Poll on Not Smoking DURING tournament matches.
- Thread starter JoeyA
- Start date
Given the strong beliefs about the dangers of smoking and the social costs shouldn’t we be as prudent with other “dangerous” behaviors that pose a threat to social life. Currently smokers pay about 6 times the cost of production or street value for their cigarettes.
This is based on the idea that a pack of hand made cigarettes (made with pipe tobacco) cost about $1.00. A similar pack available in a drug store costs about $6.50 (depending on the state in which you live and other circumstances). State governments originally assigned these tax dollars for medical research and for educating young people about the dangers of smoking. However, the vast majority of this money, in the billions of dollars, is reassigned every year to pay down state debt, repair roads and other non-smoking related political agendas.
The general public has accepted the demonizing of tobacco and supports the ever increasing burdens placed on smokers who not only pay heavy taxes but are required to stand 50 feet from a public building even in sub zero weather. There is no expectation of protection from physical harm that may be done to these rejected members of society who have become pariahs in the opinions of far too many people.
In the same vein, and given the social costs of obesity then the cost of all fast foods, foods laced with salt, and any non-nutritious food should have their market price raised by a factor of 6 or 8 (they create a heavier social burden). A hamburger should cost $12.00. A bottle of beer should cost $12.00, etc.
Given that alcohol is strongly related to violence and the extremely high cost to society of not only treating victims and alcoholics but their children and families, it would be appropriate to raise the cost of beer (and related products by at least a factor of 10 given the extensive damage and potential damage from alcohol related issues. Your bottle of beer should cost $20.00
My point here is that smokers are a persecuted group because too many people have simply joined a band wagon that suits them. For all the social commentary about health risk, educating children and improving social standards the truth is that one group has been selected for persecution. If it is your vice (pop corn or beer) you would be outraged.
Make no mistake, smoking is a risky behavior but it fills a need for some people and its contribution to social concerns have been exaggerated to the point of creating a group of social outcasts that is unwarranted.
Coal and coke and related products are known carcinogens, have you all given up backyard barbecues because of the danger posed to your children?
Whatever happened to tolerence in our culture?
This is based on the idea that a pack of hand made cigarettes (made with pipe tobacco) cost about $1.00. A similar pack available in a drug store costs about $6.50 (depending on the state in which you live and other circumstances). State governments originally assigned these tax dollars for medical research and for educating young people about the dangers of smoking. However, the vast majority of this money, in the billions of dollars, is reassigned every year to pay down state debt, repair roads and other non-smoking related political agendas.
The general public has accepted the demonizing of tobacco and supports the ever increasing burdens placed on smokers who not only pay heavy taxes but are required to stand 50 feet from a public building even in sub zero weather. There is no expectation of protection from physical harm that may be done to these rejected members of society who have become pariahs in the opinions of far too many people.
In the same vein, and given the social costs of obesity then the cost of all fast foods, foods laced with salt, and any non-nutritious food should have their market price raised by a factor of 6 or 8 (they create a heavier social burden). A hamburger should cost $12.00. A bottle of beer should cost $12.00, etc.
Given that alcohol is strongly related to violence and the extremely high cost to society of not only treating victims and alcoholics but their children and families, it would be appropriate to raise the cost of beer (and related products by at least a factor of 10 given the extensive damage and potential damage from alcohol related issues. Your bottle of beer should cost $20.00
My point here is that smokers are a persecuted group because too many people have simply joined a band wagon that suits them. For all the social commentary about health risk, educating children and improving social standards the truth is that one group has been selected for persecution. If it is your vice (pop corn or beer) you would be outraged.
Make no mistake, smoking is a risky behavior but it fills a need for some people and its contribution to social concerns have been exaggerated to the point of creating a group of social outcasts that is unwarranted.
Coal and coke and related products are known carcinogens, have you all given up backyard barbecues because of the danger posed to your children?
Whatever happened to tolerence in our culture?
Last edited:
Joe, while it's fair to say many things are as harmful as smoking, you can drink alcohol and eat unhealthy food without ruining my experience (whether that experience be enjoying a dinner at a restaurant, shooting pool, or hanging out in your house). Those things only DIRECTLY affect you.
