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Students push bill limiting smoking

 
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Jan 02, 2009 - 04:05:23 CST
By BRIAN DUGGAN
Bismarck Tribune
After her sixth-grade class in 2007 successfully pushed to make the chokecherry North Dakota's official fruit, Nancy Selby's students from Rickard Elementary School in Williston will be back this session with another measure in their sights.

And it won't be for an official state vegetable.

Instead, Selby's 20 students from her sixth-grade class last year will be lobbying a bill that would make it illegal to drive while smoking if any passenger in the vehicle is 16 years old or younger.

The students came up with the idea last year and are pursuing it as seventh-graders this year.

Sen. Stanley W. Lyson, R-Williston, took up the bill as its primary sponsor after visiting the class and listening to the students present their research on the issue.

Lyson said he would not have thought of such a bill if it wasn't for Selby's class.

"I felt strongly enough about it to put the bill in, because these people under 16 are certainly captive people in the vehicle," Lyson said.

He said he told the class that the legislation, which has five other bipartisan sponsors, will be a tougher sell than last session's chokecherry bill, namely because it could affect other laws already on the books if passed.

Selby said the students got the idea from similar legislation passed in other states.

"It's been introduced in a number of states without very much success," she said. "It is one of those bills that will infringe on people's personal rights."

A similar law passed in Arkansas in 2006 that penalizes anyone smoking in a car that is carrying a child young enough to be in a car seat. Louisiana followed suit with a similar bill.

Selby's former students will be coming to the state Capitol this winter to testify on the bill that they researched for months after mulling over various issues to propose to the Legislature.

"It's a mature idea for 11- year-olds to come up with," Selby said.

Majority Leader Sen. Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck, said the bill might run into some opposition in the Senate.

"We'll see where it goes. I think it's going to be pretty tough," Stenehjem said, adding with a chuckle, "There'll be a lot of 16-year-olds walking. We'll have to lower the driving age."

Stenehjem said he is expecting more bills this session that will seek to curb smoking in the state.

Sens. Joan Heckaman, D-New Rockford, and JoNell A. Bakke, D-Grand Forks, and Williston Republican Reps. Patrick R. Hatlestad and Gary R. Sukut all co-sponsored the bill.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@;bismarcktribune.com.)
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Students push bill limiting smoking
Comments

CeeCee wrote on Jan 24, 2009 1:21 PM:

" YAY! to the Seventh Grade Class of Williston - I would give anything if this law would pass - Forcing children to be trapped in a car with any smoking adults is a cruel form of abuse and should be stopped! "

kenny wrote on Jan 9, 2009 6:58 PM:

" I am so tired of people bashing smokers. Has anyone noticed that the harshest criticts ussually are those that were previous smokers. Seems like a lot of the critics are envious that they can't smoke because of there preference of not to. I totally agree that there are no health benefits from smoking but on the other hand it is still LEGAL to smoke. I rarely hear people bashing drinkers but I guess getting all ripped up and driving is acceptable but if you smoke you are an outcast. Seems pretty contradictionary to me but what do I know I smoke and it must be affecting my brain waves. (joke by the way) So pound down the shots and beer but don't smoke while doing it. HAVE A SMOKE FREE DAY. "

citizen wrote on Jan 9, 2009 12:11 PM:

" Of course smokers should not smoke around their children in cars or in their homes for that matter. Nor should they allow them to eat unhealthy foods, watch inappropriate television, dress inappropriately, etc. But you can not legislate common sense. Laws in this state are becoming ridiculous. No wonder out of staters refer to us as "Communist North Dakota". "

collegestudenttoo wrote on Jan 8, 2009 4:57 PM:

" Its weird how smokers have become these outcast members of society. Theyre people too. Smoking doesnt make you a bad person and I detest people who judge others based on that stereotype. Its sort of pathetic how willing some people are to give up personal liberties. And you know what I somewhat agree with Joe Citizen. We live in such a society of fear. Ive seen overprotective parents who have a panic attack any time their kid has a scrape or forces their child to wash their hands 95 times a day. Dodge ball now banned at schools, really?--Sue-happy parents. Its miraculous that anyone born before 1960 is even alive, because there are so many dangers that modern science has made us all aware of. Good thing that knowledge is making us safer. Every day on the news there is some new disease that YOU and YOUR FAMILY probably have. Our society is driven by fear Take lots of this vitamin and you wont get this disease, oh wait never mind too much of that vitamin causes kidney failure or cancer or both, but then again pretty much everything causes cancer. Im skeptical of all the statistics and new findings we hear about on a daily basis. The French smoke a lot more than Americans and eat fatty foods but yet somehow still live longer? That seems peculiar. Maybe its not smoking and other bad habits that are killing us as much as living in a constant state of fear and anxiety fueled by the media. "

ljfrommin wrote on Jan 8, 2009 3:15 PM:

