Wow, so many comments! Steve is of course right. And he has the right to his blog, and you have the right to read it - or not.
To the writer who mentioned global warming and carbon footprints, that entire fraud has been disproven, despite what many people still think.

Goodeeds..knew a kid that wrapped his car around a telephone pole because he dropped his cigy on the floor and bent over to pick it up...does THAT count ?

MsKari - just as you say! And for those smokers who think they can just toss their butts on the ground (especially bad: out of moving car windows when the rest of us are in the backdraft zone) because tobacco is biodegradable (or because you just don't care) - the filters do NOT biodegrade because they are not plant-based, and thanks, I would rather not step on your burning butt (although sometimes I might feel like kicking your other one when I see you do this) when it's unexpectedly in my path. BTW, almost a year has gone by since my mom died, and the smell still hits you in the face when you go in the door.

Given the price of cigarettes how can anybody afford to smoke. As an exsmoker you need to face the awful truth. YOU STINK,YOUR HAIR STINKS,YOUR CLOTHING STINKS,YOUR TEETH ARE YELLOW,YOUR CAR STINKS,YOUR HOME STINKS. I would prefer not to smell you or your habit. Stay out of the park where children are with your habit. Do you not understand how much money you would have if you didn't have THE habit and maybe those with food stamps who are smokers could buy some of thier own food if they didn't have THE habit. You are not entitled like you seem to think you are.

Steve, I agree completely. And I applaud you for stating uncomfortable truths. You certainly brought out a cross-section of our lovely society.

Let us ALL b**** about smokers and turn our heads as we consume the millions of dollars in revenue tobacco tax's create.
By the way? When was the last time you heard a story about the teenager that wrapped his car around a tree after "one too many cigarettes"?

My wife suggested that I stop reading your blog. She was a smoker also. In the 45 years we have been married, she has smoked three cigarettes. She smoked when she was having a bad day. For 30 years of our marriage she was exposed to a lot of second hand smoke. She is healthy. She never complained about my smoking, but she never complained about anything.
she has begun to complain about my reading your blog. Perhaps I will break the habit. If you don't hear from me you will know that I continue to have a happy marriage.

I love the smell of cigarette smoke! I started at 15. I smoked for 15 years cause I wanted, it took 15 years to quit. 30 year smoker here. Wife smoked for 30 years, she's still here. The kids all smoke, they are all still here. For every smoker that dies, I can show you a non-smoker that got cancer in my family. My double cousin, same age as me, same genes, non-smoker, non-drinker farm girl dies of leukemia.
Until someone explains why, she died and I live, no one has the correct answer about smoking, except it is a waste of money,

Wow, what some people have typed here is so ridiculous. I am an "educated" smoker. More of the "middle" to "higher" class if we are going on income..lol.. I hate smoking and have really begun to do my best in quitting. Only another smoker could understand the addiction. Yet I agree with what Steve has written here. Leave the smokes off the playground, I myself would not even think of something like this. People are so inconsiderate these days due to their own ways of "entitlement" thoughts. I would have said something Steve, why didnt you?

I am not a smoker, but I do recognize a group of whiney b****** who cannot mind their own business. Go ahead and walk around with your nose up in the air with your condenscending air of smug superiority. Eventually, you will trip over your own feet and people will continue to laugh at you.

Well Steve, smokers are not very bright. They willingly inhale the same contents as your car exhaust pipe. They feel they are cool but their dull yellow teeth say otherwise. My older relatives always said smokers are usually children or prisoners. You sure can smell them out in public from the stink imbedded into their skin, hair and clothes. We need to feel sorry for smokers as each puff is taking just a little bit off their life. Poor things.

Steve, perhaps you could talk to someone at your hair salon about this traumatic experience that you have had. Someone smoking outside, 'the horror, the horror'.

People, teach your children not to smoke, don't worry about someone legally smoking a cigarette outdoors. MYOB and take care of your own.

If you live around smokers and it bothers you, then move, it would appear that you need an upgrade to your living conditions.

I so know what u mean!!! We live in a apt complex and we cannot even keep our windows open to enjoy the nice weather cuz people decide at 2am (or when ever) they HAVE to have a smoke! What makes it worse is my son has asthma! I wonder how can people afford to smoke when they dont even have a job? Someday lets hope cig smoke will not be allowed!!!!

anotheropinion I'm sure Martin Niemolller forgives you. People should read and understand just how many things in life his words did and can relate to.

