'at least cars, and the Sun (uv rays) are a necessary evil'

Just to say, I dont think a car is necessary.

Years ago there were no cars and yet people managed to live quite happily (OK there was the odd car if your picky). Many people still dont have cars, yet that doesnt stop them living a fulfilling life. Humans can survive without cars, we can still eat, breath and reproduce without them, and in fact using a car hinders all 3 them - pollution damages your breathing, eating and reproducing while driving might be considered dangerous (Oh, you CAN do all 3 on a train by way, but that story belongs in another topic).

So Ill take exception to you saying that cars are necessary. They are a luxury, much the same as a playstation.

Back OT now.

I dont like smoke however I believe an outright ban is wrong. Once the health do-gooders have stopped everyone smoking, then they will have nothing to moan about and then they cast their evil eye on another vice they consider bad. In 20 years time that will be banned and so on. One day these do-gooders will try to ban something I enjoy doing. And its for that reason I think a ban is wrong. Persuade people not to smoke without banning it.

Reminds me of the story - the wind and the sun had a bet who could make a man to take his jacket off. The wind blew and blew and the man did his jacket up tighter. The wind couldnt make the man take his jacket off. Then the sun had a go, and gently warmed the man up who soon took of his jacket. The moral was something along the lines of trying to force someone to do something and they will fight back, but a bit of kindness, being gentle rather than forcefull is a much better way. Same as smoking ban, pesuade people its bad let them decide to quite rather than ban it.

.......and I'll take exeption to you saying cars are a luxury!

maybe in Victorian times they were but now they are a necessity!

so from now on I assume you are NEVER going to set foot in a car again, coz they are a 'luxury' you can do without?

I hate smoking, and cannot understand it at all. but not sure it is the right thing to ban it though.

No Mig, a car is a luxury Ill afford myself, but it isnt a necessity as such. I am lucky perhaps, the station is only 10 mins walk away and work 20 mins walk from the other end (there are busses that would get me to work as well). In the last 3 towns I have worked I didnt have a car and managed to get to work well enough by walking, cycling or the bus. The car costs me about 25p a mile to run (inland revenue figures), a 28 mile daily commute costs about £7, and the return train trip is about £5 and less hassle (or about £500 cheaper a year!).

Just one last comment on cars from me, if you were given a choice, give up the job or give up the car which would you do? I believe most people can get by without a car.


And back to smoking....

I do smoke but am totaly in favor of the ban. I just see it as more motivation to stop smoking. I also can't see why something so damaging and socialy irresponsible can be legal when we're not allowed to garnish a salad with magic herbs.

I dont know Red, look at drinking and driving, 20 years ago and everyne did,now no one does much. OK Its banned but also people think its bad so attitudes change. Thats where I think smoking should go, not a ban as such but more changing attitiudes so people dont

I agree with the ban totally. Why should pubs, and the like have to provide a special place for drug addicts? that's all smokers are. I like a few pints, but I don't stand on the bar and piss on everyone, that's what smokers are doing with their smoke.
Tyne in Florida.

I just thought I'd revive my old topic... let's see how you all feel now that the ban is in effect.