Is this really America in 2007.Rather than fighting to depose a dictator in Iraq i would have thought applauding him and learning from him would have seemed more appropriate.Are you sure you still have a society any more ? Welcome to Nazi America if your politicians don't get their arses in gear.
No Si, I'm not sure we have anything remotely related to a civilized society any longer. 
I worked with the homeless in Berkeley for two years, so I am quite familiar with this population and the "problem" of homeless persons hanging out on the streets in the downtown area. What I can say from my own experience is that the services for this population were hideously inadequate.
Bravo. Good for you. For a couple of reasons, I don't know that I am capable of doing such a thing as working with homeless people. Say...as a smoker, I would not be at all adverse to having MSA money or tobacco taxes re-directed toward helping to beef-up these services. Is there any way that we could start a petition on that? If I'm gonna be taxed out the wazoo, then I'd like to believe that it actually serves some useful purpose. (Shoot, we're already paying Glantz' mortgage, aren't we?)
Also, is boona cheema a porper name? Should the "b" and "c" be capitalized?
Also, is boona cheema a porper name? Should the "b" and "c" be capitalized?
Interestingly, no, I guess it's an ee cummings sort of thing: here.
And this issue is just another one to add to the pile of things I(and I suspect many others who disagree with bans) didn't want to be right about when we thought of where we are leading, but we aren't exactly celebrating.
Smoking bans are of course a smaller issue than the Iraq war, but it's interesting how many people who opposed the Iraq war from the start ignore similar arguments against smoking bans, that those who oppose them aren't going to be enthralled if things work out as they suspected.
The nonprofits'/"concerned citizens'" powermongering and profiteering is not as great as what is alleged by Halliburton. And a few workers kicked out in the cold in winter to smoke "for their health" or a few bars where people meet dying out is not as big as a veteran getting PTSD. But I think that is only the magnitude of the wrong, not whether it is wrong.
I take it the summer of 2007 will not be "The Summer of Love".
I noticed in the published article that they want to fund this new program by raising the parking rates and adding parking meters. This goes against most modern day urban renewal plans. The consulting culture of today touts lower parking costs and less metered parking. In the 1950s and 60s urban renewal was refered to as "negroe removal" are we to call this modern day version "homeless smoker removal"? The 21st century is coming along in a strange way.
Ha, ha, nemo, yes in 1967 they'd have kissed those poor buggers and the smellier the better just to show super cool. Love trancends all man!
Indeed, truly ironic in the context of the hippy time...Hmmm, wonder how people became so warped after all that? In the words of Stephen Stills:
"where are the Americans?"
But I suppose it follows that after all that sloppiness we had to have the opposite...
Andrew responds to my question: Also, is boona cheema a porper name? Should the "b" and "c" be capitalized?
Interestingly, no, I guess it's an ee cummings sort of thing: here.
Thanks, Andrew.
What would *you* think of putting some of our tobacco taxes toward providing real services to the homeless?
What would *you* think of putting some of our tobacco taxes toward providing real services to the homeless?
Actually, I'm at a point where I now make my own cigarettes so as not to pay the extortion to our blackmailers. I refuse to contribute one penny to ANY cause that no one else wants to pay for.
Here is Arizona, a new 82 cents per pack tax went into effect in December of 2006. The 80 cents is being used to fund a childrens program that the governor had been trying to get going for years but that no one wanted to fund, nor did those who would benefit from it want their taxes raised to fund it. The other 2 cents per pack is to pay for enforcement of the new smoking ban statewide.
Sorry, my compassion has been squashed.
I refuse to bear the burden of funding anything anymore.
That may sound cold and callous, but I'm not paying to be harrassed and discriminated against. No f*$#%ing way.
Lynda--
That might sound cold and callous, but it's honest and understandable. I'm still very disappointed in the way this whole banning business has left so many people disillusioned about charities. Not so much because of the charities because many have always been...not quite on the up-and-up, but because I think disillusionment does something to the soul. I only hope that people realize that not giving to a charity is very different from not having a charitable heart, you know? But I know just what you mean about getting tired of being expected to pay for everyone else.
I just learned to roll my own the other day. I'm not quite used to it but I'm getting there. They're a bit strong for me. I tried to quit some years ago and switched to realy-really-really light cigarettes. Now, I'm smoking way to much. (First person to say "I told you so" gets hurt.) Well, with these puppies, I smoke less and it's cheaper. Also, I'm trying to do it without the fibery filters.
