Comments on SMOKERS HAVE UNFAIR ADVANTAGES IN THE WORKPLACE!!!!!!!!!!

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Oh no Tanga....you're too smart a guy for that!

Say it ain't so!!!!!!!!!

posted by Passionflower on October 9, 2006 at 5:00 PM | link to this | reply

Us smokers need those breaks

because we are already losing 15 minutes of our lives per cigarette. Seriously though, I must quit!

posted by Tanga on October 9, 2006 at 1:45 AM | link to this | reply

Thanks Ariel...I'm afraid we all have our crosses to bear.

posted by Passionflower on October 8, 2006 at 3:20 PM | link to this | reply

Passion

 

You would have to be more than human not to have your opinions moulded by such a traumatic and tragic event.

I pride myself on being perceptive, but I cannot imagine your emotions at that time ; watching one that you love killing himself with weakness. In fact, I don't want to ; it is too harrowing.

It is indeed an addiction, and a dreadful one at that. I guess I was lucky in one way, 'cos I gave it up when I had to ; when I was in hospital. Seemed a bit stupid to start again when I came out.

For what it's worth, I respect you even more now.

posted by ariel70 on October 8, 2006 at 2:57 PM | link to this | reply

I admit to being very biased, Ariel...

When it comes to smoking - I sat with my father for 3 months while he slowly died of emphysema. He would crawl out from under his oxygen tent and crawl into the stairwell to smoke a cigarette when the nurses weren't watching.

It was very upsetting to me and I had to have some counseling - the doctor said that my father had an inner need to destroy himself. The whole incident haunted me for many years.

 As I most resemble my father in the way I look and act, I was always certain I would turn out like him and lived with that fear for years.

posted by Passionflower on October 8, 2006 at 2:50 PM | link to this | reply

Passion again

 

Parents, of course. Sorry.

posted by ariel70 on October 8, 2006 at 2:00 PM | link to this | reply

Passion

 

Of course, you are absolutely correct ; everthing resonable should be done to deter people from smoking, and prevent them form starting in the first place.

But acting like Nazis, demonising people who smoke, and propagating downright lies is no way to do it. Compare the lenient, sympathetic attitude towards drug addicts, alcoholics, et al with the hatred of smokers.

Highly selective venom. One can smoke and be a good partner, a parent, a good worker, an asset to one's community ; but if one is a drug addict or an acoholic then one can be none of these things.

It has come to the point that hundreds of diseases, which could, or may not be, caused by smoking, are automatically " smoking related diseases". In other words, if you smoke, your disease was definitely caused by smoking ; full stop, end of discussion.

This is stupid, because it does nobody any good ; including non-smokers, for it diverts attention from other factors in the environment that are carcinogenic. More effort should be put into research into this, and less into working out people's spite on smokers, however stupid one may think them to be.

I am very sorry for you in the loss of your parent, Passionflower, and altho' you may think me excessively vehement in my opinions, I do hope that it will not in any way prejudice our friendship, and the respect that I hold for you. it is merely that I am a fananatical libertarian, and have lived thro' the most dire results of intolerance.

 

posted by ariel70 on October 8, 2006 at 1:58 PM | link to this | reply

Ariel...smoking DOES kill many of its users...

Both my parents died of cigarette smoking diseases. Whatever we can do or say to STOP people from smoking is fine by me!

posted by Passionflower on October 8, 2006 at 1:46 PM | link to this | reply

Taps...it seems like people who are nurses and doctors

And have SEEN with their own eyes, the damage that cigarettes do, would NOT smoke. It's crazy, isn't it?

posted by Passionflower on October 8, 2006 at 1:44 PM | link to this | reply

Maggie...it wouldn't do much good to complain...

This is an issue that our own govt and the FDA and the Surgeon General should correct. As long as the tobacco industry continues to bribe our lawmakers (in the form of millions in lobbying dollars), the law will NOT be corrected, no matter how stupid it is.

posted by Passionflower on October 8, 2006 at 1:43 PM | link to this | reply

Symphony...that's a very good idea except for this:::::

POT, though it hasn't been shown to be dangerous to your health in any way and in fact, calms you down like Prozac or Valium (only without the serious side effects), still remains ILLEGAL.