Also your backyard BBQ smoke is outdoors, and therefore 'ventilated' properly, as any pool hall should be. And the amount of smoke is far smaller than what you'll find in a pool hall. And BBQ woodsmoke actually smells good.
None of your points address the most basic concern or complaint - cigarette smoke makes my life shittier. Not in some vague, down-the-road, indirect way like "well I might die from this someday" or "my taxes are 20 bucks higher to pay the hospital bills of smokers getting gov't support". In a DIRECT way like I'm coughing, my eyes are red, my clothes stink. Alcohol doesn't do that, and fatty food doesn't do that.
If you take away the DIRECT problem, I can certainly live with the indirect issues. Find a way to smoke that only decreases YOUR quality of life, and not mine.
Also your backyard BBQ smoke is outdoors, and therefore 'ventilated' properly, as any pool hall should be. And the amount of smoke is far smaller than what you'll find in a pool hall. And BBQ woodsmoke actually smells good.
None of your points address the most basic concern or complaint - cigarette smoke makes my life shittier. Not in some vague, down-the-road, indirect way like "well I might die from this someday" or "my taxes are 20 bucks higher to pay the hospital bills of smokers getting gov't support". In a DIRECT way like I'm coughing, my eyes are red, my clothes stink. Alcohol doesn't do that, and fatty food doesn't do that.
If you take away the DIRECT problem, I can certainly live with the indirect issues. Find a way to smoke that only decreases YOUR quality of life, and not mine.
^^^^^^^^^^
tap tap tap!
best,
brian kc
tap tap tap!
best,
brian kc
1 in 20 people will be the direct victim of a serious (violent) crime. I would say that is a pretty immediate problem. At least one of your friends will be seriously hurt by an alcohol fueled person.
I agree that smokers should not smoke around people who find it objectionable. That is simply being polite. Unfortunately we often have to legislate what it means to be polite. However, I also think that we need not be overly restrictive with those who smoke.
It is much less dangerous than some would think. According to Cancer.org of the 48 million people who smoke about 3,100 under the age of 45 will be diagnosed with lung cancer next year.
I do not like the the drunk, the guy with a boom box, or rap music for that matter. The obnoxious language and manners of many of today's young people is objectionable but I doubt that we need harsh taxes and social policies to eliminate these immediate conditions.
BTW smoke in your backyard dissapates but smokers in Florida cannot smoke near the ocean or swimming pool because of the danger to children. I think the smokers in Florida contributed smething over 7 billion dollars to the State's budget last year. That should have earned them something.
I agree that smokers should not smoke around people who find it objectionable. That is simply being polite. Unfortunately we often have to legislate what it means to be polite. However, I also think that we need not be overly restrictive with those who smoke.
It is much less dangerous than some would think. According to Cancer.org of the 48 million people who smoke about 3,100 under the age of 45 will be diagnosed with lung cancer next year.
I do not like the the drunk, the guy with a boom box, or rap music for that matter. The obnoxious language and manners of many of today's young people is objectionable but I doubt that we need harsh taxes and social policies to eliminate these immediate conditions.
BTW smoke in your backyard dissapates but smokers in Florida cannot smoke near the ocean or swimming pool because of the danger to children. I think the smokers in Florida contributed smething over 7 billion dollars to the State's budget last year. That should have earned them something.
Last edited:
Practically everyone has some decent points and yours is no different BUT....... I'm only looking to have the players not smoke during their match, nothing more. It's a distraction to the other player and that's just not fair and just imagine how many times during a match a player goes back to his table to take a puff on a cigarette or to light one up before he shoots. When you've got 128 players in an event it robs the tournament of much needed time. In addition to that, it robs THE ENTIRE PLAYING FIELD of much needed rest.
Just curious Joey, what will you do with these results? It seems like you have good opinions from both sides of the issue, and a decent number of people voted now.
Are you in a position to affect how a tournament is run regarding this issue? If so, will you now make the tournament you are a part of non-smoking?
