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Like to smoke? Rethink that holiday in Finland
Finland is attempting to become a smoke-free country. A new law will ban the display of tobacco products in shops by spring and ban smoking in cars if you have a minor in your vehicle.The Finnish government has made it plain that these are only the first steps to get rid of tobacco "once and for all," according to State Secretary Ilkka Oksala.
Oksala says "we are not afraid" of the tobacco industry, and considering that there really isn't a tobacco industry in Finland (it's not exactly the best place to grow it) they might be able to win this fight.
But will they really be able to phase out tobacco entirely? I bet other highly addictive substances that are already illegal in Finland, such as heroin and cocaine, can still be found.
Europe has been shifting towards an anti-smoking culture for some time now, driven by the need to reduce costs to national health care systems. The UK already has a smoking ban in public buildings such as restaurants and pubs, and Spain will follow suit this year. Even Amsterdam's coffee shops have separate spaces if you want to mix tobacco with your hash. Finland's total ban is only the most extreme example of a continental trend.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 9)
NIMNICHT Jan 15th 2010 6:31AM
I disagree with allowing a government in my vehicle. Where will they dictate next?
My home?
Meredith Jan 15th 2010 7:25AM
This is where we're heading, if we're not careful! Obama is trying to make us a socialist nation! Wake up people, do you really want government telling you what you can and can't do! A lot of blood was spilled in order for us to have the FREEDOM we have! First it's the banks, then the auto industry, he's telling companies what to pay their employees, and now he's trying to take controll of our health care. America as we know her is on life support and most don't realize that. Our kids and grand kids will never know the great Nation we grew up in! Most people will probably say that I'm a right-wing extremist! I'm not, I'm just someone that loves my country and being free!!!
Purnell Meagre Jan 15th 2010 8:19AM
Meredith - you are the victim of right wing propaganda - otherwise why the one note response? Smoking in Finland has no effect on you and yet you use it as as springboard to criticize President Obama - like a lot of the far-based criticism from the right - it has no basis in the real world. If you;re that concerned about your so-called freedom you should have been up in arms about the so-called Patriot Act.
Joel Jan 15th 2010 8:41AM
It depends on where your car is setting. If it's in your driveway, I agree. If it's on the People's road, I disagree.
John Jan 15th 2010 9:15AM
What about drinking and obesity? These two cause more damage and health care costs than smoking ever will. Let alone costs to law enforcement from DUI's and domestic disputes along with violence. If they're going to do it, do it right and ban tobacco, unhealthy food and alcohol.
john Jan 15th 2010 10:21AM
Anywhere they can!!!!!!
lhannan09 Jan 15th 2010 11:04AM
I'm curiious to know why it bothers you that you wouldn't be allowed to smoke in your car if there are children with you. Are you saying that it's wrong to protect a child from their parent's cigarette smoke, since the parent isn't smart enough to do so? I was going to ask you which was more important: the health of a child or your right to pollute your lungs (and theirs), but I think I can guess your answer.
Lori Jan 15th 2010 11:06AM
I'm curious to know why it bothers you that you wouldn't be allowed to smoke in your car if there are children with you. Are you saying that it's wrong to protect a child from their parent's cigarette smoke, since the parent isn't smart enough to do so? I was going to ask you which was more important: the health of a child or your right to pollute your lungs (and theirs), but I think I can guess your answer.
Richard Jan 15th 2010 11:14AM
Purnell Meagre said Meredith was a victim of right wing propaganda, Purnell, it is you who is the victim of left wing propaganda which you will soon find out when this administration completes their take over of this country. I guess you don't know what the real CHANGE they were talking about is. It is the death of free market capitalism and a socialist Marxist form of government. Why do you think Obama appointed so many self described Communist and socialist progressives to his cabinet as his advisors?? Wake up and use you're dull witted mind, things could not be any clearer, all you have to do is look and listen to those want to be despots in our white house and you will see the end of America as we know it.
