Comments

Hey Roger wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:25 PM:

" As soon as those things you mention result in serious health issues to the people that are in the same room, let me know! Because for now, you failed to make a point (well, besides the the fact that you can't grasp facts. Oops.)

Funny how you smokers keep trying and failing to draw an analogy that works. Good for entertainment value, though! "




Roger wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:13 AM:

" I dont like people with body oder I guess we should regulate and make them use deoderant and take showers( Oh oif course not too long of ones since that would waste water)
70 percent of medical issues are lifestyle orientated if you want to talk about cost. I think we should ban smoking, Drinking, Sex, feed us with IV's the proper amount of calories that would really save the earth. Ban everything Oh yeah ban LIVING that would solve all the problems "




offsoapstone wrote on Nov 14, 2009 6:22 PM:

" There are some interesting thoughts here the only ones that won't hold water is those of I pay my cig. taxes. You pay this taxe because you want to it's not a privilege tax. I stopped smoking years ago not just because IT IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH AND THOSE AROUND YOU I hate paying for a unnecessary tax. So if you want to think the way you do please put 100 or 200 grand in the bank just for your health care so the rest of us don;t have to help pay your medical bills. "




to Nikita wrote on Nov 14, 2009 11:57 AM:

" ...OR....if you don't like it that the rest of us DON'T smoke in bars, how about YOU leave and stop 'whining like a three year old'? Why do we have to accomodate you? Why not the other way around? "




2bornot2b wrote on Nov 13, 2009 4:14 PM:

" Nikita - the problem is YOU think you have the right to make it a smokers bar or restaurant but we don't have the right to ask you not to smoke.

Seems to me the majority wants smoke free, find you a smokers bar or open one up and there should be special insurance for you smokers also, I don't think the state or government should help your habit one bit or health.

If you want to smoke you should ask everyone in the place if it's okay to light up, since when do you control our air? "




Its about the workers too wrote on Nov 13, 2009 3:27 PM:

" Smokefree policies aren't just about non-smokers whining when they go into places where people smoked. I mean, if that was the whole point, it's true, they could choose not to go or go somewhere else. But what about the people that work in bars or places where they allow smoking. Sure, some could look for other jobs, but when jobs are hard to come by you take what you can get. People shouldn't have to choose between their health and a paycheck. "




Smoker wrote on Nov 13, 2009 2:36 PM:

" Do you pay for the air you breath???? I pay a HEAVY tax on the tobacco I LEGALLY purchase, if you dont like it, move away from where I'm smoking, I paid my fee.... "




no brainer wrote on Nov 13, 2009 1:42 PM:

" Isn't having a smoking section in a restaurant or bar like having a peeing section in a pool? Just take it outside already! "




Nikita wrote on Nov 13, 2009 1:34 PM:

" If people dont like the smoke where smoking is allowed DONT GO TO THOSE PLACES! Go somewhere you know smoking is not allowed. This is just another way for people to get their way. I mean Yes use respect for your fellow Alaskans let everyone of us have our lives and live your differently, If you dont like that we smoke in bars go to a different one, stop whining like three year olds "




Casey Rau wrote on Nov 13, 2009 12:31 PM:

" It is about time that the valley goes smoke free!!! "




Paul Pike wrote on Nov 13, 2009 11:59 AM:

" A Smoke Free environment would be great. It would cut down on litter of cigarette butts, and most of all, hopefully reduce cancer and respitorial problems of the general public. It would also save millions of dollars in health care expenses. I used to smoke 2 packs a day, that's alot of money going up in smoke, not to mention, it lowers the immune system. I caught every flu bug that went around back then, sometimes I was sick for a month. I had lots of days off from work. Let's face it, everyone benefits from going smoke free. "




Oops wrote on Nov 12, 2009 4:47 PM:

" Lighting anything on fire in a public restaurant/bar by a patron should be illegal . "




sharpie wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:53 PM:

" So, do I have a "right" to sit next to your children and blow methane gas into thier face? Cyanide? A dozen other exotic and toxic chemicals? Oh, apparently I do! And apparently, "rights" only belong to me! Because if you don't like it, YOU have to leave, not me! YOU have to decide where you go and where not to go based on whether or not I'm there! I can just happily go through life smelling like a dirty diaper and blowing smoke around while YOU have to negotiate around me! Its my "right"! "




Palmer Farm wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:05 PM:

" I like limited government. In fact, I know that this is what the founding fathers had in mind when they formed this country and our Constitution. I abhor the liberal love for giving the government as much control over our lives as possible to "take care of us."

