[misc.handicap] Smoking As A Disability

wtm@bunker.UUCP (Bill McGarry) (01/08/90)

Index Number: 6161

Re: Smoking as a disability

I basically agree with the view that since smoking can (however
difficult it is to do so) be stopped it is not a disability in the
sense that other conditions are.  However, I'd hate to get into a
situation where it has to be decided for every disabled person,
whether or not he/she had some part in creating the disability.  I
know persons with hearing impairments, for example, who take much
asperin--known to impair hearing.  Or, how about the kids who are
in or listening to high volume rock bands.  Or using power blowers
or lawn mowers with no ear muffs.  I'm sure there are similar
behaviors around other disabilities.

Anyway, to me, deciding factor in preventing smoking in public
places, is not whether the smoker is disabling him/her self.  It is
that smoking is harmful to the health of others around the smoker.
That is, you can do whatever you want to do to yourself by smoking,
but YOU CAN'T INJURE ME!

BTW, I was a 2 pack+ a day smoker and quit--20 years ago.  I still
feel it's attraction occasionally.

But don't plan to every smoke again!

Reed.Hopkins@f7.n125.z1.fidonet.org (Reed Hopkins) (01/13/90)

Index Number: 6230

        
Re: Smoking as a disability
        
Its not how the jackass got into the ditch that's important, but how to get him out of it.
        
-- Reed

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Pat.Goltz@f3.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Pat Goltz) (01/17/90)

Index Number: 6255

Here's the problem I see. Our society insists on helping those with 
disabilities. As long as that's true, I think society also has a right to 
demand that people that want help not do anything to make their condition 
worse and more costly. And that's what people do when they smoke and 
listen to loud rock music. I doubt seriously if mowing the lawn once a 
week will significantly damage normal hearing.
  Pat

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Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe) (01/17/90)

Index Number: 6278

 PG> I doubt seriously if mowing the lawn once a week will
 PG> significantly damage normal hearing.

Hi, Pat.

My VA Audiologist actually advised me to wear earmuffs if I mowed
the lawn to protect what little hearing remains.  (But I guess we
weren't speaking of normal hearing.)  This was wonderful advice.
I convinved my significant other SHE should mow the lawn. :-)

Re: Smoking.  Dave Barry reports that the Federal Aviation Admin.
now OKs smoking on all flights where two or more engines have
failed. :-)

Jack.

... Huh?

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