" Taken from the Health News Digest, obviously a right wing rag (lol)-

"So, how dangerous IS secondhand smoke? The most reliable data would indicate that it is nowhere near as serious a threat as elements of the media (and their supporters within academia) would have us believe. In fact, ETS is, at its most extreme, far less dangerous than numerous other indoor air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, toxic mold, and radon." "

to Whatever wrote on Jan 8, 2009 3:08 PM:

" Comparing smoking to slavery is disgusting. "

Rebecca wrote on Jan 8, 2009 2:40 PM:

" To Mandan: Not all health problems are so evident right away.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28319147/ "

Rebecca wrote on Jan 8, 2009 2:32 PM:

" To "To Rebecca": Because it says so in the article. "

To Rebecca wrote on Jan 8, 2009 1:43 PM:

" How do you know that the kids came up with this idea or their own? "

Rebecca wrote on Jan 8, 2009 12:32 PM:

" To Mandan: Yes, because we all know that facts and figures can't possibly be true if you have subjective anecdotal evidence to the contrary. There are just as many people out there like you (actually, more) who do have negative health consequences. And yes, putting babies in carseats and kids/adults in seatbelts reducing fatalities. Just because you put your fingers in your ears and refuse to believe it doesn't make it not true. "

Mandan wrote on Jan 8, 2009 11:34 AM:

" TO Whatever:
Yeah if this passed we will look back on this with disgust, disgust at the fact that people cannot make their own decisions without government having a law for them to follow! Smoking may or may not be a PUBLIC HAZARD depending on what statistics you want to follow it can harm the person smoking BUT it is debatable about the second hand smoke. I can look at the number of people that I know that grew up with parents that smoked that are now in their late 30's to early 50's (and there are alot of them) some now smoke many do not but NONE of them have any issue from their parents smoking so I have many, many doubts about those so called statistics! "

Mandan wrote on Jan 8, 2009 11:29 AM:

" I also grew up in a home with 2 parents that smoked and none of the 7 kids have problems from it so this is a little excessive to say the least! It now amazes me the number of people that would love to have the government lay out their full day for them so they do not have to think anymore! I for one am against this law for many many reasons! The least of which is that it is a waste of taxpayers money in many ways from the time taken in the legislature to the waste of time for the officers on duty. How many cars are they going to pull over trying to figure out if that is a 15-16 yr old or an 18-20 yr old in a car. I also agree with most of what Joe Citizen said about the fact that alot of us grew up when seat belts were not wither used or not even in some vehicles and our parents smoked and drank around us and there was hardly the amount of problems that there are now! To many people act like they cannot make a decision for themselves without having the government create a law for them, it is ridiculous! "

Rebecca wrote on Jan 8, 2009 8:40 AM:

" To Dumbfounded: This particular bill was the kids' idea. "The students came up with the idea last year and are pursuing it as seventh-graders this year."
The teacher isn't brainwashing them, they came up with it and she is helping them learn the system so they can propose it.
I think it is sad (and a little callous) that you would compare such a little thing like kids learning to use their governmental system to WWII Germany. It probably won't even pass and I pretty sure no one is going to be forced into horrific camps if they disagree with these kids. If anything, they will have more respect for others because they will have learned that everyone in this country should have a voice.
But after your misogynistic comments on the breastfeeding story, I can't say I'm surprised. "

WHATEVER wrote on Jan 8, 2009 8:10 AM:

" The pro-smoker crowd is on the wrong side of history. Smoking is a public health hazard, period. There is no debate about it. Just like slavery or segregation, we will look back at this someday with absolute disgust. And conservatives will once again have to come up with a way to make it appear as though they were the ones pushing for anti-smoking legislation. "

Knock out wrote on Jan 7, 2009 4:10 PM:

