I had dinner with a couple of old friends last night (can you believe we can actually say that now?). Cliff and Jas have been friends since EVER SINCE and back in the day we were all pretty geeky. Today, we are still wanna-be-change/fix/make-the-world-a-better-placers, but with children. Cliff had an awesome idea that I want to totally piggy-back on and enlist supporters for.
He needs legislators, citizens, people in hifaluten powerful places to support legislation to ban smoking in restaurants. Cliff has all the details, but I thought I'd help get it started by posting it on the blogosphere. We're starting up a blog too later, but for now, he'd like to get a group of supporters together.
I agree with them that it's about time we join the rest of the literate and intelligent world and protect our kids and family from second hand smoke. I was in Hawaii this summer, and they in the P.I. Both places ban smoking in restaurants, bars, and some public places.
I think the people of the CNMI are not so selfish that they'd deny what's obviously best for everyone's health. What do you think?
17 comments:
I'm all for a ban of cigarette smoking in all public places. It was refreshing in the states to be able to eat without the unpleasant odor of smoke. And it's not just good for our kids, but for all of us.
But I think people will fight it. For instance, I wrote a letter of complaint about Bobby Cadillac's not having a separate area for cigarette smokers. The rule is 50 or more capacity, then you've got to have segregated seating. Go in an count. They've got more than 50 seats. But the owner tried to say that each bench is seating for ONE! Now I have a big butt--however there is no way that those benches, especially the large ones are for ONE person. Not on this planet, at least not yet!
Still, no action, no resolution. And cigarette smoke that drives me away (although the sandwiches call me back sometimes).
I would love to see a total ban on smoking in restaurants, as well as bars! Why can't people step out for a smoke? But it's difficult to do this when it seems the majority of people are smokers.
In any case you got my support on this. Here's to healthy lungs!
Count me in on this one Boni, and I'm ready to throw the strength of the radio stations into the campaign as well.
I will even go from restaurant to restaurant with a squirt gun putting out cigarettes if you'll quit campaigning for votes and just let me win this thing. I need all I can get to beat Angelo!
Count me in! This is long overdue. McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and Jollibee might be the only "restaurants" on island that are smoke-free!
I agree with Tricia, this is looong overdue. Smoking is such a wretched habit. I wonder if making it more difficult to smoke in public will encourage people to quit.
By the way Boni, I was cleaning out my spam folder last night, and just before it all disappeared, it looked like I had a message from you in there. Sorry about that, but I didn't get it, can you send it again? Thanks, I'll pay more attention from now on.
I'm in on this one!!!! There are many places we won't go anymore because of serious air pollution!!!
This is no small task, and even a smoker like me knows it's something long overdue. Clifford: if you are listening, people have heard and are ready to help. Let's go bro!!
Mona: nice new picture. Harry: You're already leading, you don't need my vote. I'm still holding out for the best margarita offer:)
Jane: I think people will initially fight against it because it's change, but the more we push what's right, the more influence we have on the future of things. I think getting the students and student organizations involved is a good start.
As a BRAND NEW non-smoker (smoke free for 2 whole weeks now!!) I'm in on this. Even as a smoker, I hated smokers in restaurants. Bars were a little different, since people tend to smoke more when they drink. But I agree! No more smoking!
(I'm destined to turn into one of those obnoxious ex-smokers now, I just know it!)
Congrats, Melissa. 2 weeks is a good start.
Can we include spitting betel nut in this campaign sonehow? I hate it when people get empty cans etc. and puke them full of red juice. Ugh!
In Florida they ban smoking in all places that serve food. Nightclubs still allow smoking, but bars like Wild Bill's and Gods would only be allowed to allow smoking if they stopped serving food.
The law is worded as a workplace protection law, protecting workers from second hand smoke.
If you are interested and the if the lawmakers don't seem willing to help, we can gather signatures to put this on the ballot in 2009. Gathering signatures isn't too difficult if you get the right people.
I'll do it, but the man behind the vision needs to organize it. I'll give him a call.
this is cliff,
Im listening... er, reading everyone!!!
I've been wanting to do this for such a long time, but just wasnt sure that there would be support for it. but after speaking to several other friends, and yes, boni, i realize that there are people like me who know that there are things we can do to make life here better for all of us. This is an important goal ive set out for myself being that it is more for our children than anybody else. i will be getting back to boni when i have all my material set for this push. i appreciate everyone's comments and encouragement and look forward to working with those of you who have graciously offered your help. i will be needing help getting signatrues for a petition to ask lawmakers to take up the issue. and of course, the weight of mass media will be a HUGE boost to the effort..... so, again, thanks to everyone for the encouragement, and thanks to you boni for pointing me to this network for the support..... ps, your blog rocks boni!!!! :-P
Cliffy Poo: we have to get you a blog my brother! Porky's is banning smoking on Wednesdays, they rock! Everyone: thanks for the help and congrats to Melissa, our new non-smoker. When we finally meet, I will remember to keep my smokes far away! And yes Glen! I agree, like Palau we need to do something about the chew juice!! Ang: Thanks for the advice and for continuing to follow up on the issue. Harry: help on the radio would not just support the cause, but will get everyone thinking about the reason behind it, so thanks on behalf of Cliff who needs to get his butt moving:) Patty, Bren and Ed: we really need this, especially because I don't know about you, but I ain't getting any younger and besides, it makes perfect sense to keep those around us healthy too!
Hey Boni,
Well I found your site again. This is pretty cool. I see Cliff is in here somewhere hope I could find him. Who else is cruizin in here from Class of 89? Well Aloha from Iraq.
Miget
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