokers are part of the public too.

diane 5/18/2009 2:43:12 PM
To all out there the key word is tolerance. If you go to a pub - you know there are going to be drunks - if you drive your car you know there is going to be some idiot talking on his cellphone or letting their child stand on the front seat. When you are out in public you know that there are going to be smokers. Just leave them be - its their lungs!

Attorney 5/18/2009 2:43:17 PM
Completely agree. Aside from the obvious dangers, smokers throw their cigarette butts everywhere, they think the world is their ashtray. I stand up for my rights, voice my opinion with no holds barred and will leave a restaurant if they don't comply with legislation. I have in fact reported a coffee shop for not complying. The law must be stricter - smoke in your own home, away from other people, OR QUIT!

Ag pleez! 5/18/2009 2:43:31 PM
Another one "dying" to live in a nanny state - as Ken said "lighten" up! You cannot protect your children from seeing all sorts of bad habits - just see what they see on TV. You can only teach them healthy values and right from wrong or should the government do that for you?

Adele 5/18/2009 2:44:31 PM
Let me tell you right now there are things in this world that is legal that kills more people than smoking does, for instance why don't they outlaw alcohol? If I smoke a cigarette in my car I am not putting the other road user's lifes at risk, but the person who just came from the bar and had too much too drink is definetly putting other people's lifes at risk. And a fine after the fact doesn't magically bring someone back to life. I wonder who is most inconsiderate, smokers or non-smokers?

Karen 5/18/2009 2:44:48 PM
I am a smoker and I am sick of non-smokers coming into smoking areas and then complaining about the smoke. We are already shunned and have to go to designated areas to satisfy our addictions which, by the way, we became a victim of thanks to the government making our drug of choice legal and easily available, but now makes it difficult to use. Non-smokers will insist that smokers join them in the non-smoking section of a restaurant and then get upset when the smokers spend the evening running in and out of the restaurant to go and have a smoke. Non-smokers need to understand that the addiction is also a linked to activities, we cannot enjoy having a drink without a cigarette, if we can't have a cigarette we don't want a drink. We also need to smoke after a meal, no smoke, no meal - don't get upset with us.

Duss 5/18/2009 2:44:55 PM
Please Lindani, make sure that your kids do not see people driving their cars, you will not believe how many inconciderate drivers out there kill people. I would also love to see how SARS will make up the tax they will lose if we all stop smoking. Why not ban smoking and hike VAT up to 20%?

Paul 5/18/2009 2:45:25 PM
How can you take a teacher to "task" for smoking in a place where the kids can see them? What were you doing there? picking up your own kids? Was the teacher on their way home? Are you going to take everyone to "task" for smoking in front of kids? Now if you'll excuse me while I go light up, just reading about smoking gets my lungs craving.

PatcheS 5/18/2009 2:46:05 PM
Look, the amount of smoke a outdoor from people smoking is so minimal. The fumes from your car do more damage to your kids than that of the chap who has a puff while walking his dog. Get over yourself, and stop fabricating reasons to upset yourself. You have your section, smokers have their section. Pushing for this makes you even more inconsiderate than the smokers you so loath.

Noel 5/18/2009 2:46:55 PM
Good idea and while we're about it let's also ban motor cars, aircraft, in fact, any machinery that has an internal combustion engine, they also produce poisonous gases. If I'm not mistaken, they cause more damage to human beings and the environment than smoking. Think about it, then you and like minded people can really enjoy 'grovelling in the cespit of your own discontent'. The last time I looked, smoking was banned in all public places, including boarder (or should that be border) gates.

Fred Basset 5/18/2009 2:47:47 PM
People who stink of last weeks sweaty armpits should be banned from public. I find smelly people far more off-putting than smokers. I also detest overly loud people...if you cant make your point without raising your voice in public then you should be locked up. Children should be kept on a leash if you take them in public...that is not cruel, just practical. Once all these things are incorporated in our legal system, then we can look at smoking in public

Franky 4 Fingers 5/18/2009 2:48:07 PM
I'm afraid to say that is crazy. I've been exposed to smoking my whole life (through parents and friends) and have never touched a ciggi in my life. U need to harden up and get on with life. Honestly, if we had to ban eveything because people are too weak to form their own opinion and act accordingly we really would have a dull society. I'm afraid to say if you carry on like this around your son he is going to grow up a hyperchondriac and a mommy's boy. Next article

Alcy 5/18/2009 2:48:32 PM
Alcohol, the sale, utilization and making of it. I believe it kills more people, damage more lives physically and emotionally, causes more rapes, physical abuse and hardship than smoking. I know because I come from a home where no-one dare to smoke, especially when my dad was drinking, you will I repeat will be donnered beyond recognition. Ask me I will e-mail you the picture from me and my mom after a nice drinking session.

MajorPain 5/18/2009 2:49:00 PM
Lindani, it is your job as a parent to teach your kids that smoking is not good for them. Stop trying to pass your responsibilities to everyone else. Perhaps we should also pass a law prohibiting people from urinating themselves in public, prohibit spitting in public. Perhaps we can even prohibit bigots like you from opening their mouths in public.

Phillip Roos 5/18/2009 2:49:03 PM
These ignorant people thinking that this will help the non-smokers should wake up and smell the roses. The engine fumes they live in are way more dangerous. Please, try to resolve this first, before talking about the smokers.There are already enough discrimination against the smokers. Soon they will have to bring a law against farting in public...idiots

AJ Venter 5/18/2009 2:49:17 PM
The fundamental cornerstone of a free society is that short of infringing on your rights, I can do what I want. Smoking behind a glasspane at a restaurant is my right, you have the right not to breath my snoke - but you can't demand not to SEE it ! What's next ? banning t-shirts with messages you don't want your kids to think are cool ? Banning Muslim headdresses in case christian girls think they are cool ? Censorship is never the right answer - to ANY question. For smoking: least of all.

Mandy 5/18/2009 2:49:53 PM
Geeeeezzzz, your article stinks. "You tried to tolerate these people" & "public indecency". "Took a teacher to task". Who do you think you are? Stop sticking you nose into other people's business.

Attorney 5/18/2009 2:50:02 PM
Don't come down on people so hard just because they don't want to breathe someone else's smoke. We all have rights, but in exercising our rights we must not infringe on another's. What will need to be weighed up is the right to free-smoking versus the right to inhale air free-of-smoke. I am thinking the latter will succeed, but it will no doubt be fought vociferously.

Avra 5/18/2009 2:50:13 PM
I totally agree with Somebody. Ladies and Gentlemen, do you drive a vehicle? It takes 70 people to light up their cigarettes at the same time to pollution the air in the same manner that ONE car starting up. So who is going by bicycle tomorrow to work and give Mother Earth a break?