Lynda F - Here is Arizona, a new 82 cents per pack tax went into effect in December of 2006. The 80 cents is being used to fund a childrens program that the governor had been trying to get going for years but that no one wanted to fund, nor did those who would benefit from it want their taxes raised to fund it. The other 2 cents per pack is to pay for enforcement of the new smoking ban statewide.
Sorry, my compassion has been squashed.
I refuse to bear the burden of funding anything anymore.
That may sound cold and callous, but I'm not paying to be harrassed and discriminated against. No f*$#%ing way.
......................
I checked out the wording of the proposition and the declarations of those who were for it.
Lynda F is completely correct. "It's the right thing to do for the children...as long us non-smokers don't have to pay for it. Vote Yes, you'll feel better."
URL: http://tinyurl.com/ye2uhw
"I just learned to roll my own the other day."
It's nice to see that the ancient skills haven't died out entirely and that they're now making a comeback. Thank God for Tobacco Control!
.
A few years ago, the state of PA. raised taxes on cigs .25 cents to help fund doctors malpractice insurance. Its not quite clear but supposedly some physicians were leaving the state due to the escalating cost of malpractice insurance. Again people who smoke had to come in and save the day, via, taxes. That is unless some of our anti-smoking friends were also purchasing cigarettes, if only for the purpose of paying the tax. I guess one could only hope. I hate to sound “ cold and callous” but hey, don’t we all need physicians?
http://www.paorthosociety.org/liability/
DTB--- Charity starts at home. For the sake of charity, maybe it’s time that it comes back home.
Lynda F is completely correct. "It's the right thing to do for the children...as long us non-smokers don't have to pay for it. Vote Yes, you'll feel better."
Rod, and to add insult to injury, they proudly announced the fact that a new 80 cent per pack cigarette tax was funding this program on the TV commercials.....THAT's what was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak.
DTB, the first week or so are the worst, as you wean off all the chemicals. The first two weeks or so the headaches I suffered were horrendous (and constant). And the hacking........I didn't cough and hack that much smoking 2 packs a day. But then it finally subsided and passed.
I use American Spirit tobacco (all their tobacco is "certified" organic), with light tubes now and find that is a nice smoke.
smkenreader--Charity starts at home. For the sake of charity, maybe it’s time that it comes back home.
Amen to that. 
Lynda--Thanks! I saw the American Spirit at the pipe shop, but a friend recommended a Danish shag. I've been smoking the Natural American Spirit Organic Lights, but that was the first time that I had rolled one myself. It does take some getting used to--and I'm not converting completely right now because I have a conference in a few days and I don't want to be going through a full transition during that. I do seem to be smoking fewer cigarettes now, thiough.
Lynda F- Rod, and to add insult to injury, they proudly announced the fact that a new 80 cent per pack cigarette tax was funding this program on the TV commercials.....THAT's what was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak.
......................
Perhaps smokers should insist that all ads, materials and instruction that is provided for the program contain a disclosure statement "This [insert]provided by smokers. You can help too - buy a carton of cigarettes to help support and continue this program."
I think we should have a "Thank a Smoker" Day.
Purchase ads listing everything that is supported solely or heavily subsidized by smokers (and users of other tobacco products.)
Explain how great we are for the economy, funding whole University departments and their staffs.
Maybe signs could be made up and posted/carried at certain buildings, centers, etc. stating "This facility funded by smokers."
Especially the American Legacy building.
T-shirts that say "Thank Me For Smoking"
"Help your local smoker-funded [insert] program - buy cigarettes, cigars, etc.
Actually, I'm kinda serious.
About those parks prohibiting smoking - many of them have city-provided BBQs - When in use, stand close to it with a DANGER sign listing the carcinogens that are being produced.
Actually Rod, when the bans go into effect here, we thought it would be funny to do take-out at our regular haunts in their parking lots. We could set up a table and chairs in the bed of the pick-up, candles, silver, the whole works. 
That way everyone will know who the evildoers are. HE he he te he.
DTB,
Are you actually "rolling" your own or stuffing them? I got the machine and tubes and stuff my own. I can make a pack of smokes in about 15 minutes.