That said; I cannot help but view those that think it is up to everybody else to adjust and accomodate THEM should they choose to light up as selfish and arrogant. It should be the other way around. My decision to NOT smoke doesn't harm your health. Grow up! "




Lisnup wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:23 AM:

" I got the perfect solution----just eat the dang things! Once you put a flame to anything in a public place you are illegal, can I burn my purse and sniff it? how about the paper I brought in? Just because you have a habit and then alter the cigarette by putting it on fire in a public place makes it unacceptable. You bought the cigarette unlit you don't have a right to light it and share your habit. Let stomp out the FIRE they can keep their cigarettes. "




tina wrote on Nov 11, 2009 9:58 PM:

" I just want to know what happened to peoples rights, it just seems like this is one more right took away whats next. "




Jessica Tremaine wrote on Nov 11, 2009 5:25 PM:

" Seriously, when you smoke around other people, your killing them.
Murder Much?
It seems like that it is going to far as to say that smoking around others is murder; but what else is it? You are smoking around someone knowing the effects COULD KILL THEM.
Not to mention the fact that you are PAYING TO KILL YOURSELF! Every time you smoke your causing more and more FATAL damage to yourself. So basically, your paying eight or more dollars a week to not only kill yourself, but the people that you love around you. "




Roger wrote on Nov 11, 2009 1:18 PM:

" I have the solution all the people that think that the govt. should tell us what we can do and not do lets all move them to one island. Oh that's right all we have to do is send them to just about any other country than this one. Why with so many places for liberals to live in the world cant they just move instead of trying to change us. "




lives with smokers wrote on Nov 11, 2009 11:02 AM:

" ok, i dont think the 'smokers' get it.. non smokers are literally dieing from your second-hand-smoke! sure you have rights.. they arent asking you to not smoke at all, just not in public places were we are trying to enjoy our selves! and what about the kids at those resturants who havent made the choice to smoke yet, or the babies..who can die from SIDS? with almost 80% of the Alaskan population against smokers. i think its time the Valley goes smoke-free : for the health and well-beaing of the Valley! "




Russell Porsley wrote on Nov 11, 2009 10:02 AM:

" I think it's about time! "




2bornot2b wrote on Nov 11, 2009 9:53 AM:

" I for equal rights but.....a bar has to have a liquor license, why not issue smoking licenses for establishments? IF you choose to patronize a place that is allowed smoking you have no complaint, period. I for one prefer NO SMOKING anywhere but in all fairness if we can sell cigarettes then there should be a place to smoke them - it is not illegal to smoke, no different then liquor being sold. Restaurants and bars could get a tobacco license, we would have a choice and no ones rights would be infringed. "




Avoid litigation Go smokefree wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:03 AM:

" Non-smoking workers in establishments that allow smoking can and have sued their empolyers when they contract smoking-related illnesses. And guess what...they usually win those lawsuits! Smoke-free policies protect the health of the public and the employees, and they protect employers from lawsuits. "




Taxpayer wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:00 PM:

" You are missing the point all together, and introducing religion is a red herring. (Unless you want to ban religion?)

You brought up banning anything, not me.

And why stop with smoking?

But while you are all on the banning wagon, I would like to add a few issues to the list that I find distasteful.