Ryan 5/18/2009 2:50:33 PM
The time for people to become conscious of themselves and their actions is long overdue. We need to start this process by becoming more considerate towards others and the impact that we have on others and the environment around us. Lindani is going to get a lot of flack from the people that don?t want to see positive change in this country. These people will sight all sorts of issues such what other countries do and what other injustices are going on in South Africa. Legislation will assist in bringing change.

Lisa Carey 5/18/2009 2:50:51 PM
Great idea, and why not ban children from public places at the same time! My smoke may irritate you, but your children in a restaurant would no doubt irritate me!

MikeyMike 5/18/2009 2:51:27 PM
As a person who used to smoke, I always hated it when this subject came up. I tried my best to be considerate to non smokers and always made sure buts ended up in a ash tray and I smoked far far away from my buddies kids but then there are people like you Lindani that moan non stop about it even if there are smokers making a effort. If you skipped a stop street could we ask you to stop driving and outlaw it as you are endangering other people on the road??

Concerned Citizen 5/18/2009 2:52:16 PM
Come on, don't you have better things to do instead of writing something so hideous???

Ano Nymous 5/18/2009 2:52:37 PM
We have a constitutional right to clean air, untainted by carcinogenic substances. Smoking in public places must be outlawed. Smokers can smoke at home, or in designated smoking areas. If they could do it in California, they can do it here. Why should I not be able to sit at outside, sunny tables at restaurants?

Ivan 5/18/2009 2:52:39 PM
Want to quit smoking, visit www.allencarr.co.za, it works for most people.

Alex 5/18/2009 2:53:02 PM
In the event of smoking been banned from public places, they should do the same for drinking alcohol, e.g. no more drinking at cricket or rugby matches or in restaurants. I see drink a even worse habit than smoking. If you are worried about the pollution that is in the air then we should banned cars from driving and braai's. The food at braai's has been proven to cause cancer. If you are concerned about peoples health then we should ban fast food and junk food from been sold.

cos 5/18/2009 2:53:09 PM
We SHOULD have more hard-core advertising on the dangers of smoking, pictures, videos etc - real "in your face stuff". But also,it is our responsibility as parents to teach our children right from wrong. If you dont want yr children exposed to all the bad things in life u will have to blind fold them and block their ears because we are surrounded by it every day. GET A LIFE and be responsible for your children!

charlie 5/18/2009 2:53:25 PM
I agree about smoking in Public. By the fact that it's banned in restaurants etc, why should we have to put up with it in public places. It's annoying, it's filthy, let's put a stop to it.

charlie 5/18/2009 2:53:25 PM
I agree about smoking in Public. By the fact that it's banned in restaurants etc, why should we have to put up with it in public places. It's annoying, it's filthy, let's put a stop to it.

charlie 5/18/2009 2:53:27 PM
I agree about smoking in Public. By the fact that it's banned in restaurants etc, why should we have to put up with it in public places. It's annoying, it's filthy, let's put a stop to it.

Vic 5/18/2009 2:53:28 PM
Lindani, let me guess. You have caught your child smoking and now have a gripe with smokers as they are the cause. A child shouldn't be dependant on getting their examples of what to do from a stranger in the street / restaurant / other public place. It is a parent obligation to teach their children what is wrong and right. Are you going to blame thieves when you child starts stealing?

Ghwappie 5/18/2009 2:54:23 PM
... are inconsiderate non-smokers like Lindani Gumede. We as considerate smokers were banned to "leper colonies" outside so that you can have a "clean" environment indoors - but have you ever seen all the crap that lives in air-conditioning. But no-o-o-o-o. You want it ALL. Please look in the mirror and see how amazingly selfish you are. Sies.

Nick Ed 5/18/2009 2:54:43 PM
Why not then ban all sale of alchohol & have curfews(dont want kids to think that they can stay up late now do we?)Smoking is regulated so that people who are non smokers do not have to be stuck indoors breathing in second-hand smoke. If you are outdoors, then it is not difficult to keep out of their way(however, I do sympathise with your queing incident).And if you are worried that your kids might want to become smokers because they may think its cool then be a good mum & tell them that its not.

julie 5/18/2009 2:54:52 PM
Your arugement as been done ad naseum. Kids these days need to be taught good values, so that they can make an informed choice. Of course smoking is bad for you, so is : standing in queues, eating tomatoes, driving a car, swmimming, sun burn - must i go on? Live and Let Live!

jackey 5/18/2009 2:55:21 PM
you mentioned you were @ the bordergate,You should have left & never returned as you also becoming as annoying as this article !!

Sideline 5/18/2009 2:55:33 PM
If I throw a chemical in your water supply that could cause cancer would you be concerned. If so then putting smoke into the air that other people inhale is just as concerning....

Frank Zappa 5/18/2009 2:56:13 PM
Tobbaco is my favourite vegetable

I 5/18/2009 2:56:49 PM
I do agree with the writer that you do get inconsiderate smokers. However you also get inconsiderate and bad drivers, poor service, polluted air, questionable tap water, muderers and rapists walking free, the staff of the airport and/or airline stealing your luggage and the guy at the robot hijacking your car. You also get unroadworthy cars that are a risk and also bad for the environment - adding to the pollution that we breath everyday. Cheer up, there are more depressing matters!

Nick 5/18/2009 2:57:22 PM
I am not a smoker but i have a lot of freinds that do smoke. they are all considerate and will often go out of thier ways to make sure that i am not affected by there smoke. just because you cant control ur children why is it the teachers fault. Children running around at a resurant if far more anoying that any smoker will be. If you dont want ur children to be 2nd hand smokers buy them masks as the air is the city is much more harmful

Geo 5/18/2009 2:57:57 PM
Please Lindani, keep in mind that the constitution and laws attempt to protect the rights of all a countries citizens and not just yours. It usually calls for a balanced aproach to such issues.

VinChainSaw 5/18/2009 2:58:15 PM
First they came for the smokers and I remained silent for I was not a smoker... then they came for the drinkers and I remained silent for I was not a drinker... then they... then they... when eventually they came for me there was nobody left to talk for me.

VinChainSaw 5/18/2009 2:58:19 PM
First they came for the smokers and I remained silent for I was not a smoker... then they came for the drinkers and I remained silent for I was not a drinker... then they... then they... when eventually they came for me there was nobody left to talk for me.

Topdog 5/18/2009 2:59:17 PM
they insist that they have the right to take time off work to go and smoke. Their salaries should be lower than those of their colleagues who don't spend half the day importantly sucking away at a piece of burning rubbish.

