[The ALA released their report card on states and tobacco control, it's only proper and fitting as with all things ... we put are spin on such, as we cannot afford press releases, because the ALA has their hands in our pockets. So, as we start off the New Year, these are the most smoker friendly states ... if your state did not make the list ... well, maybe next year.

The awards were given on the overall basis of:

• Smoker Friendly airspace
• Not throwing kids or the kids parents in jail because the kid smokes
• Not wasting money trying to stop folks from smoking
• Being less greedy than other states in stealing smokers money.

The 2002 winners are: (we had a tie for tenth place this year)

Kentucky
West Virigina
Tennesse
South Carolina
Oklahoma
North Carolina
New Mexico
Colorado
Montana
Mississippi
Georigia


"American Lung Association Fuming
Associated Press

The American Lung Association is fuming over what many states are spending tobacco settlement money on.

A report finds that most states spend only a fraction of what federal health officials have recommended on anti-tobacco programs at schools and counseling to help people quit smoking.

The association gives 32 states and the District of Columbia a failing grade for spending on anti-tobacco programs. Only six states earned an "A."


KDLH Channel 3 News



[This message has been edited by John L (edited 01-07-2003).]

I'm disappointed Virginia didn't make the list! We don't have any big smoking bans that I know of, we have the lowest tax in the nation (2.5 cents per pack), and I haven't seen any of the vicious antismoking ads like I saw in Indiana over the holidays (basically telling people if they smoke, they should go outside...even at their own homes). However, we may soon fall from grace. There is discussion of raising the cigarette tax due to an overwhelming budget deficit and, of course, smokers are the first ones they turn to for bailing them out. Right now it doesn't look like the proposed 50 cents per pack tax will pass, but it's too soon to tell. If they do, maybe we'll move to one of those top-10 states.

American Lung Association

Asthma – F

COPD – F

Emphysema – F

Lung cancer – F

Health Fascism - A+

KDLH? I worked for that station many years ago. It's turned into a training ground for prospective journalists who aren't sure yet whether or not they want to get into the business. God, they're awful. Used to be a somewhat respectable organization. On rare occasions now I watch them just for laughs. The only bright spot there is the weatherman, Phil. And I only watch him now and then to marvel at the engineering feat that is his comb-over. How that thing stays in place is anyone's guess.

I traveled through Virginia recently and also found it to be one of the most smoker-friendly states.

quote:

I traveled through Virginia recently and also found it to be one of the most smoker-friendly states

That may be about to change. The General Assembly just passed a bill banning smoking in restaurants UNLESS a "Smoking permitted" sign is posted at each public entrance. That's fine, since I'm sure many places would rather spend money on a sign than loose a big chunk of business, but the antis are freaking out. They are encouraging the governor to "amend" the bill, which he is hinting he might do. He's against a blanket ban in all private businesses, but supports "more restrictions" in restaurants. There are 150 members of the General Assembly and something close to 100 of them voted for this bill, which respects private property rights. One man - the governor - is going to possibly try to undo the vote of a huge majority of our elected representatives. We used to call such one-man rule "tyranny".

The original posting is from 2003. Is there any newer info on top smoker friendly states because a lot has changed in the last four years?

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/index/news/local/news_poll.html


Please refer to the above link if you are a smoker who feels you have lost all rights to choose.

Please click this link or cut and paste it into your browser, you will see a news poll that states,” DO you agree with the smoking ban”. If you are a smoker who wants to restore some freedom of choice please select, “ no “ then submit it. You do not have to leave your name or comments.

There is a group of about 30 people who sit in front of a sponsored computer and vote every hour, they are against smoking so they vote yes, this is how the ban was put in place, by using deceptive tactics .

Since they are not playing by the rules we should respond using the same method.

You can vote as many times as possible, just once every hour, and for as many days as you want to.

Thanks for your help in restoring some form of freedom.

Also please tell as many people that smoke to vote. Thanks, a ton. Doral ultra lights, 3 packs a day.

I see a sign saying "Smoking Permitted" as one of the rare candles that still burn for freedom.

The drugs, prescription, so the media says are polluting our water supplies. The foods we eat have so many chemicals in them in a few years they will no longer need to embalm the dead, and we get all our nutrients from specially prepared, artificial nutrients and vitamins which are often banned because of problems they cause, and all anyone care about is tobacco.

There, I feel better, I am among smokers, I had a chance to vent, and I am just as upset about the garbage as everyone else.

I live in Maine. I think this state is already being run by the Nazi's. It might be vacationland, but I certainly think a smoker would enjoy themselves more in almost any other state in the Union.

I sincerely hope I didn't offend anyone.

Reminds me of the song "In the Year 2525"...if man is still alive, if woman can survive...

1984, soilent green etc...........

The 2007 "smoking permitted" sign bill in Virginia was amended by the Democratic Governor to a complete ban; the House of Delegates soundly defeated it. This year, they tried again to get a ban, and a House Subcommittee killed it, too. They will continue to try, and we will continue to fight. For now, though, Virginia is still very smoker-friendly. We invite all of you to visit and be sure to use the smoking sections of our restaurants....

3,000 miles is a long way to go for a friendly venue

GET RID OF YOUR GOVERNOR and some other politicians in Virginia (especially up North)!!!!

Smallbird, it's a scenic drive and worth the trip .

Dave, the Governor is there until 2009. Unfortunately, our Lt. Gov., a Republican who has come out publicly against any ban, just announced today he will not run for the Governor's seat but rather will seek re-election to his current position. Our Attorney General, also a Republican, will run for Governor, but I don't now where he stands on a ban.

quote:

Smallbird, it's a scenic drive and worth the trip .

LOL Freedom! It's a LONG drive with SOME scenery. Have you ever driven across the midwest? I have....flat and boring. However, I will drive for a reason...no airplanes for me!

I think I'll just stay at home where I can still smoke, drink and be happy for now.

quote:

Originally posted by smallbird:
LOL Freedom! It's a LONG drive with SOME scenery. Have you ever driven across the midwest? I have....flat and boring.

You shouldn't be looking at scenery anyway. Your eyes are supposed to be on the road.

Actually, smallbird, I was born and raised in the midwest. I loved riding a horse over that flat, open terrain. But when we return for family gatherings, we always drive because I will no longer fly due to the smoking ban on planes and in airports..

Road, Squeezer? You're supposed to watch the ROAD? Well, that explains all the dents in the fender...

I don't fly or do anything where I can't smoke either. At first where things were done with some consideration, and generally in moderaton I accepted some of it.

Now if it is non-smoking I basically just stay away. It gets quite obvious from comments about stinking clothes and things of that nature, many people don't want us around anyway.

Freedom,
Now that I think of it, your eyes should be on the scenery. That's where the cops hide.