Cigarettes, on the other hand, continue to be legal although they have been proven to KILL or seriously MAIM their users.

posted by Passionflower on October 8, 2006 at 1:39 PM | link to this | reply

WoW, Passionflower, I guess you don't understand - ya blew me away, ya did.  Ok, being an ex, I understand, but you've never used tobacco so you can't.  Well, we settled that, didn't we?  hahahaha

You're right, smokers have an unfair advantage, so why don't you tell somebody that can do something about it?  They have to if you complain, I would think. 

posted by MaggieMae on October 8, 2006 at 1:38 PM | link to this | reply

Do they allow that sort of thing in Dubai, BlondeAmb???

Here in the US we pretty much cater to the smokers bec they have this "Addiction" that they can't kick AND we're supposed to feel bad for them bec they can't smoke in buildings and restaurants anymore....

It irks me too! Smokers are the number one reason why the cost of healthcare is climbing so high these days = WE will ALL pay for their "habit" at some point.

posted by Passionflower on October 8, 2006 at 1:37 PM | link to this | reply

Lady "P"

You are right on the money! That use to irk the hell out of me!

posted by BlondeAmbition007 on October 8, 2006 at 11:21 AM | link to this | reply

Passion again

 

Gotta love ya an' leave ya, 'cos we got visitors over from Britian.

hasta luego!

el Tel

posted by ariel70 on October 8, 2006 at 9:24 AM | link to this | reply

Passion

 

Oopps!! Senior moment there!

I forgot to mention that women ( at least in Britain and Europe ) have an unfair advantge, not only over men, but their own female fellow workers.

When they take time off for pregnancy, they often throw a huge burden on their employer, and their fellow workers. Not every employer can afford to hire more staff, so inevtiably some of the woman's workload gets shunted off on to others.

One must keep a sense of proportion about these social issues.

posted by ariel70 on October 8, 2006 at 9:18 AM | link to this | reply

Passion

 

I've been smoking on and off since I was fourteen ( in 1945 ), but I packed it in last December. For good.

You know, the nicofascits do spout some appalling rubbish about smoking ; for example you fiteen minutes a fag statement, which is arrant nonsense.

For example, in Britain, they say that one out of every two ( yes, they do put it that way ) smokers, will die of their habit. Uh, huh. On the government's own figures about 15,000,000 British smoke. Righhttt. So, ergo, 7,000,000 people are gonna snuff it every year.

Funny that, 'cos the death rate, from all causes, averages 630,000 per year. One could go on ad infinitum citing the endless lies, misleading statements, and blatant distortion of figures and facts.

Okay, smoking is a bad habit ; people ought to be weaned off it, by education. But barefaced lies don't help anyone.

Cigar, anyone?

el Tel

posted by ariel70 on October 8, 2006 at 9:14 AM | link to this | reply

Maybe you should go join them and light a joint....LOL

posted by _Symphony_ on October 8, 2006 at 9:05 AM | link to this | reply

Passionflower, That was always a contention where I worked for so many years. 

posted by TAPS. on October 8, 2006 at 8:58 AM | link to this | reply

Talion, that may be true where you work-

But I work in a 10 story office building in North Dallas. The ONLY people who go downstairs to the courtyard are the smokers.

If a non-smoker went down there and just sat on the bench for 5 or 10 minutes, then everyone would stare at them as if they were crazy. The only way I get those breaks they take is to start smoking.

I guess my only revenge is that I'm going to live longer and be healthier. You smokers will get lung problems like asthma, emphysema or lung cancer by the time you get to your fifties or sixties.

You smokers will have alot more heart disease and strokes.

posted by Passionflower on October 8, 2006 at 7:27 AM | link to this | reply

Passionflower

Why aren't you allowed to do that? Has management issued a mandate stating only smokers can take breaks? Are the non-smokers chained to their desks? Is there an armed guard at the door that only allows people with cigarettes to leave? Smokers get a bum rap because when they take their breaks, they congregate in the same visible areas. Because it's so obvious what they're doing, it seems like the have this "unfair advantage." The couple guys standing around sipping coffee while they discuss the Cowboys or those women in the ladies room griping about their husbands are doing the same things the smokers are doing, not working and taking a break. They just don't have cigarettes in the mouths. When you go back to work, look closely and chances are, you'll see it's true.    

posted by Talion on October 7, 2006 at 10:05 PM | link to this | reply

Blanche...I can take a few more than that

But not like Richard...he's nuts.

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 8:25 PM | link to this | reply

LOL Ginnie...yes he does....