Lebo 5/18/2009 2:59:22 PM
lindani, perhaps just take a step back and realise that as much as smoking is an irritating habit for you, others find comfort in it. it is you that is being inconsiderate. kids exposure to the world is critical for their development and it is you that must guide them

Ims 5/18/2009 3:01:23 PM
I do sympathise, and can agree that there are inconsiderate smokers out there, but do not paint us all with the same brush! Restaurants have cornered of the smoking section, what more do you want? There are worse things out there influencing a child, and it depends on you as a parent to be open with your child of what is wrong and write, but we also all need to learn from our mistakes one way or another without pointing blame to society or anyone else! It is your own mistake to make!!

jannie 5/18/2009 3:02:21 PM
you all sound the same.... if you don't want your kids to smoke, teach them not too, stop whining like an old woman and get over yourself. if someone else's smoke bothers you, tell him. if it doesn't, and you (or your kids) can see him though a glass window, then shut up and eat your food... it's not up to the smoker to set an example for your kids, it's up to you

kev 5/18/2009 3:03:08 PM
South African Johncarloses, Lindani Gumedes and all the other imbeciles are very inconsiderate. They freely talk without logical thought exposing our small kids to this bad and deadly habit. What really gets to me is that all these people think I'm being unfair when I confront them.....Now is that not more informative! I love my smoke but n inconvenience others! Love u all!

chez 5/18/2009 3:03:16 PM
if a child sees their role-model smoking do you not think it may entice them to? do you not get that? and to smithers you numbnuts, of course drinking should be banned. you may as well offer a line of cocaine or a puff of heroin. the only reason us sheep see no wrong with booze is because it's legal. THAT DOES NOT MAKE IT OK! Ban smoking at sports stadiums too. we can't get away from the smoke in a stadium. and no kids under 16 in smoking areas either. don't inflict your habit on their health.

GeorGe 5/18/2009 3:03:22 PM
I've just latched on to this blog now and while reading the article, I knew that some tarts would come with the alcohol storey - we are not talking about alcohol (I don't drink). I personally am sick and tired of going to sports venues and have to sit there inhaling some ass-holes smoke. Ban the shit - it has no place in society - humans have to eat and drink to survive - not smoke . Even on the golf courses - ban the shit!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ban fire crackers. BAN, BAN the crap. r

cos 5/18/2009 3:03:45 PM
LOL - quite right too. I could add a few to your list but point taken. I bet the writer wishes she didnt even write this stupid letter now!

kaalkopWaarheid 5/18/2009 3:04:46 PM
another case of the parent not wanting to accept responsibility?? so your kids are not allowed to have candy when they see other kids having candy? are you going to sue the next kid that has candy in front of your kid??? climb into a cave or like someone else said, poke their eyes out so they cant see anything

donmulto 5/18/2009 3:04:59 PM
you are responsible for the upbringing of your children. You should teach them right from wrong. Dont let it up to what they see. People must be free to choose what thet want to do with their life and bodies. it is a decision every human should have. if you dont like it, steer clear of it, but remember that it doesn't make you better than them.

woggle 5/18/2009 3:05:19 PM
there is absolutely zero proof that second hand smoking is harmful check your facts!

Tlaki 5/18/2009 3:05:42 PM
Smoking is a bad habit. They are not smoking for themselves for others. Especially ladies they hide themselves in the toilet if smoking. Toilet is for the public not for smokers. Winter they cough like they ve got TB or ASthma, fat ones they wanted to loose weight because of smoking eat healthy and stop with that stinky attitude idiots

Smoker. 5/18/2009 3:06:16 PM
Rather ban drinking as alcohol does more damage to more people than smoking. Smoking does not change my personality as does alcohol. Irresponsible drinking is also a bad habit thatneeds to be discouraged in every way possible.

Leon 5/18/2009 3:06:31 PM
I for one, has NEVER NEVER met a considerate smoker. Please, you are living in a dream world. Considerate my a$#

Me 5/18/2009 3:08:03 PM
Simply put - smokers are a disgusting bunch of people. Their stench of body odor, obtrusive invasion of personal space by their smoke wafting into my face and their persistent littering make it clear that we no longer need this kind of person in society.

Christina 5/18/2009 3:08:19 PM
yoh but the people in can be small minded... they want to clamp down on smokers BUT WHAT ABOUT THE DRINKERS.... you do not see cops running into bars and let the assholes blow in the blow thingy to test their alcohol levels before they get in their cars and have a bigger chance of killing people or innocent animals.... NOOOOOOOO it is easier to clamp down on smoking.... it is so pathetic... and i am a smoker...... what about my rights -- is this a democratice country or not? Christina

CJE 5/18/2009 3:08:22 PM
Please when the last time that yyou looked at the smog on hanging over any city, that also damages your body. Whilest you about it ban drinking, beacuse I've heard more people being killed due to drinking. I agree rather "spend" tax-payers money on reducing crime. Really people.....

Ty 5/18/2009 3:08:44 PM
FACT: Smoking is poisonous & kills. FACT: Second hand smoking is poisonous & kills. All I see on here is very emotional comments made towards the author of the article. No doubt by smokers themselves. Everyone should have the right to do whatever they want in the privacy of their own homes as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else. FACT: You are not only smoking in the privacy of your homes but in public, where there are children (& adults) about. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

VLS 5/18/2009 3:08:46 PM
Smokers are inconsiderate imbeciles. The sooner we ban it the better.

ck 5/18/2009 3:09:17 PM
As an ex smoker and obviously current addict as "SOMEBODY" so accurately put it; i know all about the excuses we use to keep smoking. yes there is a lot of pollution in the air but why then add to the problem by exposing our children to smoking? Why does this debate still go on? We all know its bad and we all know we have fallen for the rich cigarette makers. the point is that all drugs should be banned; alcohold, cigs, cocaine, heroin, etc. etc.

Angie 5/18/2009 3:09:51 PM
I am an ex-smoker, which is probably worse than a 'never smoked' non smoker.. no, actually we are worse. Anyway, i reckon the article is a load of hog wash, the only complaint i have, is if smokers stand right in your path smoking outside mall entrances. I don't like walking through the smoke. Other than that..smoke away...i'm not going to preach to anyone to stop smoking. Didn't like it when i smoked, so i can't blame the smokers. They'll stop if they want to, not when you tell them to.

Sonny 5/18/2009 3:10:07 PM
What about CFC, automobile exhaust fumes? Ban cars and Coal fired power plants, period. Air polution will probably reduced by 80% You should be happy then going to work on GT donkey and music by candle light! Twits!

Zero Tolerance 5/18/2009 3:10:12 PM
Hello there U twit! How about we ban BEER and other alcoholic drinks because its a DRUG ALSO MORON!!!

al 5/18/2009 3:10:35 PM
its a choice, and if you dont like it then move away. u chose not to smoke, am i dissing your decision? no, so leave the smokers alone. there are more important things to worry about

Ben 5/18/2009 3:11:44 PM
It's illegal to drink and drive, but still people do it - and booze isn't even addictive (to most people anyway). I won't mind if they ban it from general areas, but there should also be certain areas where people can smoke.