I usually just make my supply for the week on Sunday's while watching TV.......takes me about 2.5 hours to make a carton or so, and while watching a movie I've seen, it goes by fast and you don't notice it.
The initial investment yielded me a little over 2 cartons worth of smokes, and cost less than 2 cartons of ready mades. Since then, my cost is now down to about $1.30/pack.
And yes, I too am smoking less. I was smoking about 1 to 1.5 packs a day before and now I'm smoking just under a pack a day.
Most of my cigarettes now are just because I enjoy smoking, and not because I need a fix, as I've noticed that I can go for longer periods (4+ hours) before feeling that "need" for a smoke. So for me, it really is more of a lifelong habit than anything else. And it's a habit I enjoy and refuse to allow the good Doc here or anyone else try to force me to give up.
Actually, those are good Rod...we have had the t-shirt idea before.."I support your child's education, I buy by the carton."
Perhaps, "I smoke." on the front and "Thank me for paying what you won't pay for" on the back. Maybe even do some state ones..like "Cigarette tax breakdown: 65% for school taxes. 25% for supporting YOUR doctor. 15% for Headstart. 5% anti-smoking education" Perhaps "If you don't want me to smoke, then pay YOUR taxes"? Hmm..*goes off thinking* Wonder how much money I could get making pro-smoking t-shirts....
when the bans go into effect here, we thought it would be funny to do take-out at our regular haunts in their parking lots. We could set up a table and chairs in the bed of the pick-up, candles, silver, the whole works.
I like this plan, but it still supports the ban, so for me, I find it defeats any "rebellion" against the bans. I won't even do take out to take home now. If businesses don't lose business, then the anti's easily claim "no harm" from the bans.
Jalestra,
Since the anti's are so big on "emotional" I think t-shirts stating "MY taxes are supporting YOUR children what are you doing for them?" would throw more of a punch.
I like your guilt one though "I smoke." on the front and "Thank me for paying what you won't pay for" on the back.
I mean if the anti's can play the guilt card, so can I......LOL
Lynda,
We have really slowed going out and to only the places that did not sit by and shrug their shoulders. We have a new grill and a micro-convection oven, and are becoming great cooks, the both of us. The hell with them. I will not spend my hard-earned money to be treated like a 12-yr old that has been placed on restriction in a reform school.
The above was me. And I really don't enjoy being around folks that find me so 'terribly offensive' and vile.
Sunz,
I hear you there, and couldn't agree more.
I'll not pay to be treated like dirt either.
Lynda,American spirit,only the red pouch is organic,the rest is additive free.Switch to the 100%US and you should see a further reduction in your consumption LOL.
si,
The AS site claims the blue cans/pouches are "certified organic", that's where I got it from.
Well, with Texas messing with the state ban to a fair thee well (hehe), I may see some things changing. I got the newspaper article from someone about how when the Texas legislature was voting on a state ban they changed it up so much that property owners can exempt themselves, even in cities where there is a smoking ban. I immediately e-mailed it off to the guy heading up the restaurant objection to the smoking ban, it's now being spread out among Beaumont restaurant owners. We'll see who has my business now..hehe
Lnda as www.nascigs.com ? I've just looked and it's only the maroon pouch that is organic,the others are additive free.
Si,
My mistake then...........I must have been overly tired when I read that, for I have been wondering what the difference was between the blue can and the maroon organic tobacco........*slapping my forhead*
In any case, I did just try the maroon pouch recently, and to be honest, I didn't notice much of a difference, except that I still prefer the royal blue tobacco blend better......hehehe
At least I'm smoking additive free, and that's the important part, to me anyway.
Anti-Smoking Fascists Take Aim at the Homeless
http://www.tothepeople.com/2007/...ake-aim-
at.html
I have more to say, but it'll have to wait.
/S
Lynda, I have this little metal box thing..It has a place to put the tobacco and you just put the paper above it. Then, as you close the box, it rolls up and pops out. I guess that's rolling it myself...but I don't actually roll it with my fingers. thanks for the heads-up on the benfits of RYO!
Sunz--We have a new grill and a micro-convection oven, and are becoming great cooks, the both of us.
That's the idea. frankly, it's probably better for you to cook at home. You never know what restaurants or their suppliers are doing to the food.
Funnies:
I jotted down the T-shirts ideas. Thanks, Rood, Jalestra, Lynda. I'm still looking for some one-liners:
"There's no safe level of junk science"
"Hurricane force winds" should produce some howls.
