I am a smoker. Cobalt is a smoker. Both of us just got a prescription for Chantix with the hopes that it will assist us in our quit. The choice to quit was based on many things, primarily health (of us and family members) and the expense. We both wished we had never started, but when we did - it wasn't this big deal about health & expenses... hindsight...

My workplace has just passed as a policy to be tobacco free. The policy states that no one can use tobacco products (including chew) on the grounds. This includes in a private vehicle parked on the grounds. I don't have an issue with this at all. In fact, I think it is a good thing.

This, however, is the issue I am having. In addition to the use on the grounds, there is a "possession of" on the grounds - even in a private vehicle. If Cobalt wasn't quiting, and smoked in our vehicle - I could still be 'charged' with insubordination if the ashtray in our vehicle has cig butts (or even if he forgot and left his cigarettes in the car) in it as there is tobacco products in my vehicle parked on the grounds. What I could do is park on a public road, but with my job that is nearly impossible as I have to carry heavy stuff to and from my vehicle. (I use my own vehicle to go back and forth between all the buildings - not a company vehicle).

While I understand and agree with the policy - I believe that this aspect of it is taking it too far as they are not only trying to dictate my behavior, but that of my spouse as contained in our privately owned vehicle.

I want to start something about high energy caffeine drinks... lol Gotta get back at all those non-smokers who have a caffeine habit..

Or how about those who have treats in their desks? They draw mice.. mice transfer disease.... not to mention the obesity epidemic.

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A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend, one human soul whom we can trust utterly, who knows the best and worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults.

People who have gone too far in the quest for political correctness.

Dangerous wankers.

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Calm, quiet, smooth, devastating

I quit smoking back in December of 1997 and I really don't care for the smell of cigarettes anymore, however, I think rules like Cheyanne described are ridiculous. Especially when it extends to "possession." That's stupid and I suppose a good lawyer could get that rule overturned. Trouble is that would cost a bunch to even try. I also think having people stand outdoors in the northern states during the winter when the temperatures are way below freezing to have a cigarette are insane as well. That, IMHO, is wrong. Companies should be required to have a well-ventilated, heated/air conditioned facility for smokers. There can be other inducements for encouraging people to quit.

Cheyanne,

These types of overreaching and prideful interference in the lives of private citizens are another sad development in contemporary life.

"We know what's best for you. Just obey and you'll be better off."

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Eudaimonia

I believe if its pushed the school district will have to back down. Schools, due to public pressure are trying to regulate things out of their control. Next year we were told we are to be a sugary snack free zone. No candy can be used or consumed in around the students. No soft drinks either. No chips etc. No fast food for school parties.

I expect a list to be published of no nos. I know of another school in my district where the teachers are not permitted to consume anything including water in front of the students due to them being considered role models and consuming things = endorsement.

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Eudaimonia

I think the worst I've seen is the peanut allergies. One kid comes within 500 yards of any legume and he dies so what does the school district do?

Enforce a peanut-free zone. That's right. No peanut products in the cafeteria, no kids in ANY school can bring peanut products in their lunch, no teachers can bring any peanut products in their lunch or for a party.

Now I can see the restrictions on the cafeteria or elementary school he was at, but the entire city?

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Well sir that seems to be someone else's problem.

Are you in America? What state are you in? As most states in America have right to work laws which means your employer can and will fire you at any time for any reason. (Except race, ethnicity, religion, gender, handicap)

In 2004, a woman was fired from her job at an Alabama Factory because the owner didn't like her Kerry bumper sticker.



Well, I went on a full on rant about this a few months ago, and it is still an issue that chaffes me.

Fuck smokers. I know that sentiment won't make me popular around here, and it never does. However, I'm not upset that it is a nasty habit. I really don't care that you are going to die of heart and/or lung failure. And I live in an area surrounded by oil refineries so second hand smoke doesn't bother me as I know I will get cancer anyways.

So why all the smoking anger?

How many packs do you smoke at work everyday? On average how many hours are on your paycheck that are spent outside in the smoking area?

At every job I've been at it seems that smokers get on average a 5 - 15 minute break on the hour, every hour.

At McDonald's they thought of nothing to let a 16 y/o pregnant girl get a smoke break everyday, but I was expected to work my entire shift most days without a break. A man does get hungry after a while.

At my current job, I'm the only non-smoker. I find myself being the only person in the shop doing any work while everyone else is all outside sucking on a fag. I get yelled at if after loading a series of heavy tanks my boss comes outside and sees that I am taking a few minutes to bullshit with the truck driver and help him strap down his load. Hell, yesterday we were all scraping hardened wax off of a mold, and one guy decided it was time for a smoke ad I decided it was time to get a drink of water. Guess who got yelled at for slacking off?

So yeah, telling a person that a cigarette takes 5 minutes off their like won't affect them if they know each smoke will give them 15 minutes of their boss off their back.

Also, smoking is the only vice that's allowed in the work place.

Does your job allow people to sneak in a flask of whiskey and take a few sips throughout they day?

Could someone light up a quick jay at 4:20 to help them relax and focus on finishing their work?

I personally would like to have the balls to ask if my company will put in a magazine rack so I can go beat it every hour. Maybe I'll make the suggestion in my letter of recommendation.

All three of those things are notorious and common vices. All three of those things are also addictive, and none of them are necessary for survival like a water, lunch or bathroom break. And all three of these things would make my work day a lot more enjoyable. And yet, smokers seem entitled to their breaks, and will even argue the law on breaks.

Oh, and many places don't allow food and drink in the work area. It's a good idea since it keeps down the ants and roaches and a coke will ruin expensive equipment. Plus, there is always the off chance that the coffee cup you picked up has something other than coffee.

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Well sir that seems to be someone else's problem.