Anton 5/18/2009 3:11:50 PM
Come one, banning smoking will never happen. I am a non smoker and do not believe that this would ever happen, if it did it would be wonderfull. What I would like to suggest is that we relook at where we have these people smoke, most "Family" restaurants have the smoking area in the open air spaces and mostly next to the kids playground. can we not move these to be on the inside with good extractor fans????

Fortune teller 5/18/2009 3:12:29 PM
Dear Lindani. I think that you should find a release for all your pent up rage, other than coming up with this dribble. All you ever do is write in complaining about almost everything under the sun, without giving any points to your argument.From tow-truck drivers to "corporate bullies". Stop being "holier than thou" and come up with solutions.

Boardroom 5/18/2009 3:13:26 PM
When you ban the thousands of trucks, buses, taxis, etc that spew massive amounts of poisonous gas into the air, then you can start on the smokers!

Anton 5/18/2009 3:13:50 PM
Car exhaust fumes, factory fumes, speeding drivers, drunk drivers, spitting... why not tackle these issues first? Smokers have, for far too long been a soft target. Start focusing on real agendas. This is getting long in the tooth.... ex smoker....

Dave 5/18/2009 3:14:15 PM
Yes I fully agree with you all, but banning smoking will increase your tax money each month. We as smokers are paying 50% of all tax being paid in this country.

The Oracle 5/18/2009 3:14:46 PM
Be nice to our smokers, our time are short.. :-) First sort out binge drinking and drug abuse!

cool 5/18/2009 3:14:52 PM
as mentioned, there are many issues in SA, besides the choice we make to have a smoke and spend the money on the smokes....goverment should be kept busy with the unemplyment, hunger etc...not control our personal budget

Bev 5/18/2009 3:14:54 PM
I am a smoker and I do consider non smokers. I don't get in their way. I say take the idiots off the pavement that pee and have no respect for others! They should be punished! They spread disease

cool 5/18/2009 3:15:05 PM
as mentioned, there are many issues in SA, besides the choice we make to have a smoke and spend the money on the smokes....goverment should be kept busy with the unemplyment, hunger etc...not control our personal budget

piet 5/18/2009 3:15:28 PM
I'm a considerate smoker. I don't even smoke in my OWN car when there are other people with me in the car. I don't throw my butt out of the window. I put it out in a plastic container in my car. Not even in the ash tray. I don't smoke in my OWN house if I have non-smoking visitors. So Lindani? Do you drink and pee in your garden?

Jason 5/18/2009 3:15:54 PM
I agree partly with Lindani.Smokers in general, show very little consideration for non-smokers. The addiction excuse,is just that-an excuse to be self absorbed. And I think its mostly this attitude that rubs non-smokers the wrong way. If a non-smoker,decided to let rip a fart near a smoker-do you think the smoker would be amused at having to breath in the stink? Well,why should a non-smoker put up with the stink when someone lights up & blows smoke all over the place? Fight a stink with a stink!

Intellectual_Stoner 5/18/2009 3:16:12 PM
Let me tell you something my girl,I've smoked amazing Indoor chronic and Cigarettes everyday for the past 8 years and I'm not nearly as DISILLUSIONAL as you...Stop being such a Whinger and take your Rubbish letters to the Daily Sun instead of boring us with this utter nonsense...

Michael J 5/18/2009 3:16:15 PM
Had you been a white person with the same story you would have received a positive response. Sorry.

SimonP 5/18/2009 3:16:17 PM
I think there are slightly more urgent matters than public smoking for the Gov to sort out. There is no scientific evidence to support the secondary smoking BS. The UK banned smoking in pubs and has caused thousands to go bust. More business going bust and lower tax revenues in a recession? Not a good idea.

Wet 5/18/2009 3:17:07 PM
We will outlaw everything in this country. Why is it illegal to make love in public, you don't harm anyone. Next thing you will suggest we outlaw talking in public, because of swine flu. Get a life. there are many things that you do and people don't like them.just smoke dagger and relax.

Marlene 5/18/2009 3:18:31 PM
my ass, thinking your tax money goes to smokers, how many times have you heard of a perfect healthy non smoking man who gets a heart attack heart alignment!!! Stress kills far more people so you will probably end up sooner with health problems than the smokers - put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Remo 5/18/2009 3:18:46 PM
In that case, I want the same for public religious preachings, and numerous intolernaces I have.

fullmoon 5/18/2009 3:18:48 PM
Most smoker are fairly considerate. And I bet you drive a big heavy vehicle, make fires in your back yard (braai, burn rubbish) throw away plastic etc etc. More to worry about than smokers. Was Glock refering to Ernie???

Steve 5/18/2009 3:19:09 PM
Please don't take you children in your car, the crap that your car spews out is far more dangerous to their health than someone smoking in public. Oh, but you don't see the harm in that do you. Oh, and I don't smoke, just in case you were curious.

tumi 5/18/2009 3:19:24 PM
Im not a smoker, but i feel you are making a big deal out of nothing, it seems to me like u go out of your way to get annoyed by smokers. I travel by public transport everyday and I have to say lots of smokers are very considerate, they will move away from everyone else at the bus stop when they smoke...so be considerate

Donald 5/18/2009 3:19:42 PM
I don't smoke but I don't believe we should dictate to people what they can and can not do. What I do expect is for smokers to be considerate 'cos there is no denying that is smells disgusting and is irriataing to the eyes and, for many, to the lungs. I have no qualms if an inconsiderate smokers adopts a self righteous attitude in letting rip with the smelliest fart I can muster - so bad it would be considered lethal and yet far healthier to inhale!

Peter 5/18/2009 3:21:43 PM
I am a non smoker. I find 99% of people that smoke will first ask if they may smoke or keep to the law. If you don't like it buy a gass mask and then it will at least keep the air clean that you breath but won't stop you talking crap.

Puff-Puff-Give 5/18/2009 3:22:18 PM
the maybe Lindani you will be protected from smokers,. vehicle and industrial emissions are at least 10 times worse than all smokers combined yet here you are irritating us with this drivel, get a life dude, we got bigger problems to deal with

Scotty 5/18/2009 3:24:00 PM
Once again we can see what incessant little whiners most South Africans can be. There are way worse things to be worried about than an anti-smoking law! If you don't like second hand smoke then why don't you also complain about all the unroadworthy trucks and buses on the road, belching black clouds of noxious fumes all over the place, now there's a health hazard! and what the hell is a boarder gate?

IceCreamMan 5/18/2009 3:24:29 PM
I agree wholeheartedly. Smoking in public places should be banned outright. I am fed up of having to put up with other ppl's inability to comprehend the damage they are inflicting on themselves and more importantly on me.