Or should the list only contain items YOU find distasteful? "




non-mormon wrote on Nov 9, 2009 6:22 PM:

" Dear 'Taxpayer',
Having a glass of wine with dinner is not a sin, no matter what your "funny-underware" club says.
Besides, it doesn't kill by proximity like smoking does. A couple of glasses of wine are actually good for you. Ask your doctor.
Get real... "Shame" is a bit much, don't you think? "




Lynn wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:47 PM:

" If I had an establishment that I paid all the bills for I would not want anyone telling me who I could have inside it. Stop trying to take our freedom away. You have a choice to go inside or not. If you go in and smell smoke from cigs than leave. It is very simple. It is called common sense. You who complain need to get some common sense and stop trying to have the government do everything for you. Go in or stay out, two choices. "




Lynn wrote on Nov 9, 2009 1:39 PM:

" If I owned a business I wouldn't want anyone telling me that I could or could not have smokers with-in my establishment. That should be my choice and only my choice as I pay the bills. You non Alaskans need to go back to your big cities and let Alaska be. "




Roger wrote on Nov 9, 2009 1:14 PM:

" Great I love it. I also dont like fat people, bald people, old people, people with kids, I can make this list go on. I think we should ban them all. BAN EVERYTHING or
I have a novel idea, If you dont like a place that has smoke or anything else you dont like DONT GO. Thats's called freedom. Smoking stinks but I love freedom more and can make my own choices without the government telling me how to do everything. "




to Taxpayer wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:52 AM:

" Good idea. As soon as drinking causes the people sitting next to you to become intoxicated and suffer liver problems, you'll have a valid point. Until then....you just sound silly. "




Palmer Farm wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:11 AM:

" So silly and desperate to compare smoking to cologne, perfume etc. Let me know when "second hand perfume smell" leads to cancer. And while I don't like strong perfume either, given the choice between overpowering perfume and cigarette stink....the choice is easy.

Equally nutty is the false statement that restaurants etc have to "raise thier prices after banning smoking". No they don't. In fact, many see an INCREASE in revenue. Sorry, but you need to stick to facts.

Not sure if I agree with a borough-ban on smoking, but kudos to the businesses that CHOOSE to ban it! "




Taxpayer wrote on Nov 9, 2009 4:56 AM:

" Personally, I'd like to see them ban alcoholic beverages served in public places.

All you drinking non-smokers can choose not to go to a bar were there is smoking. I don't drink, but that "poison" doesn't stay in the bar does it?

So worried about the children taking up smoking...not so worried to banter on about the bars though. Shame. "




to B Smith wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:28 PM:

" That's a crock! Restaurants and bars across the state and across the country are going smoke-free and their businesses are thriving. THink about it, if only 20-30% of the people smoke, they are outnumbered by nonsmokers. When a business goes smoke-free they may lose a few smokers, but they gain more than they lose because nonsmokers will finally choose to go there. "




barefoot wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:38 PM:

" How will MatSu pay for schools without the millions in tobacco taxes it collects? Maybe the borough should impose a $1K per year tax on each resident to pay for schools instead. That would about cover the loss of tobacco revenue. "




B Smith wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:13 PM:

" People already have a choice both for a bar or restaurant. I am sick of people looking out for me and trying to hold my hand.
I am a smoker and do not frequent places that don't allow it. I have seen several restaurants that have raised their prices after going smoke free because business dropped off and they still have to make a living.
If you work in an environment that you don't like, get a different job. Your perfume,& coloune makes me sick also. "




To Set and re Go Smoke Free Now wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:12 PM:

" This isn't about taking away a person's right to smoke. It's about allowing everyone--especially the employees who have no choice--the right to breathe smoke-free air. Improving public health is not facist or unalaskan...it's the right thing to do. And rest easy meat eaters--no one's going to take away your right to eat meat since that has no impact on anyone but the person eating it. Smoking, though, has an impact on all those that are around it and breathing in the secondhand smoke. "




Mat-Su wrote on Nov 8, 2009 4:00 PM:

" Most all places nationwide allow smoking on their property. It's just COMMON SENSE to

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

SMOKE IT OUTSIDE

DON'T AFFECT OTHERS OUTSIDE

BE A GOOD PERSON OUTSIDE

ESPECIALLY IF CHILDREN AROUND

TAKE IT OUTSIDE ENJOY YOURSELF "