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 8:25 PM | link to this | reply

I know what you mean, Passionflower, I like being around a small group

or one or two people I know, and I try to make small talk at yard sales, etc, to be nice, but I get wiped out if I talk to too many people in a row.

posted by Blanche. on October 7, 2006 at 6:20 PM | link to this | reply

That angry guy emoticon...

..just works so well sometimes! 

posted by ginnieb on October 7, 2006 at 6:19 PM | link to this | reply

Thanks Whacky-We gotta start a campaign for non-smokers to get the same

Time outside in the sunshine and fresh air as the smokers.

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 6:00 PM | link to this | reply

That really doesn't seem fair.

Non-smokers should get equal time in the sun or shade...Preferably when the smokers are inside.

posted by Whacky on October 7, 2006 at 5:31 PM | link to this | reply

My ex Richard, is an extreme Extrovert.

We just got back from Walmart. He spoke to half the people in the store. He had people laughing when we left.

It really grates on my nerves sometimes. I told him, "Richard, stop! Okay? Stop being the PR guy for the whole world and just help me buy groceries so we can get outta here."

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 5:22 PM | link to this | reply

When I read somewhere that that is the definition almost of an introvert, P

it made a lot of sense to me.  Introverts look inward for spiritual sustenance, getting energy from within, and from connection to the spiritual source.  Extroverts need people around, and are energized by groups of people where you and I are exhausted.

Don't get me wrong, I love being around people I like. 

posted by Blanche. on October 7, 2006 at 5:19 PM | link to this | reply

Cute photo, Troosha....

   {i'm using icons nobody uses much} 

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 5:16 PM | link to this | reply

You're like me, Blanche-

You need a certain amount of "Quiet time" to be emotionally healthy. If you don't get it, I bet you become angry or bitchy, like me.

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 5:15 PM | link to this | reply

It ain't right at all, Ginnie...

  

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 5:11 PM | link to this | reply

All right, Passion, but it finally dawned on me, I needed a day to recoup

after MG went back to work.  It's QUIET in here for the first time in 2 days.   News, tv, tapes, the blasting sounds of his war game.  I am fried. 

posted by Blanche. on October 7, 2006 at 5:10 PM | link to this | reply

Thanks for at least admitting it, Troosha....

I'd like to go downstairs and relax for a few minutes in the garden each day at work. It would greatly help my "Bored Quotient".

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 5:09 PM | link to this | reply

Ha Passion!

Never thought of that!  Sure doesn't seem right.

posted by ginnieb on October 7, 2006 at 5:08 PM | link to this | reply

Mindover...you bring up a good point!

Alot of people have addictive personalities - if they quit smoking, they start over-eating or drinking too many cokes....or whatever! They have to over-do something. It pacifies some deep need inside them.

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 5:07 PM | link to this | reply

In our building they aren't very strict about the smokers, LustorLove...

It ain't right!

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 5:05 PM | link to this | reply

Blan che...how well I know all those

Torture machines....they LOOK intimidating but really they're great! You'll totally LOVE it!

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 5:03 PM | link to this | reply

smokers

they do it on their personal time which is meant for going potty or getting a drink, but they specify just that and not smoking, so how do they continually get a way with it?

posted by lustorlove on October 7, 2006 at 4:54 PM | link to this | reply

Hello, Passionflower...

I have smoked, and stopped for a few years, then smoked and stopped...and got over it. Somedays I could smoke a pack or more, sometimes a pack would last a week or more. Never was there smoking in my car, or in my house. There is no excuse for anything, but I think some people just like to bitch, moan, whine and comlplain about their 'disease'. Afterall, what would they use for an excuse if they didn't have their desease or illness to blame for everything that goes wrong in their life, and if they didn't have their crutch to lean on? Even if you need a step (how many steps?) program for a while, use it and get over it. Then get on with life. You want to quit something? then quit it! Instead now you've got all these people who can't drink, or don't do drugs, or have other things they like to do that are not good for them, and they sit around and tell their war stories patting each other on the back. Or smokers that quit smoking that take up unhealthy eating and get fat and now they have something else to complain about...which might drive them back to smoking! And drinking!

I wrote Mind over Matter  which is pertaining to part of the the point I picked up on here. I think.

posted by Moxie_Maven on October 7, 2006 at 3:56 PM | link to this | reply

LOL, Troosha, well, I can't smell smoke from here, so I won't hold it

against you.  I didn't used to be so vehemently anti-smoking til I lived with a "friend" who was a chain smoker. She moved into my house, and at first, she said, she'd only smoke in her room, with the windows cracked, then it was pretty much anywhere, because it was "her house". by then. 

