Jackson Heights Life

I know that it's a trend and will increase greatly in the future, but as a former smoker, I wrestle with that decision. People's right to smoke in their own apartments vs. people's right to not smell someone else's smoke. It's a slippery slope, what will be banned next?

Quote from: hfm on June 03, 2014, 12:46:26 AM

I'm a former smoker as well (10 years cold turkey!). I do feel like the line should be drawn when your actions impact someone else's health and happiness in a negative way.
I don't think we're going to get widespread agreement on this one it is tricky.

First off, congrats on your 10 years! I have 3 years completely smoke free, and 5 years if you skip that little cheating pack I bought. I needed the gum to quit. I definitely would be vaping if they had it when I quit.

Anyway, I agree with your last sentence about no widespread agreement. As far as drawing the line when your actions impact someone else's happiness, that is where the problem comes in. Who gets to decide that? The lady upstairs from me stomps around at 4 AM, that makes me unhappy. It could be argued that my loss of sleep impacts my health. But do I really have the right to tell her to stay in bed till I get up at 5? I sleep late on the weekends, can she not walk around until 8 then? I'm playing Devil's Advocate here, but I think you can see my point.

The argument about what's acceptable to do in a tightly-packed city will not soon be settled.