Yeah, they got kicked out of the health clubs called "bars", now where do they go?
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jp53545 - Now there's an idea. No smoking there!

@sigma40- I do not live in a trailer park or even drink beer. I certainly would never wear a "wife beater" t-shirt or a tube top. I have a great harmonious relationship with my spouse. I hold a Master's degree as well. And, yes, I smoke.

hahah, complaining about smoking in public places in the year 2011. wow. Even more amazing that there are those who are complaining of smoking in outdoor public places. Seriously?
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I can smell people drenched in chemicals called colognes, perfumes and deodorants. I can smell the chemicals in the cleaning supplies, carpets, furniture, and electronics in peoples homes. I can smell the exhaust at gas stations, on the roads and highways we drive. I smell the dump in the middle of town.
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Yet someone is going to worry about and complain about another smoking a cigarette. I guess if you have a problem with me smoking a cigarette, its a great opportunity for you to talk to your children on the dangers of smoking and all that.
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And shut up already.

Give me and the rest of the people a break!Look around there are people smoking every where outside.There is no law (yet)that states you can not smoke in a park.

Steve, if one goes into an area that smoking is permitted and one objects to people doing what it permitted there, then one can leave. Maybe you could take your kid to a bar....

There are considerate smokers and inconsiderate smokers. Not a good idea to flaunt smoking in front of young impressionable kids. I'm a smoker and do not like sitting in a cloud of smoke...go figure! I can't smoke in my car without having the windows down. I also can't let a cigarette dangle from my lips because I don't like the second hand smoke curling up into my nostrils.
I prefer to smoke outside rather than in an enclosed area.
So your not going to be assaulted with second hand smoke around me.

it was wrong near the children,however outdors is one of the only places left thats allowed thanks to know it alls like you,i am glad i will not be around when your generation is in charge, it is irritating however almost as irritating as some flamer in spandex jogging in the streets or ten cars stopping because one runner pushed a button instead of waiting his turn, get a life knox people are laughing at you

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--Benjamin Franklin

First they came for the smokers, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a smoker.

Then they came for the drinkers and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a drinker.

Then they came for the obese, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not obese.

Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me. (My apologies to Martin Niemöller).

There are smokers and there are non-smokers. I’m not going to address the health hazards of smoking or the effects of second hand smoke. Those statistics speak for themselves and you may choose to accept or deny them. I do want to say that I respect those who smoke and know that it bothers others but go out of their way to get downwind of those in the area. Thanks.

Smoking is largely a socio-economic issue, beyond the addiction. Poor to lower middle class are much more likely to take up smoking then anyone from an upper middle class American family. Is it education? Opportunity? For the most part, I think people who feel hopeless figure "why not?", what else is their to enjoy in life. Drink and smoke, the working class American way, especially in the midwest and south.
You can't legislate ignorance away, and we don't need anymore ordinances or laws. People just need to break out of their box and realize there's more out there in life to enjoy then a smoke....and don't do it in the kid's park, really, save it for when you have all your kids in the back seat, and maybe your newborn infant too, then you can all light up. (oh that's a pet peeve.)

When I smoked smoke did not bother me and I never thought smoking around kids was a bad thing to do. Now I don't smoke and smoke bothers me and I don't like to see people smoking around kids. But I keep my mouth shut because I am not suddenly smarter because I stopped smoking. I have noticed that smoke does not travel very far outside and I doubt it will hurt anybody. My sugestion to Steve is to start enjoying life a little more and stop complaining all of the time. It was not long ago when you were complaining about people holding hands in public. I don't think I would want to be in the same park as you because I am a little overweight and I fully expect you to write about people being fat in public. I have noticed that many people in your generation are just too perfect for my taste. I will give you credit for not saying heck in this blog. Thanks for that.

I rode ten miles on a trail in Waukesha today and there are always smokers. I deal with it for the 2-4 seconds and get on with my day. Please Steve, your kids are exposed to more carcinogens from 1 of your family grill outs than they will be in their entire lives from second hand smoke. Now, all you cry babies continue on with your lives in a perpetual state of fear.

It's not so much about intelligence or legality. It's more about respect for other people - or lack thereof. Secondhand smoke causes cancer. Thus the dirty looks.

Smoking is an addiction, I am in the process of quitting now for my own personal reasons, not to please others. However, smokers do not light in hopes of annoying others. When I was around children, I would purposely step to the side. Not so much to avoid "poisoning" them, but more so to avoid the dirty looks. As far as intelligence? Way to stereotype people. Smoking outside is not a crime.