That's what I've observed, many smokers are considerate, but after a while, I think after a while, many smokers simply become immune to the smell. It nearly knocks me out when I get on a bus and sit near someone who's just put one out, it's stil in their hair, skin and clothes.  So did mine whenever I got around my "friend". 

posted by Blanche. on October 7, 2006 at 12:38 PM | link to this | reply

Oh,oh - don't shun me now.....

I confess I'm a smoker.  I do, however, agree with you that in the workplace smokers tend to abuse the concept of a "break".  By the time they gather up their smoking paraphernalia, saunter down to the smoking area (which, as you pointed out, is usually a lovely garden-like setting) they can easily chew up 1/2 an hour plus.  It's unfair to the non smokers. 

 

paraphernalia

posted by Troosha on October 7, 2006 at 12:32 PM | link to this | reply

Wah, see that's the thing, if it had a pool and a hot tub, I'd be there in

a New York minute.  They have a sauna, but it's not the same. So, I will strictly be going for the cardio machines and that rack of mysterious torture devices known only to me as "resistance machines".  Besides whch, I am no gym bunny.  I'll probably dress all in black. 

posted by Blanche. on October 7, 2006 at 12:01 PM | link to this | reply

Blanche...I know it's hard to go because you don't have a car.

but really...I'm serious....if you'll only start going to the gym regularly, you'll love it! People have this mindset that exercise is painful and a waste of time. But it isn't . It's fun and relaxing.

Plus, my club has an awesome pool and hot tub.

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 11:52 AM | link to this | reply

I liked the way you put it the other day, something about life not being

a field of lilies?  I agree. I know it's got to be tough, with cigarettes, cause there are so many ingrained habits, they wake up, they light up,  they go out for a break, they light up.  They are around friends who smoke, they light up.  Basically, it's a bunch of pitfalls, and it's physically addictive.  

I already have enough getting my weight down, which reminds me.  I have SWORN to MG that we are not paying for thie gym membership for nothing, and already I've only been twice, and once was to sign up.  Grrr.  Today, this is it, I pack a change of clothes, get out the door, on the bus, and down to the mall, and onto a treadmill, but I don't wanna!!! WAHHHH!

posted by Blanche. on October 7, 2006 at 11:44 AM | link to this | reply

I think you should get to go outside 8 times a day to read, Blanche....

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 11:34 AM | link to this | reply

I guess I don't understand Maggie...

I've kicked all kinds of addictions...of course I didn't do it alone. People prayed for me and God helped. But it was still ME who had to endure the painful withdrawal as I got FREE of sexual addiction, drug and alcohol addiction...

I feel like if someone really, truly wants to be FREE, they can be. I don't buy all that bullshit about it being a disease and they can't help it. Sorry. But that's my honest opinion.

People like to wallow in self-pity too much these days...I know cuz I'm one of them. But if you want OUT of some harmful lifestyle, then you CAN get out of it.

The trouble with most Americans is that we're "Wusses"....we don't want our fat tummies to EVER feel hungry. We don't want to feel ANY pain whatsoever. We want everything to always be pleasant and happy and comfortable.

Life is NOT always going to be a playful romp in fields of fragrant flowers. 

Well, sorrry, didn't mean to go on and on.

posted by Passionflower on October 7, 2006 at 11:31 AM | link to this | reply

Yep, I'm a non-smoker, too, Passionflower, and I always hated that

excuse that smokers had to go feed their habit. What about my habits?  I'm a book addict. 

posted by Blanche. on October 7, 2006 at 9:53 AM | link to this | reply

As an ex-smoker, I can tell you that I hate being around cigarettes, especially after they've been smoked.  It's the cigarette butts that really stink.    If one lights one up, especially a Marlboro Light, my old yearning kicks up and I want one too.  I'm not allowd to smoke, so I fight the demon, but I guess an ex-smoker never loses taste for one.  My husband just completed his first year without one, as for me, it's been seven years, but I have to admit, I was bad a couple of times.  I would love it if I could get my daughter, daughter-in-law, my son and several sisters to give up the tobacco, but it's really up to them, isn't it? 

Passion, if you can understand the addiction, you can not begrudge them having a cigarette so long as they don't abuse the priviledge.  Be glad you don't have to be out there with them.

posted by MaggieMae on October 7, 2006 at 9:51 AM | link to this | reply