JJ 5/18/2009 3:25:45 PM
Talk a lot of nonsense just because you heard the same so often. This secondary smoking is a lot of hogwash. I have been smoking for 20+ years. Ok I am sure my lungs are not so squeaky clean as they should be But im not in a shape to keel over and die tommorrow. NOW if someone never smokes and come into contact with secondary smoke every once whenever, For you to get sick from that you REALLY must not be well to start off with. Stop talking crap!!

RUDOLF 5/18/2009 3:25:47 PM
I believe Government should get occupied with more important things. Like fighting real crime and poverty. They cannot enforce law and order as it is. How on earth do you expect them to enforce smoking laws as you suggest. Or are you looking to be the TOP NON-SMOKING COP IN CHARGE. Find another job and a life.

Ghwappie 5/18/2009 3:25:58 PM
I think all attorneys should be banned. In fact, I cover my children's eyes whenever there is an attorney in plain view. Inconsiderate attorneys have messed up many more people's lives than smoking ever did. I once reported an attorney for literally being a pain in the butt. Could maybe have been you. So be an attorney where no one can see or hear you or QUIT!

Unbelievable 5/18/2009 3:26:12 PM
Whenever someone uses the term, "these people, or you people" it screams of ignorance. For the record, Parliament can't arrange a piss up in a brewery. Try focussing on the real issues we have to deal with on a daily basis.

piet 5/18/2009 3:26:27 PM
So Attorney? What about that sweet wrap you threw out of the window?

Poloyatonki 5/18/2009 3:28:17 PM
Smokers dont care about their own lives so how the hell will they care about other peoples lives.

Avra 5/18/2009 3:28:30 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, do you drive a vehicle? It takes 70 people to light up their cigarettes at the same time to pollution the air in the same manner that ONE car starting up. So who is going by bicycle tomorrow to work and gives Mother Earth a break?

Anon 5/18/2009 3:28:40 PM
We should ban them from public places to. They're noisy and dirty, nothing worse than a screaming runny nose kid in a restaurant when you're trying eat.

Volv 5/18/2009 3:29:48 PM
ja good idea!

AJ 5/18/2009 3:30:01 PM
Walking out of a shopping mall these days is like taking a pack of up yourself. You have to walk through this white cloud of smoke because these poor addicts can't wait to get their fix. That being said, what is the use of a seperate smoking area in a restaurant when they can't keep the door closed. If you end up sitting withing 2m from the "smoking area" you might as well be sitting in the smoking area. The problem comes down to who will enforce these laws? But let's hope!!

Henry 5/18/2009 3:30:08 PM
Typicall Smokers. See all the comments from Smokers, Trying to justify what they are doing by diverting the attention to other issues. While you are at it, what gets me, these idiots throuwing out their butts in traffic. Next Time when stopping at a stop street/traffic light look how many butts are lying around. Helloooooo that is what an ASHTRAY is there for.Most inconsiderate people around. Also look at the amount of time they spend at work smoking in stead of being productive.

Handy_Candy 5/18/2009 3:30:38 PM
You should look at the bigger picture and realise there are more serious issues at hand in SA. Can you imagine the police in the streets arresting people for smoking, while just around the corner a child is being raped? I guess that would make you happy... Perhaps you should climb into a glass box so that we can see what public indecency looks like.

bigmart 5/18/2009 3:33:07 PM
Ban golf!! Have you ever had to sit through a golfer tel you blade by bloody blase of grass about his efforts on the golf course. It kills far quicker than smoking. Ban, ban, ban!!!! Let's allow nothing. Leave us smokers alone. We pay far more tax than the rest of you and create lots of jobs. Stop telling me what to do.

samsam 5/18/2009 3:34:41 PM
BLADE will transform UFS,Stell,UCT,Potch,etc its now or never, the most feared COMMUNIST is here again, we cant have lecturers who are destroying the nation with poison,poison Im referring to is this madness you BOERES are doing

Lallie 5/18/2009 3:34:45 PM
I respect people that don't smoke. I am a smoker but do not smoke in public. Why don't they rather ban drinking it has caused more break ups in marriages and families and has killed more people than smoking. What about those people that pee along the road it's disgusting.

proud to be white 5/18/2009 3:34:46 PM
I as a smoker have the same rights as you,so I have the right to smoke where i want to,so please do me a favour and get a life.How about whe just stop alchohol consumption,tell me quick all you losers,whats worse,my sigarette smoke,or the broken down truck or bus thats shoots a ton of smog into the air every minute,losers.

Jason 5/18/2009 3:35:18 PM
is enforcement of those laws. there are restaurants in sea point, where there's no separation of smoking and non-smoking patrons. I would like to see the no-smoking on trains extended to the stations and areas of public transport, where you're likely to be in the same area for a long period of time. As for smoking while walking down a street or smoking in a glass cage, theres no harm in that. Anything more would be excessive.

SimonP 5/18/2009 3:35:50 PM
Go to www.constitutionalcourt.org.za, judgements, search, type in Shaik, go to full judgement.

Tian 5/18/2009 3:35:52 PM
Lindani, smoking is not pornography and the fact that it irritates you does not make it pornography either. Why don't you stop irritating the smokers and get a life?

Smanga Zulu 5/18/2009 3:36:14 PM
I do it, but not in public.

Cliff 5/18/2009 3:36:40 PM
Oh get a life and go live in a bubble. You sound like one of those nitpicking people who always try to interfere in everybody's life. I am so sick and tired of of this hooha about secondary smoking - have a look around you and see what industry and vehicles are pumping out every day - if you are so concerned you should walk around wearing a gas mask. Why don't you take it up with your local MEC, but please request them to deal with the more serious issue of crime first.

Martin 5/18/2009 3:37:40 PM
Ken. Cutting down a bit on your "considerate" smoker-friends 2nd hand smoke may clear your mind a bit. You forgot to add the part where smokers "die & let die". SOMEBODY: you should really cut down, and don't suck both ends of the cigarette - just look what it has done to your grammar! Scorching your lips on the lit end definitely does not help your anger issues either.

VAD 5/18/2009 3:37:42 PM
Nothing more irritating than breathing in the putrid smokey air of a yellow fingered inconsiderate who is too stubborn to acknowledge that smoking reduces life span (mine). As for that post cigarette breath STENCH.... Agh! Let me have it you imbeciles....

Bob 5/18/2009 3:38:16 PM
While on the topic of outlawing intolerances, how about we outlaw public religious preachings as I find it offensive and I can't tolerate it and I don't want my children to be influenced by the misleadings of an un-ethical practice.

