New York, NY – As New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg prepares to sign a law outlawing smoking at beaches and parks, some critics say the city has gone too far.
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Health experts disagree on the hazards of a whiff of smoke outdoors. Opponents of the ban argue cigarette smoke is just one of many nuisances to contend with in a crowded city.
Critics have also questioned whether the city is trampling on civil liberties. It has already outlawed smoking in workplaces, including bars and restaurants.
But city Health Commissioner Thomas A. Farley says the law will ensure the city’s beaches and parks are free of the nuisance of smoke and open to all.
Did it dawn on the “civil liberties” people that those who go to the park for fresh air deserve to get some? The second hand smoke left behind pedestrians in the street is disgusting (even if it has no health consequences – which it does). What about my rights? The park has fresh air that deserves to be protected. Smokers, stay home and toxify yourself with the stinky stuff in your private domain. Don’t farshtink the public.
yes bloomberg has proven that he wants to control everything in order to remake the city in his image this is one more thing he can control and make ticket money on
I don’t understand why smoking isn’t just made illegal. It seems to me the mayor is trying to impose laws against smoking without actually outlawing smoking outright. If it’s legal then people who want to smoke should be allowed to smoke!
#1 interesting that you brought up civil liberties as long as cigarettes are legal and the streets parks and yes beaches are public the dictator that want to regulate our sugar salt consumption has no right to prohibit a legal activity whats next bike lanes in every community
ps bloomberg is a salt junky but as every liberal you vill do as a say
From these comments I have learned two things. Apparently, cigarettes and cars both kill. Maybe Bloomberg should ban smoking in ones car. I mean thats a double whammy.