University of Louisiana prepares smoke- and tobacco-free policy

[cajun4life]

That's the scary thing...the government prolly took mountains of lobbying money from the Tobacco giants to keep them protected...then turned around and pilfered them with lawsuits. That is just a dick move. But don't cry for big Tobacco...they are international and have found much friendlier countries to cozy up to...like Indonesia...where smoking is basically subsidized by the Indonesian government as a MEDICINAL remedy. Children smoke in Indonesia...and it's encouraged.

Long term population control.

[RedCajun]

That's the scary thing...the government prolly took mountains of lobbying money from the Tobacco giants to keep them protected...then turned around and pilfered them with lawsuits. That is just fumble move. But don't cry for big Tobacco...they are international and have found much friendlier countries to cozy up to...like Indonesia...where smoking is basically subsidized by the Indonesian government as a MEDICINAL remedy. Children smoke in Indonesia...and it's encouraged.

[cajunhawk]

Like a boss...

[Cajun Monkee]

Jeez, if that kid quits, he's gonna blow up.

[CajunRebel]

It's less a public health issue and more of a people being inconsiderate asshats issue. Cigarette butts on the ground and spitting dip on the sidewalks or leaving dip cups/cans everywhere. It's just annoying. When I was a smoker, it was something that I tried to avoid. But I think I was in the minority

In that case they should make rules that fine you for littering or spitting.

[Policarp]

It's less a public health issue and more of a people being inconsiderate asshats issue. Cigarette butts on the ground and spitting dip on the sidewalks or leaving dip cups/cans everywhere. It's just annoying. When I was a smoker, it was something that I tried to avoid. But I think I was in the minority

You're not alone....I can say that not once (ever) have I had a good experience walking through others tobacco spit on sidewalks or having to smell left behind spit cups. That sight of old spit cup (& definitely the smell) is to this day extremely nauseating.

Smoking is a little different........as long as I don't smell it, smoke away. Cigarette butts are nasty but don't have the same nausea factor the sight & smell of old spit creates. Smoking is a hypocrisy for liberals. Light up a Marlboro at a SF Giants baseball game; the evil stares and anti-smoking comments happen almost immediately. Light up a joint and most of those same people all want to be your friend.

[CajunRebel]

My wife's uncle just died from throat and lip cancer...brother if they don't want you to dip...they are doing you a solid.

I'm sorry for your loss.

I know they're only trying to help, but we ought to have the freedom to do what we want with our own bodies. The Lafayette Parish Council could do us all a solid and ban alcohol or fatty foods too, which are both just as dangerous as tobacco. But I don't think you would agree with that.

[CajunRebel]

Sarcasm aside, and I ask this honestly.

For those who might consider themselves advocates for smokers' rights, where where should a student be allowed to smoke (or dip/chew) on UL's campus?

Anywhere it doesn't harm others. Either outside buildings away from doorways or in designated indoor smoking areas.

[Cajun Monkee]

Anywhere it doesn't harm others. Either outside buildings away from doorways or in designated indoor smoking areas.

And I wouldn't have a problem with that.

If they followed the rules.

Which they tend to not do, especially when its raining or cold.

Look, I'm no prude. I know tailgaters who invite me to their spots. Many enjoy cigarettes and cigars. And as I am the guest, it's not my place to be offended. I go, I visit, and try to avoid those individuals smoking. But again its not my place to be offended.

If I go into a bar, I'd expect to encounter cigarette smoke. If I don't want to, I need to find a bar that doesn't allow smoking.

But I do feel I have the right to be offended when I'm someplace where the overwhelming majority of people are non-smokers and somebody feels the need to light up.

[cajunhawk]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I know they're only trying to help, but we ought to have the freedom to do what we want with our own bodies. The Lafayette Parish Council could do us all a solid and ban alcohol or fatty foods too, which are both just as dangerous as tobacco. But I don't think you would agree with that.

I don't agree with banning anything...most bans are counter productive and illicit the wrong impulse in people. It makes it taboo and much more desirable. See prohibition.

What is going on here is the banning of smoking and dipping on the campus...and the campus alone. You are still free to do as you please...once you leave the campus. The University can grind any ax they want here...it is their property. If they want to outlaw gingers...so be it. Just so happens tobacco is still a hot button topic. Would you walk into a church and light up? Would you walk into a building filled to the brim with flammable gasses and light up? Would you walk into a friends house who just lost a loved one to lung cancer...and light up? It's not about freedom...it's about decorum and common sense. God forbid they ask you to smoke and dip on your own time.