Pelosi Bans Smoking Near House Floor
By Erica Werner
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Smokers may be one minority in Congress with even fewer rights than newly demoted Republicans. Now they are losing one of their last, cherished prerogatives - a smoke break in the ornate Speaker's Lobby just off the House floor.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced a ban Wednesday, effective immediately.
"The days of smoke-filled rooms in the United States Capitol are over," Pelosi said. "Medical science has unquestionably established the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke, including an increased risk of cancer and respiratory diseases. I am a firm believer that Congress should lead by example." Read more here.
I have never smoked and don't like to be in a smoke-filled room but was surprised to hear this news. Mainly because I thought that smoking was banned long ago. Any opinions on this one?
You'd think it would have been gone when everywhere else was banned from smoking. I was a smoker and like the fact that I no longer have to smell it in public places. It’s about darn time they fall into line with the rest.
ReplyDeleteI love it.
ReplyDeleteWell I am all for no smoking public places because its gross and disgusting (I am a former smoker who never smoked in public even when I smoked because I think its inconsiderate to others).
ReplyDeleteIts funny how much things have changed. I remember as a child standing in line at the grocery store with my mom and there were people smoking everywhere. In stores, restaurants, even elevators! Its weird to think that was so acceptable such a short time ago. I wish we would have known then what we know now.
I do empathize with smokers - quitting was very hard. I LOVED to smoke, it was something I looked forward to and enjoyed.