Milly Jan 15th 2010 11:21AM
Come Rebecca, stop trying to push your own agenda...I am a smoker, and Obama has nothing to do with the anti-smoking crap that's been going on in this Country...I'm just sitting here waiting for the alcohol ban which I hope happens really fast...then maybe justice can be served.
perk1 Jan 15th 2010 11:28AM
Merideth, I really wish you woudl stop listening to the right-wing talking heads (Limbaugh, O'Reily, etc. ) and make your own decisions. Obama has not bering on the government of Finland, other than it would hinder the export of tobacco from the U.S. I think that the smoking bad will eventually go world-wide with the countries in Africa and the Middle East being the last to fall in line. I understand that it is not the best thing you can do for yourself (smoking), though the goverment is poking its head where it does not belong. Childern should not be exposed to it, period. I was and I am a smoker. I probably would not have started in highschool if my parents had kept me from it with more enthusiasm. But it was still my decision to make. It is a dying industry and I think that we should let it die. Political views about this country have no bearing on this article, please read the article before you post and mybe think for one second what it is you are trying to convey over the message board before you post.
mark Jan 15th 2010 12:00PM
hey i do agree with the smoking ban but see the other side also .if you can keep your smoke to yourselves fine !!but you cant so take up chewing tobacco instead ,spread that cancer around your bodies not mine ok
carl Jan 15th 2010 12:53PM
Democracy in America, if it really ever existed, started dying around 1970. Yes, all signs tell us that the death of democracy in America is nearing. America's industrial economic base was transferred to other nations, leaving her with a service enconomic base -- with more and more Americans moving to government jobs, which means that they have to create more and more things to do -- including going into your house and telling you what is right and what is not.
babybooicu Jan 15th 2010 1:10PM
Thank you Meredith there are many of us who see what is happening. Remember always Live free and take back America 2012. If your interested check out Iansa.com these are the foreign people who are trying to take our right to bear arms going thru the United Nations. I say to hell with the United Nations and all foreign countries it is time for the United States to take care of our people.
Lydia Jan 15th 2010 1:36PM
Please tell me what has changed in your life since President Obama has been president. I still go to work, I'm still eating and still have all my freedoms. Nothing has been taken away - I don't understand the "fear" in everyone who is against President Obama - he has so many difficult situations that he is involved in - He needs everyones support - All I hear is what he is doing wrong - After one year I think it is ridiculous to believe that anyone can right the wrongs - We Had President Bush for 8 years and I never heard the anger and hatred regarding him
Keith Jan 15th 2010 2:05PM
This is not a right or left subject. It is a HEALTH issue. The amount of savings in healthcare costs as realted to smoking is astronomical. In 1972 smoking was banned on airlines. Why? It wasn't the government. The airline industry was about to face a huge class action suit by sterwards and pilots about the harm of second hand smoke. And the first state to sue the tobacco companies and win was Mississippi. Not exactly your leftest state.
Gold Jan 15th 2010 2:08PM
Should we ever become Socialist or worse yet Marxist guess what? You won't even be able to OWN anything in your own home, even if you MADE IT yourself!
Who needs THIS?
Who needs someone else to determine what you can or cannot have.....
God forbid that should happen.
Thom Jan 15th 2010 6:33AM
The government can legislate bans of legal substances with bans in public places. However, as far as I am concerned, they have no right to ban what I do in private, as long as it is not illegal. I have been hasseled by police when I have pulled off of a public roadway into a hospital zone without putting out my cigarette. This is too extreme as I am still in the confines of my private vehicle. I was not cited but rather warned by the police as I approached an emergency room entrance in my vehicle to discharge a disabled adult so that he didn't have to try to walk from the parking garage. The moment I pulled to the curb, I was approached by an officer. Even before the car door opened to discharge the patient. We are not yet a Facist State but rather a Free Democracy. Big Brother needs to back off!
NIMNICHT Jan 15th 2010 6:45AM
That was my point. If they hassle you as you drive a disabled person to a hospital entrance, next time insist the officer follow you to take charge of the person when you drive away to a smoking zone.
I understand no smoking areas, but there are no recommendations to compensate
for how to supplement a situation like this.
As you discharge the disabled person, if hospital doesn't assist, encourage the person to sue the hospital for not providing access for them from a "smoking" area!
Rebecca Jan 15th 2010 9:23AM
They are banning smoking in cars when there is a minor in the car..... The minor has the right to not be placed in a smoke filled box. The disabled adult has that same right. When you smoke in your car the seats and floors are saturated with deadly chemicals and when others ride with you they are exposed as well.