Are you in a position to affect how a tournament is run regarding this issue? If so, will you now make the tournament you are a part of non-smoking?
My only interest is to eliminate smoking by players during their match.
Smoking during a match robs the tournament and its participants of much needed time. It is also an unncessary distraction for most of the people who play the game and want to be their best.
Each person who plays in an event has the opportunity to affect how a tournament is run regarding the smoking issue.
Tournament promoters and tournament room owners want their tournaments to be the best they can be.
I have actually designed an information letter to send to interested parties, especially pool room owners, tournament promoters, tournament directors etc. They can make their own decisions based upon this survey and this thread.
It appears that over 80% of the people who have voted in this poll want to see smoking eliminated from pool match tables.
If anyone is interested in helping to eliminate smoking during a tournament match they may PM (private message) me and provide their email address.
Nicotine is a Performance Enhancing Drug and therefore smoking should not be allowed during a match. It calms the smoker down and therefore gives them an edge over their opponent who has to sit and wait for them to toke it up.
Anyone who disagrees with the PED aspect of nicotine has never played or watched Glenn Atwell. He is the master of the cigarette break. Comes back after a smoke and plays perfect pool, many times against the best players in the world.
Anyone who disagrees with the PED aspect of nicotine has never played or watched Glenn Atwell. He is the master of the cigarette break. Comes back after a smoke and plays perfect pool, many times against the best players in the world.
The Great Kabuki
Asking if it is ok to have smoke blinding a nonsmoker at a tournament is like asking if it would be ok to have the wrestler Kabuki blow green poison dust in your opponent's face. Of course it is fair, why not?
On a totally unrelated note, the PGA today released a statement that it is totally acceptable to have Kabuki blow poison green mist in the eyes of Phil and Rory, but not Tiger. "Remember, anything Tiger does is ok." Commentator Johnny Miller later objected to this by pointing out that the PGA would soon become an organization only for those who can tolerate green dust poisoning their eyes, and the list of champions would have an asterisk next to every player noting that they are only champion because they can tolerate Kabuki dust.
Asking if it is ok to have smoke blinding a nonsmoker at a tournament is like asking if it would be ok to have the wrestler Kabuki blow green poison dust in your opponent's face. Of course it is fair, why not?
On a totally unrelated note, the PGA today released a statement that it is totally acceptable to have Kabuki blow poison green mist in the eyes of Phil and Rory, but not Tiger. "Remember, anything Tiger does is ok." Commentator Johnny Miller later objected to this by pointing out that the PGA would soon become an organization only for those who can tolerate green dust poisoning their eyes, and the list of champions would have an asterisk next to every player noting that they are only champion because they can tolerate Kabuki dust.
Seriously, to the 18% who voted to have smoking during a match:
Wouldn't it be nice to have tournaments finished in a more timely manner?
(We could all use the additional rest)
You do know that smoking is an irritant and a distraction to some people don't you? (If that's the case and it is; why not consider being a gentleman and smoke before and after your match)
And just so all of you smokers know. I am not trying to change the world or the pool room on smoking. I know that smoking is a pleasure for many of you and I understand and appreciate that. I genuinely do.
Wouldn't it be nice to have tournaments finished in a more timely manner?
(We could all use the additional rest)
You do know that smoking is an irritant and a distraction to some people don't you? (If that's the case and it is; why not consider being a gentleman and smoke before and after your match)
And just so all of you smokers know. I am not trying to change the world or the pool room on smoking. I know that smoking is a pleasure for many of you and I understand and appreciate that. I genuinely do.
I don't understand this post. Your are trying to change the opinion of the ppl who voted for smoking to be allowed. Why? No matter the issue being debated, there will always be multiple sides to it.
Phil Mickelson hires Dave Chappelle as caddy...
In breaking news, PGA golfer Phil Mickelson responded to the PGA's new policy of allowing Tiger to use wrestler Kabuki to blow poison green smoke in Phil's face during putts. "Today I am proud to announce that I have hired comedian Dave Chappelle. Not as a caddy, but to thwart the Great Kabuki's green mist. The plan for the Masters is to have Dave approach Kabuki after I make my first birdie and say "in your FACE, Kabuki, IN YOUR FACE!!!" Dave will counter the green mist by blowing cigarette smoke into Tiger's face while Tiger attemts his signature move of throwing the club while cursing. He will then address Tiger with "In your face too, Tiger Woods, in your face!..... your wife shoulda left you dead, Tiger, because this smoke is a killer!!!"
