Smokers/non-smokers sections.

[blacklite911]

This has been discussed in the General Discussion forum, and it seems like such a reasonable way of doing things. I propose that at our head quarters, and possibly in marches, that we have a non-smoking section. Smokers have the right to smoke as well as people have the right to not be around that smoke.

 

In our case, we don't want those smoke intolerant people to be turned off to the whole gathering because of an easily fixable problem. Also, certain people have respiratory issues and their health simply does not allow them to be around the smoke, we must help these people.

 

I had the discussion today that maybe this doesn't even have to be voted upon, I'd be willing to make a non-smoking sign and slap it on something anyways. What do you guys think?

 

-Torry

[bebop]

I think the problem can be solved with a simple, "Excuse me, could you please mind your smoke?"

[Selena]

Torry, I agree with you.

[cameron913]

I think it can be taken care of on an individual basis. It would be a shame to segregate ourselves so.

[Chopin]

Considering that it is outdoors, you can simply stand elsewhere OR ask the individual to smoke elsewhere.  

[blacklite911]

bebop said:

I think the problem can be solved with a simple, "Excuse me, could you please mind your smoke?"

 

I understand this BUT people generally don't do that. I know a lot of smokers are respectful but in reality, it just doesn't work out like that most of the time, when people wanna smoke, they just pull it out and do it. Think about it for a second, you have 100+ people crowded on a street corner everyday, you have people behind you, in front of you, to the side of you, etc. Do you really think everybody is gonna ask EVERYBODY thats around them if they mind if they smoke, ESPECIALLY when there's usually one person near you smoking and so that precedence is set, the new smoker will assume that its ok when it may not be ok.

On the flip side of that, the smoke intolerant isn't gonna ask a total stranger to stop doing something or to go somewhere else, as it is seen as an aggressive move for the most part. This proposal is to protect new individuals who will be strangers and thus won't have that familiarity and comfortability to do that

 

Secondly, it wouldn't segregate you as a smoker because anyone who doesn't care about smoke can still be in the smokers section. In fact, you're asking the smoke-intolerant to segregate themselves from the movement, which is why I proposed this in the first place.

For example, if we''re playing the drums in a circle and there's someone smoking. But there's a person who wants to join in on the fun but they can't because they have respiratory issues. You as a smoker just enforced your will onto another, which is a concept that we're fighting against in the first place. We need people to stand WITH us, not looking from afar.

 

Thirdly, You do it anyways. Chicago ordinance says you must be 15 feet away from an entrance to prevent smoke-intolerant people from being forced to go through your smoke. I'm just saying, lets adapt this to our movement.

 

Now, this doesn't have to be a strictly enforced rule, we can just make a smokers section and because people are trained this way, when there's a sign people follow it.

[MeredithN]

I am a) a person that is highly addicted to nicotene and b) a person highly involved in Occupy Chicago. IF ANY PERSON AT ANY TIME WERE TO ASK ME TO STEP AWAY BECAUSE OF MY NICOTENE HABIT, I would do so. Even without this, I take measures to feel that I am at least at the perimeters of the group while I have a cigarette. The same should be expected at the GA. But, ultimately, it's at the hands of everyone and I don't believe it should need to come to vote. There is a reminder at GA's that if you need to smoke, step to the perimeter. If a smoker is bothering you because you are allergic to smoke, etc, it's your right to say, "Hey, man, step over there, your smoke is bothering me." Everyone at the movement has listened so far, and I believe they will continue to listen. Talk to people one on one, aside from GAs, where that announcement is already made. Everyone (from what I've seen) is understanding and more than cooperative.

[MrHawkerz]

WE HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO WITH OUR TIME AND OUR GA'S THEN FOR PEOPLE TO BE BITCHING ABOUT SMOKERS. IF SOMEONE IS BOTHERING YOU WITH THEIR SMOKE EITHER ASK THEM TO MOVE OR MOVE YOURSELF. MOST SMOKERS UNDERSTAND. MOST. THIS IS NOT A FUCKING POLICE STATE. WE HAVE BETTER THINGS TO BE TALKING ABOUT AND USING OUR ENERGY ON. WE DONT NEED RULES LIKE THIS. THE ONLY RULES WE SHOULD HAVE IS THAT EVERYONE HAS AND USES COMMON SENSE.

 

Better things to talk about:

Lessening our dependency on foregin oil

Finding the funding for green research

 

Lets start with those and get off our high horses and talk about shit that matters.

~H

[blacklite911]

Why don't you propose something then...

[l1legend]

Yes to smoking section. It makes the movement look professional. 

Some people don't want to breath chemicals. It takes 7 years off your lifespan. Quit smoking. Its bad for you. Does it provide any health benefits? Or... am I misinformed?

 

Or... is there some kind of fucked up science that says "cigarettes are good for you!"

 

I care for your health. I love you all.