Smk 5/18/2009 3:41:01 PM
then some stupid anti-smoking law. Lets sort out the rapists/murders... the real criminals before we can start even think of implementing something like this. For the other issues we can focus our energy on this is a very pathetic idea to focus on.

charmaine 5/18/2009 3:41:31 PM
i dont smoke 20 cigarettes in 2 hours, get in my car and kill innocent people, if i drink too much and get on the road, i might....focus more on the drinking and driving for goodness sake!!

hendrik 5/18/2009 3:42:14 PM
You sound like the person who is so over protective of your children. The kind of person telling dirty jokes while your children is near, pee'ing on the lawn and against the tree - that is not against the law, that was against the tree you would say. Swearing at your wife while your children is near. Teaching your friend's parrot to swear. 30 Years from now - your children is going to do the same thing. Then you will get a wake up call - Blame it on the smokers

fern 5/18/2009 3:42:48 PM
This is getting ridiculous. Why don't we just outlaw cars too.

Ghwappie 5/18/2009 3:42:59 PM
Not quite the response you hoped for, huh? LMAO :-D And a great big thanx to all the non-smokers who came to the aid of us well-behaved, considerate smokers. After all, we are a dying breed...

blah 5/18/2009 3:44:09 PM
You can't just ban everything that you don't like. I think that you are setting a bad example for children by complaining constantly about something that is a non issue. Oh, and by the way I stopped smoking 30 a day 17 months ago while still being around smokers which proves that seeing someone else smoke is not going to force you to do the same.

Mandy 5/18/2009 3:44:20 PM
Wow, you are a right ray of sunshine are'nt you? I think I saw you in traffic this morning..... the one with the big smile that gave me a gap and a goodmorning wave.

JW 5/18/2009 3:45:33 PM
Lindani, good for you for having an opinion and airing it in the face of all the 'smoke' created by people who really dont care how their habbit negatively affects others. I cant believer how offended smokers get when you point out you dont like their smoke. Its a diversion to now say what about crime, what about drinking etc. The topic on the table is smoking and how non-smokers dislike being an unwilling secondary smoker. I dislike the habit & I especially dislike the filth it leaves behind

Dee 5/18/2009 3:45:38 PM
So much for "freedom". Would you like the smokers to rather form their own villages and be ostracised from the general public...? Get real!! I'm not a smoker,but I for one won't tell someone they are not allowed to do something when it is their "god-given" right to do so. If they choose to smoke, so be it. You must stay away from them not them away from you - you're the one that's complaining! They don't ask you to breath in their smoke, if it bothers you go somewhere else.

L 5/18/2009 3:45:57 PM
is just another up and coming middle classer who feels the need to 'hev he' say!

CTheB 5/18/2009 3:47:11 PM
The majority of smokers couldn't care less if their smoking bothers others (but will be equally upset if someone does something they don't like), whether it be through second hand smoke or other actions related to smoking. The most amusing responses are the ones about how they ash and throw their cigarette butts out of their car windows because they don't want their cars to smell of smoke. Guess what, I don't want your cigarette butts on the road or, as has happened a couple of times, hitting me as I come past. In bars it's common for smokers to hold their cigarettes off to the side and blow the smoke off to the side, in someone else's face, for some reason. If smokers like smoke so much, why are they deliberately trying to get the smoke away from themselves except when they're inhaling it? I don't care if they want to kill themselves, but they shouldn't be hurting others like that (please don't come with that rubbish about no evidence of second hand smoking damage. Next thing you'll be saying there's no evidence supporting evolution). The worst for me is the fact that I either can't breathe or actually throw up when I inhale cigarette smoke.

JW 5/18/2009 3:47:48 PM
Smokers are such whiners when anyone says anything about their habit. Its is disgusting and nonsmokers hate being subject to it. Stop diverting the subject away from smoking to crime and drinking. Be a considerate smoker or stop!

donald 5/18/2009 3:47:55 PM
I agree with Volv - if I could have kids banned in public OR smoking I'd have quite a dilemma on my hands. I think parents are more self righteous about their horrible kids irritating the sh*t out of everyone than smokers so I'll go with banning kids!

CuriousT 5/18/2009 3:48:11 PM
The police cant even catch hardened criminals!! Do you think we have the manpower to catch people smoking, when they should be catching proper criminals?? Please you are waisting your time, find something else to complain about!!

julie 5/18/2009 3:50:16 PM
"untainted by carcinogenic substances" - we all have cancer cells in our body, it's not only the smoke /nicotine that causes cancer! tomatoes have carcinogenic cells, burnt toast as well, Lindani - you'll have to stop your kids eating those things..... @Put this... what? "everyone should have the right to do whatever they like in the privacy of their own homes!" what? are you crazy, encouraging paedophiles is horrific! Name calling is not going to help - only tolerance will.

5th 5/18/2009 3:50:43 PM
If smoking in public should be banned, I also think that driving SUVs should also be banned too. While we're at it, fat people should be banned from eating in public, this sends the wrong image to little children, being fat is not cool.

migger 5/18/2009 3:51:20 PM
come on bob, road side preachers are the best, i always get a good laugh out of the fire & brimstone tonsils :), and the author is a tit, smoking is a great source of revenue, and can potentially bring millions of monies into a country. farming, transport, packaging, design, advertising & retailers all benefit from tobacco products

SOMEBODY 5/18/2009 3:53:03 PM
Johncarlos - Crime is a mental addiction while smoking is physical. Go read some books and maybe you would learn something. Attorney - Air free-of-smoke would mean not doing anything that causes pollution? That means no more high powered land rover and quad bikes for you. But I would rather tar my lungs. ck - You probably know about all the excuses but you do not know what causes them and then there's that whole freedom off choice thing that results from a democracy.

Smoker. 5/18/2009 3:53:37 PM
Pictures of car accidents and domestic violence should be placed on every alcoholic container sold as well as warnings (like on cigarette packets) that ALCOHOL KILLS!!!! Do we really want to expose our children to drunks falling around hardly able to string two words together! Let us smokers be!

Sonny 5/18/2009 3:53:45 PM
Yeah and you spnd the same time on youtube and facebook. Work in a office and youngsters spend more time there than doing their work. Have had a lot of disciplinary hearings for them.

SIMON 5/18/2009 3:53:51 PM
You might just as well pass laws on public farting, etc

Plagu3 5/18/2009 3:54:42 PM
I'm not sure when smoking became so discrimiated against...but if we are going to ban smoking in open public areas, then, we should also ban the burning of fuel/diesel in public places. Only a hyperchondriac would believe that smoking has any impact on them in a brief encounter in an open public area.

L 5/18/2009 3:55:24 PM
"Next thing you'll be saying there's no evidence supporting evolution"... 1. There's no such thing as evolution. 2. You throw up when you inhale second hand cigarette smoke? Ask mommy for a barf bag!

Karen 5/18/2009 3:56:38 PM
Lindani and all those that agree with her should GET REAL!! Have they never noticed the clouds of thick black smoke from coal fires that hover over the townships, especially in Winter. What about these children!! Their lungs must be pitch black and their health seriously compromised! And what about all the other horendous living conditions they are subject to!!! ITS ALL ABOUT PRIORITIES!! Worry about these children first, you bunch of self centered, myopic losers!