Sigma- ever watch the Fighter with Mark Walburg and Christian Bale.
This is the family I just invisioned when you wrote this.

Imagine how quickly social security would dry up if all the smokers quit today. Do you seriously think we could support 21% of the populace living drastically longer? I don't think so. So... a few kids smelling something unpleasant or generations of very poor old people.

You are honestly comparing loud pipes to cigarettes? I don't remember watching anyone take a year and a half to waste away and die while fighting lung cancer because of loud pipes. Get your priorities straight Dave and quit making light of the serious damage and death these cigarettes cause.

http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Label...

Isn't a park typically filled with children that we are trying to teach to NOT SMOKE? I agree with Steve...not necessary while pushing your child on a swing!

When I see a smoker i vision them at home in their trailer wearing either a wife beater or a tube top and holding their crying baby in one arm and a pabst in the other while puffing away screaming at their spouse. Its just dirty thoughts.

WE NEED MORE LAWS AND RULES IN OUR DAILY LIVES!!!

I'm not bashing smokers. I just wondered if lighting up On the playground was the best choice. I know many smokers and can't imagine the vice. I just wish it wasn't so hard to stop...

Steve

I would gladly not smoke in public if the taxes on tobacco products went away. But the very people who complain about smokers would be the first to complain about stopping the taxes. Let's face it, it is a cash cow.

Steve-I agree with you. It is obnoxious and small children shouldn't have to be around it. I feel sorry for the children of those people. Those poor kids probably have to live with the smoke at home and in the car. It is basically a form of child abuse, imo.

Steve, Do you ever stop whining? No wonder you are single.

I suppose you don't like driving by farms either. quit being such a wuss.

Time to get off your high horse and stop judging people who don't live up to your expectations Steve. Live and let live.

I personally don't consider this very bad and I don't even smoke. You're outside, stay away from the people smoking by a few feet and it shouldn't be a big deal. I was at Ho-chunk this weekend and they still allow you to smoke in the Casino, yes, oxygen toting blue-hairs and all, smoking like it was their last pack. People sitting next to you at the tables and slots blowing smoke in your face because the respect for other people is at an all time low. After that experience, smoking outside in a public area is, well, sadly insignificant.

Kind of amazing to find the same people who complain about "too many laws" and "too much government" on other topics preach for more legislation here. I guess it's easier to pick and choose based upon personal preferences than to represent a consistent philosophy.

Quite ridiculous, both Steve and the people he is writing about. The parents should have had the good sense not to smoke around their kids. People like Steve should have the good sense not to support draconian indoor smoking restrictions. Why not allow smoking in adults only venues like bars (if the business owner prefers to cater to this type of clientele) and ban it in the precense of minors on public property? Might work as an acceptable compromise. Why can't we all just get along?

New York City's smoking ban in public places went into effect 5.23.11. You cannot smoke in parks, on beaches, and in pedestrian plazas like Times Square. I'm just saying.

Can't fix stupid remember. THEY HAVE RIGHTS!
jeanette

"It is not that hard to open your mouth & tell them that you would appreciate it if they would smoke somehwere else and not around all of the children. "

The problem here is they smoke in front of their kids as well so get them to stop around other kids- yeah right.
Ever see cars go buy with kids in the car and windows up with car full of smoke? I HAVE. DUMB- agian cannot fix stupid.

ir sure is funny that not so many years ago smoking was very accepted and alot of people did it. but now even if you are smoking OUTSIDE you are looked down on. some people just have to have something to complain about.
yes i was a smoker but i have not had one in over 17 years. i still like the smell of them. you are not going this one right now. it is still legal.

You're 100 percent right, Steve!

I love hearing when people pick their battles and reveal their hypocrisies like this. Of all the things that everyone does in this world that involves carcinogens and polluting the air (like driving cars, using plastics and electricity ... all have a much larger and drastic carcinogen foot print than cigarettes), there is always those that put their instant dissatisfaction two cents in when it comes to smokers. I would actually sympathise with them... if they weren't just another cog in the pollution machine and contributing to global warming with their own large carbon foot print. People in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks.

Joan, I'm guessing you really didn't read the article. He clearly states in the first couple sentances that they were riding bikes on the trail.

Oh, and I say this as I smell some smoke coming from outside where my freakish neighbors are burning wood again. That and vehicle fumes are the real culprits. Did you drive to the park? Do you know how much pollution you contributed - likely more than one cigarette.

