There's something on my mind and it's bothering me
By Grandmaof2
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
Canada
June 9, 2007 2:44am CST
There's something on my mind and it's bothering me. I never go to the bars/taverns and as a result I got a shock of my life when I went a few weeks ago. I have really pondered this over as to whether I should or should not talk about this because the last thing I want is for someone to say I am being prejudice, because this is not what it may appear to be. I have a friend that sings and we were asked by her and the fellow who plays keyboard to go and we did. I know the rules here in Canada where I live and where I am there is absolutely no smoking in restaurants or bar/taverns and it has been on our news that there have been charges layed in bars when the rules were not followed. Well we wound up at the bar and the place was so full of smoke I thought I'd chock to death. Because I have asthma I wasn't able to stay long and believe me it was bad. I asked how this could be and I was told that's because it's an indian bar and the natives are allowed to smoke in their bars and casinos. Now here's my concern, while I don't believe smoking is good for anyone I feel that if anyone should have the privilage, if you want to call it a privilage don't you think our veterans should have the same right. These men and women went to battle and fought for our freedom and yet there is no way they are allowed to go to the legion and have a cigarette with their drink. I personally wish no one had to smoke but with that said I do respect the Military and I think this is just not right. Does anyone else feel the same way ?
8 people like this
13 responses
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
9 Jun 07
I agree with you. If there is a law that states there is to be no smoking in confined places such as restaurants or public establishments, then it should be that way for everyone not just some. Indian laws are for indian reservations and this is true. They are exempt from having to abide by it. But as I said, if there is a federal law, then they should have to abide by it too. Our veterans fought for our right to smoke or not smoke in public places, our right to defend ourselves, our right to believe what we believe and ultimately our right to have these laws. They above all should be able to smoke where they want, but they don't because it's the law. I am a smoker and I abide by the laws. I don't smoke where I am not supposed to and I don't smoke around non-smokers because if I want to hurt my body, no one else should be subjected to my frivolousness. I am sorry that you went through that and it shouldn't have happened!
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
9 Jun 07
Thank You very much for being a considerate smoker and I'm relieved to see I'm not the only person to see the situation re: our veterans. You spoke of this post in a much better format than I did. You said it exacately how I see it. If the bar was on a reservation that's different, if I would have decided to go there then I feel I have NO right to say anything, but the bar I'm referring to is one block of the downtown main street of the city. The legion is also one block off the main drag only difference is they are at opposite ends of the city. Our veterans are not allowed to smoke in their legion what so ever. This I feel is in very poor taste. In the heart of the city the laws should be geared to accomadate everyone, we are supposed to be equal. Thank You for your comments I appreciate hearing from you.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
9 Jun 07
Indians are not ruled by canadian laws, they have their own,
military are ruled by canadian laws.
the two are not the same,
however I believe in an Indian went in an ordinary bar not an indian bar they would be asked to butt out. because now the law is canadian.
1 person likes this
@trinidadvelasco (11401)
• Philippines
9 Jun 07
so i take it, that these bars and taverns are located in an indian territory as recognized by the government. i understand that there are defined indian reservation areas where the indians are allowed to continuously observe all their cultures and traditions.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
9 Jun 07
Good point Trinidadvelasco I didn't add that information and is just one more reason why I'm troubled by this. The bar I am speaking off is right in the downtown part of the city and in fact is just one block off the main street.
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
9 Jun 07
You have made a good point. Why is it allowed in some places and not others? Then the "authorities" want to know why people break laws. What good are laws if there are always exceptions? And why is one group given favoritism over others? I agree with your feelings, even though I am not a smoker and don't frequent bars.
@trinidadvelasco (11401)
• Philippines
9 Jun 07
for me, it is really best that the no smoking ban is imposed everywhere without exception. anyway, now that it is out that the indian bars are allowed to carry this activity out in their places, let us instead give the signal to all smokers who loves to go to bars and taverns that it is the place of the indians which is best for them.
as for me, i never give these bars and taverns any visit at all regardless of whatever invitation. though this will not concern me at all, yet i would like to say, that the promulgation of the law, must be done in such a way that it will be fair for all concerned.
@terallion (37)
• India
9 Jun 07
The law of the land should be the same for all especially when matters of public health are concerned. I don't know whether it is really permitted to smoke in Indian bars in Canada. But, in my opinion if it is banned in Canadian bars, then it should be banned in all bars. May be someone is not following the rules.
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
9 Jun 07
I do not understand, either, how a certain people can have their own laws in active deference to the laws of the nation or community in which they reside.
I do not cotton to reverse discrimination.
Also, if a group of peoples benefit from the social welfare system, medical system and other tax benefits, they should also be required to contribute to the system if at all capable.
1 person likes this
@kgwat70 (13387)
• United States
9 Jun 07
They should not be allowed to smoke in any bars in your country. If it is against the law in Canada to smoke in bars that means nobody smokes in bars. They are not in India, they are in Canada and should follow the laws of Canada if they want to live there. It is illegal here in my state to smoke in public places so they would have been arrested or fined for doing that. No smoking in public places means everyone and not certain races. I do not think anyone should be allowed to smoke in public places, even the military.
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
9 Jun 07
I would only ask for a plaquard to be posted where all could see and then decide whether to enter about if it is a smoking establishment or not. It is supposed to be free choice in this country and so why not set it up for that and then the choices could be made on which establishments to support. I agree smoking should be ceremonial and not day to day.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
9 Jun 07
Smokers time to speak. Hahahaha! And yes I am also part native American. Anyhow here in Minnesota we also have the public smoking ban in bars restaraunts etc. But as Canada the Native Americans are free from this. The reason being is the property they own is soverign land owned by them and not the States. So theres still smoking in bars, restaraunts, casions etc that are soveriegn land. It's just the way the government set this up when they gave the Native Americans some of their land back etc. It sucks for the nonsmokers but Like I say as a smoker theres other places to go just as theres other places to go for cheaper prices on items. Like shopping you go where it's cheaper if you dont like the prices at one store. Same with the BNative American Soverign lands and the smoking allowed. Go elsewhere. Okay Im done ranting. HAHAHAHA!!! Sorry you went through all that smoke with your asthma also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@cjsmom (1423)
• United States
11 Jun 07
From what I understand, here in the U.S., our ban will go into effect in January of 08...My feeling is that bars/taverns should be allowed to have smoking; many people who drink at these establishments like to smoke. I understand not being allowed to smoke in areas where people are eating, or where there are children, or in public buildings but I feel private owners should be able to chose what they will do.
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
• Canada
9 Jun 07
You make a very good point and another good point I would like to add is that we are not allowed to smoke because the government has decided that it is not fair to the people who don't smoke as second hand smoke is dangerous so wouldn't this be just as dangerous for everyone . How is it that the natives don't follow under this as well . Are they somehow safer from the second hand smoke ?
I am a smoker and would like to be able to go out and have a drink and be able to have a smoke with it but realize there are people like you that would not be able to enjoy the night because of all the smoke and the truth is I can go outside if I want where you would not be able to just get away from the smoke other then to leave .
@yemberzal (301)
• India
9 Jun 07
I think if the medical cummunity is always declaring that smoking is injurious to health and they even warn of dreaded disease and also provide us with statics, further more it warns about passive smoking, then why do not W H O intervenes in this public interest matter and ban the manufacture and sales and consumptions of such hazardous material.
@tmtm929513 (4)
• Egypt
10 Jun 07
i'm feel the same way , but ...
i'm lowyer
i'm smoking
h'm one of them