In breaking news, PGA golfer Phil Mickelson responded to the PGA's new policy of allowing Tiger to use wrestler Kabuki to blow poison green smoke in Phil's face during putts. "Today I am proud to announce that I have hired comedian Dave Chappelle. Not as a caddy, but to thwart the Great Kabuki's green mist. The plan for the Masters is to have Dave approach Kabuki after I make my first birdie and say "in your FACE, Kabuki, IN YOUR FACE!!!" Dave will counter the green mist by blowing cigarette smoke into Tiger's face while Tiger attemts his signature move of throwing the club while cursing. He will then address Tiger with "In your face too, Tiger Woods, in your face!..... your wife shoulda left you dead, Tiger, because this smoke is a killer!!!"
Well, that's comforting!
But how about those aged 45 and higher? And how about those that have already been diagnosed with lung cancer? And how about those that will be so diagnosed the year after next? And the year after that? And the year after that, and the year ... . And how about all the other forms of cancer caused by smoking? And how about all the other health risks of smoking?
Pretty silly statement, Joe.
Cancer is the industry's red herring....
The tobacco industry actually promotes the cancer issue because cancer not only seems far away, "we're all gonna die".... but this focus puts them on the angels' side of the "quality of life" aspect of smoking. That's misleading to say the least. I do cardiovascular work and smoking does most of its damage not in the form of cancer but in decreased quality of life, debilitating and painful circulatory problems that we don't usually see because limb amputees are usually shut-ins or sedentary. Focusing on cancer is like having the plague all around you and saying hey, it can't be all that bad, look at all these living people out here on the street! But if you look down you'll see the bodies, and if you open some doors you'll see the suffering. Nobody is "persecuting" smokers because they aren't a legitimate group, they are individuals choosing to make billiards unfair to non-smokers at tournaments. I actually don't blame smokers for their involuntary addiction, just their voluntary lack of consideration. And the cost to society is in the form of health care is staggering. I'm paying, are you?
The tobacco industry actually promotes the cancer issue because cancer not only seems far away, "we're all gonna die".... but this focus puts them on the angels' side of the "quality of life" aspect of smoking. That's misleading to say the least. I do cardiovascular work and smoking does most of its damage not in the form of cancer but in decreased quality of life, debilitating and painful circulatory problems that we don't usually see because limb amputees are usually shut-ins or sedentary. Focusing on cancer is like having the plague all around you and saying hey, it can't be all that bad, look at all these living people out here on the street! But if you look down you'll see the bodies, and if you open some doors you'll see the suffering. Nobody is "persecuting" smokers because they aren't a legitimate group, they are individuals choosing to make billiards unfair to non-smokers at tournaments. I actually don't blame smokers for their involuntary addiction, just their voluntary lack of consideration. And the cost to society is in the form of health care is staggering. I'm paying, are you?
It appears that the voters have spoken. Only 18% believe that smoking during matches should be allowed.
Not trying to be mean but.....That's an awful small portion of people who want to stink up, foul up, shark their opponents (intentionally or not), distract their opponents AND SLOW DOWN THE TOURNAMENT, just so they can get their fix during the match.
I would hope that now, those few would see that the vast majority of players would prefer that they smoke before and after their match so as not to cause distraction and delays to the game. It would be a generous move on their part to do that without being officially banned from smoking during a match.
Not trying to be mean but.....That's an awful small portion of people who want to stink up, foul up, shark their opponents (intentionally or not), distract their opponents AND SLOW DOWN THE TOURNAMENT, just so they can get their fix during the match.
I would hope that now, those few would see that the vast majority of players would prefer that they smoke before and after their match so as not to cause distraction and delays to the game. It would be a generous move on their part to do that without being officially banned from smoking during a match.