Possible restriction on smoking in city parks
THE STORY: The Odessa Parks and Recreation Department scheduled an open meeting to discuss possible restriction on smoking in city parks.
THE LINK: http://www.oaoa.com/news/parks-37844-smoking-thursday.html
>> danaco: “I’m not a smoker and never have been. I have one question: How are they going to enforce the smoking ban in city parks?
I can’t imagine someone trying to enforce a smoking ban against someone who is walking across the park grounds at Sherwood Park or any other open air location. Better bring some O2 for the chase.”
>> cjsande: “This is getting rediculous! EVERYTHING is going to be illegal or taxed cause gees yeah that really works to make people do what other people want them to do. That’s why drinking is legal. If everything is outlawed then every outlaw is going to be VERY rich. Out in the open air, there is no way that someone is going to get ANY second hand smoke. They’re going to get more exhaust fumes then smoke. Don’t get me wrong, some people are real jerks about smoking and blow it in people’s faces. Futhermore, I agreed with banning it in restaurants and grocery stores and on airplanes and I AM a smoker. Pretty soon the only thing that anyone is going to be able to eat or drink or drive is vegetables and then those are going to be taxed because of the chemicals they use to get rid of the bugs.”
>> averageodessan: “Well if you want to hear my opinion, and I know you do, lol! I am pretty sure the Progressive Park out in front of ORMC was built for handicap children, and I find it to be wrong for the hospital employees, and visitors to be out there smoking! I realize people are going to smoke and that’s fine but keep it to yourself! I find it extremely rude to be walking into Wal Mart or wherever and having to walk through smoke to get in the door! I do not smoke, and quite frankly I don’t want to smell it, breathe it or have my child breathing it just because those who smoke can’t walk away from the door! That my friends is the right of those who do NOT smoke! One more thing, I am not trying to say ban smoking because in all honesty, I don’t give a crap, but have a little courtesy for those who don’t and quit throwing our trash on the ground. It starts fires and someone has to pick it up. Like I said Just keep it to yourself!”
>> dannyglides: “I’m not a smoker and never have been, but I believe that we are on a slippery slope banning anything that is associated with being sinful. I don’t usually mind smoking in any enviroment, except possibly in an eating establishment. I don’t enjoy trying to eat and smoke coming in my space, other than that fine with me. I’m going to side with the smokers on this one, open air should not be a problem for anyone, other than those that might be allegic to same. I would encourage those partaking of the habit, to pick up after themselves, even acknowledging that there is a far greater problem with food and drink products. Help keep it clean and there will be far less opposition to the habit of smoking in most areas.”
>> workingmom: “This is my take on banning smoking in parks.
As a smoker I say fine go ahead but before we go so far as to do this consider also putting a ban on drug use, sex, birthday parties, sporting events, and anything else that goes on in a park because all produce trash that is tossed on the ground.
This last baseball season my son played at Floyd Gwyn and I found used condoms, needles, and other c r a p all over that park. It got so bad we had to have off duty OPD do secuirty because you could not even go to the restroom for fear of being attacked.
SO lets clean up that mess before we worry about some smokers. Give them a butt can and let it go.”