" To Marla(miss goodie two shoes) I hope it is you that gets knocked down a few notches. How can you treat anyone so poorly! I don't smoke, but i treat everyone the same way i want to be treated! Think before you post! Also i do not feel this bill should pass, it would only open up a can of worms that may take away alot more of our rights!(and yours) Do you use a cell phone? Do you stop at mcdonalds?Are you a few pounds over weight? Do you wear any deodorant(the smell may be offense to others) Be careful what you wish for! You could get arested for farting in public, or in your car,now this could knock you down a fewww notches!!!! "

Daycare Mom wrote on Jan 7, 2009 2:14 PM:

" As a child I hated my parents smoking-I hated to smell of it on me, I felt like choking when they smoked in the car. I had no rights to protect my own health. It is that right? "

Unreal wrote on Jan 7, 2009 12:13 PM:

" This is such a ridiculous law next, they will be telling us we cannot even smoke in our on yards. Last time I checked the state did not pay for my vehicle, gas, maintenance, or insurance so where do they have the right to tell me what I can do inside my own property. "

Dumbfounded wrote on Jan 7, 2009 12:03 PM:

" The last time that there was so much brainwashing of the youth of a country, as far as their civic duty is concerned, they were turning in their parents to the Gestapo.

This country has so many laws, that one does not have any personal freedoms any more.

The system of government that we have was not designed for children, and one thing that everyone that partakes of these forums seems to forget is our government was designed for all. However it appears that everyone seems to think that government is designed for them to push their personal agendas on everyone else.

Hello everyone and welcome to the Third Reich. "

Rebecca wrote on Jan 7, 2009 11:09 AM:

" I also agree with Kimberly; these kids will all grow up and their opinions will change; what is important is that they are learning how to use the system of government that was designed for them and are more active and concerned about what the government is doing than probably every one on this board who complains.
Even if they don't get it passed (probably won't), at least they are more educated about government than the general populace and I would be happy to have my child in this class asserting their civic duties. :-) "

Daycare Mom wrote on Jan 7, 2009 10:26 AM:

" This is a tough one. Have you ever picked up a tiny baby that just reeks of smoke? It's awful, and you have to know as a parent you are hurting your child. That said, how do they enforce this one? Do we want the government to tell us how to raise our children? Where does it stop? I don't think it is right to let young children see R rated movies-It's harmful to them-should that be governed? How about those parents that allow all that junk food, lets stop them too. I could happen people! If someone can guarentee it's just the smoking thing, I'm for it! I just think we need to be careful. "

My Opinion wrote on Jan 7, 2009 9:38 AM:

" I think the teacher should be looked at here for brainwashing the children. I sincerely doubt that these children are capable of writing proposed legislation. I have a number of advanced degrees and the requirements for writing proposed legislation still confuse me at times.

I think this teacher has a bunch of hidden agendas that are being pushed and forced onto the children.

Someone should look at that. "

To Nancy Selby wrote on Jan 6, 2009 3:25 PM:

" How about indoor air quality at indoor motor events at the civic center, what do these fumes do to the employees and young children that attend these events?
Whats good for the goose is good for the gander..l.o.l.
Dakota "

Rebecca wrote on Jan 6, 2009 9:19 AM:

" To Joe Citizen: You know, plenty of people grew up being beaten (not talking a swat on the butt, I mean actual physical beating) and survived, that doesn't mean it is good for your kids to do it or that it should be legal.
That said, I don't think this bill is enforceable. Nice idea, but not enforceable. I do think that throwing the butt out the window should be illegal. Almost all of the fires my friend on the rural fire department fights are started by someone throwing a cigarette butt out the window. "

Not Blind wrote on Jan 6, 2009 6:54 AM:

" Well - I WAS raised with my siblings in a smoked filled house and Yah - the majority of s all have ealth issues because of it. It started with ear infections, bronchitis, and other upper respiratory issues while growing up. Imagine how hard it was to get over those issues while the parents continued to smoke while we were ill. We went to school and our clothes and hair reeked of smoke.
By the time we reached highschool, we had all had experimented in smoking (underage) - some went on as adults and procured even worse health problems.
These children are smart - open your eyes, you mights learn something. "

Snap wrote on Jan 6, 2009 2:08 AM:

" Judge us somemore Marla! I wonder what you do that ain't considered right! "

Personal discretion wrote on Jan 5, 2009 3:42 PM:

" Hiram - Been around any 6th graders lately? I have a nephew who is a smart, opinionated kid you would have a hard time "brainwashing" or "forcing" to do something he doesn't want to do. These kids are far more knowledgeable these days than we were at that age growing up back in the 70's and 80's.
Joe Citizen - So, since your dad drove around with a beer in one hand using foul language at other drivers in front of you, did you/do you do that with your own child? Would you do that with a young grandchild riding in a vehicle with you? I rode around with my parents back in the 60's - seat belts? Heaven forbid - no I stood between them in the front seat, laid in the back window etc...totally cool...no fear...until the time a car blew a stop sign and my dad slammed on the brakes and I went flying face-forward into the dash and ended up with a concussion, two black-eyes and a broken nose. Some lessons are learned the hard way... "

puff puff wrote on Jan 5, 2009 3:38 PM:

" I can only say this................the laws that are in place today are sad. I use to smoke and it took me several years to finally quit. I would like to see more consontration on DUI penalties. Just think, if this law is passed,,,,, what could be next? Parents receiving tickets for overwight kids? Or for too much video game time? I applaud the kids who are in the fore front on this issue..............I'm sure we will hear more from them. Parents should be responsible for their children.............let them make their own decisions. "

To Joe Citizen wrote on Jan 5, 2009 2:32 PM:

" Well the one thing my Dad taught me was that two wrongs don't make a right! All of your absurd statements are definetly wrong. I do not have any children but I don't think I would cart them around town without a seat belt, beer in hand with a cigarette hanging from my mouth. There are these certain people who are called Social Services who are suppose to come down on people who raise children like that! Your paragraph sounded rather hick and/or barbaric. The thing is....it is 2009 and people are NOT raised the same and daily life is different. I just cannot see why anyone in their right mind would want to smoke or even expose anyone to smoke after all we have found out about it through the years. Hey...I was a barteneder for two years and it was my choice to be exposed but now we are going to expose young people to smoke and thats ok?!?! "

Joe Citizen wrote on Jan 5, 2009 12:55 PM:

" First, I don't smoke but I did grow up with parents that did smoke, in the car, in the house, everywhere and I have no health effects of breathing second hand smoke. Oh and for the record, I rode a bike, without a helmet, played on metal jungle gyms that were anchored over concrete, rode in a car where the seat belts were cut out by my father and watched him drive holding a beer in one hand and the steering wheel in the other and using adult language at other drivers. I played sports with my friends and they didn't have to be in "organized" activities. I grew up, lived over 50 years. What I do wonder about is how did we as a population become so scared of everything? And when did we as a society come to expect government to fix all of the pet projects of the special intrests nazi's
Sen. Lyson, you should be ashamed of yourself for even considering this legislation. Think of the hours spent by law enforcement trying to enforce this. Keep putting demands on the govenment and then wonder why government grows as do our taxes. Time for you to step down Stan, you are waisting the taxpayers money and the time of every other legislator in this feel good legislation. "

Hiram wrote on Jan 5, 2009 8:28 AM:

" It's sad to see kids being so thoroughly brainwashed and pushed into a stunt to remove freedom from themselves. "

The comment man wrote on Jan 5, 2009 1:57 AM:

" Shouldn't it be illegal to use children like this? I remember awhile back looking at some of the anti-whatever drawings we were forced to do back in grade school. I felt dirty and used. "

DLH wrote on Jan 4, 2009 8:55 AM:

" Anyway, I think some of you can see where I stand on this issue. I feel we have too many unenforceable laws already on the books. It is just another law that will be used periodically to make an example of someone, while providing no significant health benefit to children or society in general. "

DLH wrote on Jan 4, 2009 8:54 AM:

" Continued from previous post...Perhaps, we should ask all parents to periodically turn in proof that they are responsible parents. They could submit reciepts for the food they buy and we could be assured that the children have proper clothing for all activities. We could have monitoring devices to enforce television time limits, since I'm sure we all care about both mental and physical development. Personally, I'd like to know how much sugar some parents are feeding their children, maybe the police could carry glucose meters and check any children that appear to be a bit too hyper.
we have too many unenforcable laws already on the books. It is just another law that will be
used periodically to make an example of someone, while providing no significant health benefit
to children or society in general. "

DLH wrote on Jan 4, 2009 8:50 AM:

" I'm curious how many tickets Sen. Lyson expects to be issued for this new crime? How many man hours will be spent enforcing the legislation? Do we even have an estimate of the percentage of smokers that do smoke in vehicles with children? Will there be checkpoints where officers pull over vehicles and smell for smoke if children are present? Perhaps, we could have them prick the fingers of underage occupants, then run the blood samples for any signs of second hand smoke, or even dietary deficiencies. I'm thinking GPS ankle bracelets for pregnant women,
so that police can track there movements and investigate suspicious activities.
that may
endanger the fetus. Perhaps, we should ask all parents to periodically turn in proof that
they are responsible parents. They could submit reciepts for the food they buy and we could
be assured that the children have proper clothing for all activities. We could have monitoring
devices to enforce television time limits, since I'm sure we all care about both mental and
physical development. Personally, I'd like to know how much sugar some parents are feeding
their children, maybe the police could carry glucose meters and check any children that appear
to be a bit too hyper. Anyway, I think some of you can see where I stand on this issue. I feel
we have too many unenforcable laws already on the books. It is just another law that will be
used periodically to make an example of someone, while providing no significant health benefit
to children or society in general. "

kim wrote on Jan 3, 2009 7:06 PM:

" I smoke. I have kids. I don't smoke when they are in the car with me. I don't smoke in our home. People need to be responsible for their own actions. This bill is just simply a WASTE of money, time and energy. IF, for some reason, this passes, how are the cops going to know if there are kids in the car? Do they pull everyone over that is smoking? The carseat stays in my car without a kid in it. Am I going to get pulled over because I am smoking and someone sees the carseat? Come one!!! I understand that the kids need to understand how the gov't works, but...maybe find a way to do it that isn't a HUGE waste! "

Personal discretion wrote on Jan 3, 2009 1:20 PM:

" From the mouths of babes...
I agree this won't go anywhere, but I applaud the kids for actually caring about what goes on in the world and potentially affects them. I thought that's what a democracy is about...people having the right to voice their opinion. "

Marla wrote on Jan 3, 2009 12:18 PM:

" I hope these kids are sucessful with this bill. It will knock the smokers down one more notch like they need to be. Maybe these kids can get something done that the adults for years have not been able to do. "

Seriously wrote on Jan 3, 2009 12:16 PM:

" You have to be kidding me !!! If you DON"T think smoking in a car while your kids are strapped into their seatbelts and car seats...forced to inhale YOUR crappy and disgusting habit is cruel and worthy of not doing...then you are dangerous and very selfish parents. Are your smokes more important than your kids???? Seriously. "

The Hawk wrote on Jan 3, 2009 10:13 AM:

" To all - very humorous and entertaining! I agree with the one poster - these kids will grow up to drink and smoke mainly because there is nothing better to do in most of North Dakota. If we had any creativity to spawn constructive activities for our youth, it would quickly be snuffed out by "the locals" because "that isn't what we do in North Dakota." Cheers! "

CH wrote on Jan 2, 2009 9:33 PM:

" How about just make smoking illegal. That would solve all of these problems. Cigarettes are more additive and dangerous then Weed. Yet weed is illegal. Where is the common sense in that. Yeah weed gets you high but so cigs give you a buzz or enhance your buzz when your drinking. "

Older Person wrote on Jan 2, 2009 7:55 PM:

" I'm a little bit curious. Does Nancy Selby use a cell phone while she drives? Do the parents of these sixth graders use cell phones while they drive? They are endangering my life! I'm not a smoker and agree that parents should not smoke, but to waste our taxpayers money for Ms. Selby and her sixth graders to lobby for such a bill and for them to get publicity is plain stupid. Chokecherries are a little pitty too. "

Tyzra wrote on Jan 2, 2009 7:31 PM:

" I don't think this bill has a chance of passing, but I do agree that these kids have the right to ask for better enviromental conditions. It's their health that's at stake. "

Mean Old Uncle Ray wrote on Jan 2, 2009 6:32 PM:

" "Legislation is the answer to everything that wrong with the world. If people do something you don't like, pass a law to make 'em stop."

Children can be forgiven for buying into this nonsense; but what of the adults who encourage them... "

bill wrote on Jan 2, 2009 5:56 PM:

" Communism here we come!!!! "

Casual Sophist wrote on Jan 2, 2009 3:26 PM:

" It is a valid question - how far do we go to regulate activities or behaviors that could be harmful to others. In this case, perhaps we should take a look at the full spectrum of potential risks and ban them all. Oh no, that would require no humans to be alive, because everything we do involves some kind of risk and decision in regards to that risk. However, this argument does not involve risk management as much as it involves the perceived reduction of the rights of the individual. So the question becomes - are the rights of the adult more important than the rights of the child? I do not believe they are, however, as a society we have determined through our history and biological development, that the parents are responsible for the children they bring into the world, so this could be a reduction of their rights. In addition, everything that is perceived as harmful by one person is not necessarily harmful to another. Herein lies the difference. I do believe an enlightened adult will not smoke in a window closed car. But to make it yet another law? Not sure. I just don't think it is enforceable. In that case, what is the point? "

age wrote on Jan 2, 2009 2:40 PM:

" If you are not 18 and a resident of ND you should not be allowed to lobby the ND legislature. This is mainly in regard to the multitude of bills proposed by people in states as far away as CA lately.