Alaskan wrote on Nov 8, 2009 3:29 PM:

" Finally, the Valley talking about GROWING UP.
It is terrible out there for the workers and entertainers to have to work in these conditions,
Look at KenPeltier, great singer, never smoke, got throat cancer, still fighting it, but won't set foot into a smoking establishment...
Me either.. Thank You Mat-Su Lodge
for having the guts to GROW UP, and be The Leading restaurant and nightclub in the Valley..
Great IDEA folks...
GROW UP VALLEY
S M O K E F R E E
Ahhhhhhhhhhh
I can breathe "




SET wrote on Nov 8, 2009 1:59 PM:

" Why don't you anti-smoke nazis move to some place that is smoke free and leave us alone. What about the choice for those who smoke and don't mind others smoking. THEY HAVE RIGHTS TOO! But to listen to you anti-smoke stooges you think that only you have rights. Real Alaskans who believe that everyone has the right to choose are almost non-existant now. Only the yuppie, inner city type whiners are now proliferating and trying to impose their will on the rest of us. What next? No real meat to be served anywhere? Only tofu? "




Chuck Foster wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:54 AM:

" Common Sense tells us that smoke free is the only way to go. I don,t go out dancing anymore because here in the Mat Su you come home smelling like an ash tray. Maybe the nightclub owners might give this some thought. Anyway, thank you for putting this issue before the public "




re Go Smoke-free Now wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:25 AM:

" (con't) Why can't this be left to the market, the consumers and the business owners to sort out? Again I repeat, you admit you already have smoke-free choices available, where the owners have decided on their own to go smoke-free. Why do demand that everyone in Matsu conform to your desires under the force of law? The word that comes to my mind to describe this kind of belief is "fascist". Sorry if that's harsh but if the shoe fits...

Signed, an ex-smoker who still believes in the right of individuals to make their own choices. "




re Go Smoke-free Now wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:15 AM:

" You wrote: I know a lot of the restaurants and a couple of the bars are already smoke-free. Those are the only ones I'd ever go to.

Great, so it's obvious people have choices as which restaurant or bar they want to go to. Some people must be still be going to the places that let you smoke, otherwise they'd be out of business. And you said yourself you don't have to go to those places. You have other choices. So my question is, why is necessary for your nanny state to tell everyone they have to be non-smoking? "




TTOSBT wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:18 AM:

" Absolutely one of the best things the borough and all three cities could do. This is a serious public health issue for patrons and employees. When it is on the agenda I will be there to testify in favor of a ban in public places, including all bars and restaurants. "




118 wrote on Nov 7, 2009 7:09 PM:

" only 1/18 comments are anti legislation.

smoking stinks.

people who smoke smell.

smoking is terrible.

yes, it is time to ban it in the MAT-SU. "




Power Wagon wrote on Nov 7, 2009 6:19 PM:

" Wife and I used to smoke years ago. So when we quit, we weren't one of those people that were too uptight about being around others that smoked. But after living in an area for awhile that banned smoking in public places, I guess we got spoiled. When we came back to the Mat Su, we literally got sick sitting in some of the places around here. It was like sitting inside a chimney. Then going home and smelling like a soiled diaper. Yuck. "




Donna wrote on Nov 7, 2009 3:55 PM:

" I agree, the Mat-Su Valley needs to go smoke-free, we all deserve to enjoy public places without the polution of smoke. Thank you Jane for your letter. "




Brian wrote on Nov 7, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Awesome comments! Is there any way to do something about the people that stand directly outside the entrances to major stores puffing away? "




Lynn wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:33 PM:

" I used to work as a waitress and I can't tell you how much I hated breathing in everyone's smoke. It was disgusting! I'd leave work with a headache and a sore throat from all the smoke. Now I won't even go into a restaurant unless it's smoke-free, but back then it was the only job I could find. I had friends who worked in bars and it was even worse for them. No one should have to put up with that at work. Smoke-free is the way to be! "




Donna wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:35 PM:

" I agree, the health of all our residents is important and we should strive for a smoke-free ordinance in the Mat-Su Valley. Thank you Jane for your excellent editorial. "




grendle wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:22 PM:

" what a bunch of crybabies. lets ban cell phones; too many traffic accidents.Let's ban non-organic food and help reduce cancer. lets ban cars and teduce smog. Maybe you can all move to adak and form your own perfect community. "




Lynn wrote on Nov 6, 2009 5:29 PM:

" I agree Alaska needs to go smoke free. With all of the information we now know about the dangers of second hand smoke, this should be a no brainer. Great article! "




kaye wrote on Nov 6, 2009 4:02 PM:

" Forget the valley, it's time for Alaska to go smoke free. With more than half the states smoke free already, it seems we're behinf the times. "




Smoke-free policies good for the heart wrote on Nov 6, 2009 3:46 PM:

" You're absolutely right Living with SHS illness. Numerous studies have shown that when you pass smoke-free laws you get big, immediate reductions in heart attack rates--as much as 40% in some studies but an average of 17% across the board, according to researchers at UCSF. "




Living With SHS Illness wrote on Nov 6, 2009 10:25 AM:

" I am an adult living with illness caused by the secondhand smoke from my mother. My fathe,a non-smoker, underwent triple artery bypass, heart disease caused by that same sedondhand smoke. Over the past 5 years, many scientific research reports have demonstrated that heart attacks in a community significantly decline following the implementation of a 100% smokefree policy. Who can argue against such an effective public health policy? "




Becky wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:11 AM:

" Thank you for bringing this issue to the forefront. A smoke-free ordinance that prohibits smoking in ALL public places is one of the surest ways to improve public health in our community. And if Unalaska can do it, why can't we? "




MarthaLou wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:17 AM:

" A wonderful editorial. Smokefree environments improve the health of a community. There have been several large studies that have shown that once a community has laws protecting worker heath the rates of heart attacks decline! I agree this editorial should be on the main page of your website. "




Ian wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:34 PM:

" I agree with smoke-free legislation. As a Minnesotan (where all smoking is banned in all public indoor places), and as a former bartender of 3 years, I can really appreciate it.

However, from a critical point of view, we need to start holding our journalists and people with mere "opinions" accountable to the data they present. Show us where you got your numbers please. "




Patricia Smith wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:54 PM:

" Unfortunately, I missed this very pertinent editorial. Fortunately, the link to your archive was emailed to me. Something of this importance needs to be placed on the main page of your web site rather than buried in the archives. The latest data on the effects of second hand smoking, makes this a public health issue. Mat-Su is so close. What will it take to move this community from good to great when it comes to a smoke-free environment? As a consumer, I chose smoke-free in any establishment that I visit. "




Pete wrote on Nov 5, 2009 5:35 PM:

" Absolutely right on. If it wasn't smoke from a cigarette, OSHA would prohibit such a toxic substance to pollute the workplace. A smoke free ordinance is long overdue for the Valley. "




emptypockets99 wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:56 PM:

" I am a former smoker and I know how difficult it is to quit.However, I am thankful I was able to do it. I do not go to places where smoking is allowed. Second hand smoke is just as dangerous as inhaling it as the "Primary". It is easier never to begin than it is to stop. Otherwise raise the tax to $2.00 per pack and give to those who do not smoke, but are made to breathe the polluted air around them. "




Natasha Pineda wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:27 PM:

" Jane, Great editorial! I am glad we have advocates out here in the Valley promoting health for all of us! I look forward to the Mat Su Valley going SMOKE FREE! "




Ley Schleich wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:51 AM:

" Yes! Thanks for bringing this into focus with your letter, Jane. One of the most important facts here is that policies and taxes are effective in preventing smoking AMONG YOUTH. This is essential for their own health and for preventing future addictions in the adult population. Let's do it! "




Go Smoke-free Now wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:04 AM:

" I completely agree! It's high time the Mat-Su Valley goes 100% smoke-free. I know a lot of the restaurants and a couple of the bars are already smoke-free. Those are the only ones I'd ever go to. You can't even breathe in the others! "