Smoking ban (including e-cigs) on student ballot March 7-8 at Missouri Western University

[Placebo Effect]

Tobacco policy goes on student ballot | The Griffon News

“Electronic cigarettes have the same addictive characteristics as traditional cigarettes,” [Student Governor Peter] Gregory said

Ridiculous. It needs 2/3 of a vote to pass.

 

[Bustastew]

Gregory is a fing ....., I hope he runs into a group of ...... off smokers/vaporers in a dark alley!

 

[MoonRose]

There is a poll being run on the site concerning the article. I also posted a comment that is now awaiting moderation.

 

[rothenbj]

Dorothy and Thad, excellent comments. Mine is waiting moderation and I went a different direction now awaiting moderation.

I totally agree with the above two comments and rather than repeat them, I'd like people to think of the ramifications of approving these regulations.

Smoking was the original target of the anti-tobacco movement. Let's face it, many people don't like the smell of cigarette smoke. Smoking is not the healthiest activity that a person can initiate, but there still are quite a few smokers and they have been moved out of enclosed space to appease those that don't like the smell. Yes, SHS has some health risk but if you really look at the science, it really may seriously effect non-smokers only if they are exposed to the smoke intensely over many years.

There is no justification to ban any smokeless tobacco product inside or out for health reasons. In fact if you are looking to improve health there may be justification for allowing such freedom for these products as an acceptable alternative to smoking. If a smoker has the alternative of either going outside or using a much safer product freely, they may decide to move away from smoking. That would be a worthy approach.

These regulations are nothing but a matter of control and a loss of freedom. You need to look at such regulation from the perception of what's next. You need to ask yourself, "What habit do I have that might be the target of the next wave of normalization?". They've already started on weight control and soda around the country. What happens if the next policy that is voted upon effects you personally and your rights are jeopardized by a vote of your fellow students.

This is America. Do you want your whole lives run down a singular path defined by someone else? Think carefully about your vote on this issue.

 

[Placebo Effect]

The measure failed http://www.missouriwestern.edu/sga/2011SGAELECTIONS.pdf

Support a tobacco Free MWSU –
Total students voting 1267
Needs 2/3 majority vote to pass (844.66) – FAILED
Yes – 797 No - 470

Very close though.

 

[MoonRose]

Another small victory for all concerned.

 

[Placebo Effect]

Peter Gregory responded to one Facebook message that I sent him, and asked for evidence that people use nicotine gum long-term (i.e., an addiction). When I sent him that evidence along with other literature, he didn't bother to respond again. He clearly has a bright future in politics.

 

[Vocalek]

Ah, so that's why you asked. Glad I could be of service!

Yes, I have also noticed that when you supply them with irrefutable facts, the conversation is over.

 

[hs3000]

Glad to hear the bill did not pass, but I am surprised it was as close as it was. I assumed that younger people would be more accepting, especially when the effects do not impact them personally. Unfortunately, I see a lot more of these battles coming...

 

[kristin]

Younger people actually seem to make the best lemmings and the biggest cliff belongs to the anti-tobacco Axis of Evil (ALA, ACS, AHS, CTFK, ASH, etc)

Glad to hear the bill did not pass, but I am surprised it was as close as it was. I assumed that younger people would be more accepting, especially when the effects do not impact them personally. Unfortunately, I see a lot more of these battles coming...

 

[hs3000]

I guess that may be true. I am back in school and have been surprised at how much support I have gotten from the 20' something crowd. None of them seemed to be remotely concerned with me vaping around them although none are smokers. I assumed (bad idea) that a younger generation might be more astute regarding big business, then again, I was that young once too...