Any more ideas?
Lynda,you also save money,the organic is pretty expensive for what it is, just to end up having a sore throat.The Blue tin is 100 % US grown,full nicotine and tar,the original has a %of Canadian leaf and Turkish to reduce tar and nicotine values.But look how the cigarettes vary in strength,all because of filter and porosity of the paper used,the tobacco is the same blend in each case.
Thanks for your article and interest.
It used to be that I was one among many that cared about people who are mostly disabled and left to die on our sidewalks. Now it is a very lonely job and I am mostly treated like I am out there feeding rats or worse. The homeless are the only group of people where hatespeech and hatecrimes are accepted in our culture. In 1984 I was in a motorcycle accident and after a year in the hospital I was thrown out on the streets with no leg, no arm and multiple injuries. When I tried to access my disability payments they refused me saying that my condition would not last longer than a year.
8 years later I was still on the streets. I was finally given my benefits when I slept in front of the Social Security office. Now I do for others what I had to do for myself.
I can expect people to understand what I went through and what people on the streets go through but I keep trying because lives depend on it.
Thanks again,
Dan McMullan
Disabled People Outside Project
Dan McMullan - The homeless are the only group of people where hatespeech and hatecrimes are accepted in our culture.
.............................
Dan, if it's any comfort, you are no longer alone.
Smokers now share your fate.
I suppose soon that Herr Doktor Glantz will propose that it is "ethical" to conduct medical experiments on the homeless and on smokers...after all, we are Üntermenschen, aren't we?
I suppose the research facility could be called "The Mengele Center for Purity of Essence."
The Blue tin is 100 % US grown,full nicotine and tar,the original has a %of Canadian leaf and Turkish to reduce tar and nicotine values.But look how the cigarettes vary in strength,all because of filter and porosity of the paper used,the tobacco is the same blend in each case.
Interesting, especially since I tried all three tobaccos using the same type/brand tubes, and I noticed a difference in all three. I prefer the royal blue as it is "smoother" for me (I got too used to lights over the years).
DTB - "Hurricane force winds" should produce some howls.
..............
Brother Repace of the Order of the Divine Wind
Repace, Keeper of the Holy Smoke
Brotherhood of the Divine Plume
Lord of the Plumes
Bishop Glantz of Our Lady of Perpetual Epidemics
Co-authors, James Repace and Stanton Glantz: Creative Hysteria and Epidemics for Dummies.
Repace & Glantz: Because the public isn't scare enough.
Repace & Glantz: Because you're too stupid to make your own decisions.
Sorry, I'm having a pessimism day....
Great ones!
Jalestra, we all have those days...
Actually,
"Antismoking Guns for Hire:
For when you can't think for yourself"
Yours is much more clever lol
"Are you full of "it" and can't contain it? Are your trousers falling down from excess expulsion of "it? Do you suffer from ETS Syndrome?"
Now, for a limited time offer - AS SEEN ON TV! - Doctor tested and approved!
GLANTZ "ETS Syndrome" SUSPENDERS! At last you can get relief, your trousers won't fall down from the excess weight of "it."
Dr. Glantz had suffered for years from ETS (Excessive Tobacco S**t) syndrome until he devised his special suspenders.
Now, while being interviewed, he can smile while secretly excreting the ETS.
Call today!
"Harry Potter and the Plume of Doom," by James Repace.
(Approved reading for all ages by the Stanton Glantz Bowdlerization Committee)
Available in hardback: $24.95
Go to www.amazingsmoke.com - ships in 24 hours.
Rod,
Last 2 posts, L O L !!!!
Will they be playing soon, I hope?
Glantz mantra chant found to protect against the "Pinocchio Effect"
Disciples of Big Tobacco Control have found that by incessantly chanting:
"Second Hand Smoke Kills,"
their noses will not grow longer when they tell lies.
Stanton Glantz is living proof that it works.
Researchers have confirmed that without the chant, Doktor Glantz would have experienced heart failure due to the strain of supplying blood to such a massive lie-induced protuberance.
Researchers have confirmed that without the chant, Doktor Glantz would have experienced heart failure due to the strain of supplying blood to such a massive lie-induced protuberance.
But, Rod! Then the muzzle won't fit on him!
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