SS 5/18/2009 3:56:39 PM
I'll tell you what I think, but first I need to go for a smoke...... Drinking is a much bigger problem in our society and it ruins lives - trust me, I know. Let's close all shebeens, pubs and bars and stop drinking in restaurants as it is a bad influence for my children. Alcoholics are addicts just as smokers are, but they ruin more lives than smokers. Get life and don't you dare confront me, it's my right to smoke - get over it!

Dan's an idiot 5/18/2009 3:56:44 PM
I would like to see whining about smoking in public areas banned as whining is worse for my health than the odd whiff of smoke.

JB 5/18/2009 3:57:36 PM
Lindani Gumede sounds like the non Smoking lady who was sitting behind me in a resturant in the smoking area and demanded that all doors and windows must stay open. When i asked her why they are sitting in a smoking area she said they forgot to book for mothers day.........eashhhhhhhhhh, gues what i told her ??

brand X 5/18/2009 3:58:21 PM
As a non-smoker(thank God)i agree fully with you its quiet unfair that ones health should be depleted due to an unconsiderate person but its fine what goes around comes around, to those smoking around non-smokers you will get your turn..like a spider trapped in a bowl of smoke!..enjoy!

Zain Charles 5/18/2009 3:58:36 PM
And what about public drinking? Drinking is the biggest contributor to violence and accidents and death. This letter is absurd, and deserves the back page of the sport page.

Shaun 5/18/2009 3:59:46 PM
Get a life

ricky booby 5/18/2009 3:59:58 PM
Also lets not eat sweets and junk food like macdonlads in public, we are encouraging our kids to do bad things. dont be stupid.

SOMEBODY 5/18/2009 4:00:32 PM
Afrikaans is my eerste taal! En sal altyd bly.

Singularity 5/18/2009 4:00:49 PM
That's a good tactic - throwing up when you inhale smoke. If they can't keep their smoke out of your face there is no reason for you to keep your vomit off of theirs.

Lulubelle 5/18/2009 4:01:34 PM
The fumes still stick to their clothes and their breath and then they also light up at the entrances to malls and shops and we have to walk through the clouds of fumes to get to where we need to be. Just a brief exposure to cigarette smoke makes my hair and clothes stink!

Smoker 5/18/2009 4:02:37 PM
Oh please!!! And we dont have time for you and other none smokers road rage and office screamers because you can not handle your stress levels. We as smokers are more relaxed people on the road in the office est... plus if I ever do have a restaurant I will not let any none smoker in as they are all stiff lipped people and antisocial !!! PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT!

darkwing 5/18/2009 4:02:53 PM
I'm a non-smoker, but really, this is too much. Both my parents smoked and, yes, in front of us! We are 4 children, none of whom smoke. We are all healthy and even though the smoking irritated us no end, we survived!

cos 5/18/2009 4:02:55 PM
LOL - I almost fell off my chair reading your post. Hilarious and I couldnt have said it better myself. That "attorney" person was really asking for it, what a brain donor!! Yes, we should all look out for runaway attorneys and cover our children's eyes. Also runaway nutcases and "ban" nutters - ban this, ban that. What about banning the brain donors here cos it might just be catchy, my children might see you!!

Mike 5/18/2009 4:03:15 PM
WOOOOOW!!!!!!!! NEVER IN MY LIFE HAVE I EVER SEEN SO MANY IDIOTIC COMMENTS RELATING TO ONE LETTER. FROM DAVE CLAIMING THAT SMOKERS PAY HALF OF TAX THROUGH SINTAX TO THE GOVERMENT, TO KAREN BLAMING THE GOVERNMENT FOR HER ADDICTION. I SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT WE WERE CREATED WITH MORE INTELLIGENCE THAN WHAT HAS BEEN SHOWN HERE TODAY.........................ITS TIME TO START USING IT!!!

clement 5/18/2009 4:03:41 PM
i agree with some of ur statements. but to ban it. i give us smoking areas and that will be fine. but to subject us to complete seperation is like apartheid in a way. i mean really. smokers must just be considerate. i dont understand why though u refer to us as "these people" but i do understand ur point. ALL ABOUT RESPECT BUT NOT JUST FOR SMOKERS

Scott 5/18/2009 4:09:17 PM
As a non-smoker myself, there is but 1 little word I wish others would remember - consideration. I hate the stench (and it does stink) of smoke. Why do I have to deal with walking through a cloud of toxic smoke to enter a mall or my offices? Why do I have to move out of a restaurant just so I don't have to inhale the by-product of someone else's bad habit (unfortunately many restaurant's non-smoking sections should be renamed "Less smokey").

GeorGe 5/18/2009 4:10:01 PM
Please stick to the subject under discussion - don't talk about alcohol - we are discussing cigs - that's it - we want it banned - I hate going to sports arena's and sit there and have to inhale stale smote - period - Forget about alcohol - that's another forum - please stick to the subject line. Don't get bitter. Don't be a Malema pons. Don't lower yourselves to his level by throwing up other points. Stick to the storey line. Period.

Smokey Joe 5/18/2009 4:10:03 PM
If you didn't put smokers in cages in restaurants and didn't make such a big fuss about us, your children wouldn't have noticed us and wouldn't have been at "risk." That's the closest your kids can get to being "outlaws," like their favorite T.V. heroes!!!! Think with your head son, not your rectum! They might pass a farting ban, then you cant voice your opinions like these!

crismar 5/18/2009 4:11:42 PM
Parents are complaining about smoking in public places and in front of their children, yet it is fine for them to sit in restaurants with three week old babies, toddlers and teenagers and consume alcohol and then still drive with them in a vehicle. So many lives are taken by to much alcohol and sometimes that of their own kids. Some mothers/parents sit in Spur's/restaurants at 10h00 in the morning consuming alcohol. Is that right of a parent/public to complain about us smokers.

Henry 5/18/2009 4:12:59 PM
Looks like you don't know how to balance your time then. Working late nights? Trying to balance Smoking, You Tube, Face Book, Belittling people, Oh and do some work after hours & get paid for it? Smokers are idiots!

Werner 5/18/2009 4:14:09 PM
There are some of us who, even with permission, refuse to smoke in someone else's car/house etc... Like me, they do have manners. Don?t generalise us. And stop nagging!!!

Sinudeity 5/18/2009 4:15:47 PM
Thats even worse than smokers. Ban noisy kids from public areas!

Daile 5/18/2009 4:16:04 PM
Inhaling second hand smoke is bad for your health but the second hand smoke in the streets is nothing compared to the first hand diesel and petrol fumes that everyone has to inhale. The lunch time joggers would be better off on a pack a day than breathing in the fumes from passing vehicles, especially as their exertions make them breath deeply.