Your momentary displeasure does not justify your reaction. Actually, you seem prejudiced against people who smoke. You are trying to gather support for your prejudice with this article. It's popular thing to do right now, I feel sorry for the smokers. I used to be one. There's some smoker bullying going on these days.

Superdave - Exactly! And it wont be till much later in life they realize the price they paid attempting to look cool. Idiots.

Funny how such a place is AOK and Bars are not. What a world, what a world LOL! I suppose the old movies really make people squirm seeing people light up in planes, hospitals and such. Flinstones smoking in commercials and candy cigarettes. YUM. Am just sayin'. ;) There's not enough labels and laws to compensate for good common sense and courtesies. Then it's an oppresive act. In other words, wise up, right?

I am a smoker & I am also a mother to a 9 month old little girl. I do not smoke around my daughter nor do I let anyone else. If someone lights up around her, I have absolutely no problem opening my mouth, she is my daughter & I have that right as her mother. People's levels of "intelligence" has nothing to do with their preference to smoke. It does not mean they are ignorant or poorly educated, I picked it up when I was younger when I didn't know any better & here I am fighting it every single day. The last time I checked, everyone has the right to choose to smoke or not to smoke. However, people who do smoke in a park where there are obviously children all around them are lacking some common sense. It is not that hard to open your mouth & tell them that you would appreciate it if they would smoke somehwere else and not around all of the children. Even before I had my daughter, I refused to smoke around children. Just because I choose to smoke doesn't mean that every one around me needs to breathe in the smoke. Plain & simple.

Smoking is proof that some people will do anything that they perceive as "cool". That's the pervasive nature of advertising!
And since they think it's "cool" (despite the rest of us telliing them it's gross), they prefer to have an audience. If you say nothing, you reinforce their perception of "cool". If you object, they get to have a little verbal drama with you. Either way, it's like the kid who roars past on a loud motorcycle. "Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!!". Small minds crave attention, even if it's negative.

Agreed. Even though it's legal, please have an ounce of respect for the rest of us - especially kids - and keep it off the playgrounds. Alcohol is legal too, but you can't drink in the parks - so why can you smoke there?

Keep in mind, these are people who are still smoking despite decades of information showing how bad it is for you. The level of intelligence isn't very high.

As you said it's legal, it's outdoors where the toxins should dissipate, the littering was not necessary. By the way, those some toxins are found in every house as paint, carpet fibers and glue, etc. break down. Actually the most dangerous place for people to breathe is gas stations and people take their kids there all the time...

I'm a smoker but, if I were to smoke at the park, I would take it away from the playground area. I have smoked in a park before but I keep it off to the side and properly dispose of my own waste. I don't think it's appropriate to be puffing on my smoke in front of a whole bunch of impressionable kids. That's how I learned to smoke to begin with. I don't want my nieces or nephews to smoke so I try to stay away from them when I do.

I agree with you Steve. Being in a Park where there are children means there shouldn't be smoking anyway. Many children have asthma and a Park should be where they can play without making them sick.

When it comes to outdoor air quality, tobacco smoke isn't even a blip on the chart.
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I'm more concerned with the garbage truck leaving a smoke screen behind it that you can't even see thru, or the neighbors that burn trash and brush in their backyard even though we have curb pickup for both.
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Then there is the mile high blanket of exhaust from infernal combustion circling the planet.
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Nope, tobacco is not even a blip.

Some people are whiney b******. At least it was ouside, I doubt if it took any years off your life. I hope you get over it. No, I don't smoke, 11 years off it.

Years ago smoking was considered classy. Now its trashy. Its a burden on people that smoke to find a place to do it. Its a burden on people trying to get into businesses without walking through a smoke cloud. Im sure it will all be illegal real soon... everything else it.

Steve, your turning into quite the drama seeking arse, aren't you.

Some people just get bugged easy.

its legal to smoke addictive drugs

We have people openly carrying guns in the streets and folks worry about those who choose to smoke there. Seems like screwed up priorities to me.

I was at Peace Park today and saw smokers also, and I thought it was inappropriate. No one blew smoke in my face, but it blew my way because of the breeze, and once I walked right through a cloud of it. I thought it was illegal to smoke inside a park but maybe I'm wrong. At the very least I thought it was in bad taste (pun intended).

I agree with crunch. Well said. Must not have been any wind whatsoever, which usually there is.