Proud to be a NON-SMOKER 5/18/2009 4:16:04 PM
Theres something funny about people who can't sit still for 15 minutes before lighting up the next cigarette. As an outsider looking in, its hilarious and sad to watch at the same time. It has the same feel as watching a lab rat, being manipulated, convinced no harm comes from the experiment - till the day reality pays a visit and the deception is unveiled. But by then, its all a little too late.

roxy73 5/18/2009 4:16:17 PM
I agree with many here - there are so many far more important issues that need to be addressed here in SA. Yes it's a disgusting habit (and yes I am a smoker), but having said that, I do think drinking (and driving ) pose a far greater risk to our kids !! Leave us in peace, and maybe more of us will be considerate smokers!!

samsam 5/18/2009 4:16:54 PM
BLADE will transform UFS,Stell,UCT,Potch,etc its now or never, the most feared COMMUNIST is here again, we cant have lecturers who are destroying the nation with poison,poison Im referring to is this madness you BOERES are doing

gangerman 5/18/2009 4:20:02 PM
Although ist poor augument at least we are not debating politics!!! i think they should ban smoking and legalise ganga (dagga). Its more rewarding than cigarrate...abd you become high and loving. maybe all racist here will change.....one love!!!

Ron 5/18/2009 4:24:19 PM
Smokers seem to think they have a right to blow their disgusting smoke in any direction as they please and then get upset when someone complains - perhaps non smokers should spray air freshner in the direction of the smokers for as long as they smoke. All smokers smell like old ashtrays - disgusting habit, but you love yourselves, I suppose someone has to!

Ron 5/18/2009 4:28:09 PM
If you opened a restaurant without the correct facilities you would be closed down - you plonker! Besides with your attitude your restaurant would be the very last place I would visit even if you paid me! You are the typical anti social smoker moron that everyone dislikes!

Frosty! 5/18/2009 4:31:13 PM
Next they'll be comming after my Braai Fire! Lindani, you pork chop, look what you've done. Now you've got everyone upset again. This is a complex society, play nice or you'll get kicked out!

Kabelo 5/18/2009 4:34:28 PM
These people's brains don't work properly anymore. It's like arguing with a bunch of Julius Malema's. You can't be logical with addicts. In my opinion, we need to moer all of them. I've actually bliksemed an idiot for being inconsiderate with his cancer stick before, and it worked.

-nico- 5/18/2009 4:35:33 PM
How about we pass a law that prevents you from taking your children out in public too.My smoking bothers you as much as your children's crying or yelling irretates me in a shopping mall, restaurant, airplane or any other public area.If you raise your child properly they will stay away from smoking.If other parents can do it...so can you.I do feel for you on the second hand smoke though.But then again...my dirt bike puts out alot more toxins in the air on a saturday morning than i do in a month.

mike 5/18/2009 4:35:46 PM
you must living ia dreamland if you think the government has got the resorces to police smoking in public when the crime is so high on agenda for every law abiding citizen. if you dont like smoking then dont go to such places,every citizen has got a right if we gonnaa go about managing people lives then we have lost it

CTheB 5/18/2009 4:39:30 PM
Haha, that's funny. No such thing as evolution. Life forms on earth haven't noticed that, apparently, and are happily evolving. Perhaps we shouldn't tell them, it'll ruin their day. It won't help to ask my mom for a barf bag, she doesn't have any, not to mention I'm never anywhere near her when inconsiderate smokers are directing their smoke toward me instead of themselves. I'll happily vomit on people blowing smoke at me, though. That'd be really satisfying to do.

Heksie 5/18/2009 4:43:53 PM
OMG! Flog a dead horse much! Seriously get over yourselves. If you smoke you die if you don't smoke you STILL die, now your collective whining about useless subjects like this leads to homicide and or death due to boredom. Go home stay in a bubble because the taxi?s and BMW exhaust fumes are way more toxic. You whining makes me want to blow smoke in your faces and I don?t even smoke.

Ginger 5/18/2009 4:52:07 PM
I am not a smoker and hate the smell of smoke and if I see somebody throw a butt out the window I see red. However I think banning all public smoking is totally over board. Like in bars for instances - drinking and smoking go hand in hand. I know that if I enter a bar. We have real crime issues in this country. You don't hear of people smoking a cigarette and comitting a violent crime.

Neli 5/18/2009 4:53:45 PM
Smokers will always shift the blame to other people, like they are going on and on about how bad alcohol is, you idiots get a life and understand that this will benefit you...Lindani is doing nothing than trying to help you, for once be thankful and be glad that somebody is wishing and hoping that government could do something about your bad habits...This is nothing but the truth

Sean 5/18/2009 5:09:55 PM
Lindani Gumede......... Do you realise what you are breathing everytime you inhale? Diesel, petrol, jet A1, are far more harmful to you than standing next to a smoker. Booze is a bigger killer on SA roads. Go stand on the corner of a busy street and breath in deeply, lets see how badley you cough. A study was done in the US, where it was found that sitting in traffic on the highways, was more detrimental to a childs health, than his parent smoking in the car. Wake up and smell the coffee!!!!

neles 5/18/2009 5:12:19 PM
lol, smokers are very defensive and have always been. I was a smoker too, and I doubt there's a smoker out there that knows what a non (ex) smoker endures when in the company of smokers. SOme would try and blow the smoke sideways out their mouths as if our noses only register smells directly infront of us lol Tobacco is huge industry together with alcohol (both r drugs like weed which is banned) and as long as govts are gettin money

neles 5/18/2009 5:14:38 PM
lol, I totally agree! You always find yourself walking through a blanket of smoke entering a non smoking area and thats the irony of it all

Grumpy 5/18/2009 5:14:47 PM
...that, judging by the pathetic grammar and spelling of 90% of these posts, the government needs to spend its efforts on education. Maybe we'd then all a) learn how to spell and b) learn that smoking is bad for one.

BigDaddyZA 5/18/2009 5:28:25 PM
Seems to me smoking is already banned in public (enclosed) places, which is why we smokers are to be caged in overcrowded smoking areas!. Anyway, a pack of 20 and a beer cost the same when I started smoking, so a beer should cost R25 now and a standard bottle R450 if there was no discrimination against smokers by taxing us more than boozers. And put silly little notices on every booze label about the dangers of boozing while you're at it!

Ndumiso the Smoker 5/18/2009 5:59:29 PM
How about we all quit smoking ciggarettes and smoke our socks, like Lindani?

BigDaddyZA 5/18/2009 6:14:16 PM
Why is it always the smokers that get the short end of the stick? Boozers smell worse than smokers, and the effects of booze on the mind are much worse than smokes (blurred vision, impaired decision making, violent outlashes, personal space invasion, etc. etc. etc.), yet we smokers tolerate the boozers (by the way, both of these are taxed under the same govt. department, so they go hand in hand - we are not avoiding issues at all). Boozers, tolerate us as we do you.

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