Quite frankly this proposal is ridiculus. "

H wrote on Jan 2, 2009 12:57 PM:

" to Smokers Please:
You say that smokers increase premium costs, but what about all the overweight people? What about all the drunk people who fall and hurt themselves and have to goto the hospital? What about athletes who get injured playing sports? There are a lot of things that increase premiums other than smoking. How about we put cops at Mcdonalds and arrest parents who give their 8 year old kids cheeseburgers? I guarentee that the health effects of obesity totally outweigh second hand smoke.. Yes, they are both dangerous but come on. Just because you think it's a disgusting habbit doesn't make you perfect or give you the authority to point fingers. "

Kimberly wrote on Jan 2, 2009 12:29 PM:

" Why can't we just let these kids learn about government by being part of it? We all know this bill won't pass, it's the learning process that counts. I can't believe some people are making this a bigger issue than what it really is. When was the last time you took the initiative to propose a bill to Congress? "

NONSMOKER wrote on Jan 2, 2009 12:11 PM:

" GO, KIDS, IF NOTHING ELSE COMES OF THIS, IT WLL MAKE PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THEIR CHIDRENS HEALTH, ANYWAY!!!! "

Cops have better things to do wrote on Jan 2, 2009 12:01 PM:

" Name of artical should be TEACHER pushes students to push bill limiting smoking. Anti-Smokers = the new Nazi's, liberals say do what you want anywhere, anytime (as long as the they agree with it). "

kev wrote on Jan 2, 2009 12:01 PM:

" These kids need to study up on the U.S. constitution. This bill clearly is in violation of it. "

Bismarcker wrote on Jan 2, 2009 11:59 AM:

" All this bill amounts to is an ongoing attempt to strip freedoms in a democratic society. Pretty soon the government will be telling us what kind of music to listen to in our cars because kids might be subjected to inappropriate song lyrics! More bans and regulations are NOT what a democracy is about. "

the dude wrote on Jan 2, 2009 11:30 AM:

" This law is good but I think we should make it illegal to smoke in the bars first. "

Snap wrote on Jan 2, 2009 11:28 AM:

" Hahaha! I can't wait until these kids grow up! Chances are they'll start smokin and drinkin like so many others and then, if the law passes, regret what they did as kids! "

Pete wrote on Jan 2, 2009 11:28 AM:

" If you can enforce seatbelt laws you can enforce laws against smoking with kids present in cars. Studies have shown that smoking in such a confined space is actually much worse than smoking in a home. The concentration of smoke and the toxins contained in it have been shown to be extremely high in automobiles. No doubt that it's very damaging to the health of the kids. If everyone had common sense and consideration for others, nobody would be smoking with kids in the car. "

Razors Edge wrote on Jan 2, 2009 10:44 AM:

" Haha liberals always fascinate me. You guys fight and fight to say that abortion is legal, and say "A woman has a right to her own body". Then you tax soft drinks because it "makes you obese" (http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/12/14/2008-12-14_governor_paterson_proposes_obesity_tax_a-1.html), and then you go after smoking. Well what is it? Do we have freedom over our bodies, or do we only get to do things you agree with? "

My Opinion wrote on Jan 2, 2009 10:43 AM:

" While smoking may be an undesireable habit, should tobacco use be outlawed in the United States, hundreds of thousands of people who depend on the tobacco industry would be out of work. Not real smart in a recessional economy.

I'm also wondering just who came up with this idea. It seems more than likely that the teacher has a hidden agenda and is using her students to pursue her own political agendas.

Finally, it seems to me that there are far more dangerous activities being done in automobiles that endanger lives such as drunk driving and/or cell phone usage. These would be better looked at over smoking.

While outlawing tobacco is something people might like to do the economics of it would be a disaster. People need to think further than the edge of their noses on issues such as these. "

Good wrote on Jan 2, 2009 10:03 AM:

" I think this is a wonderful idea. I feel so bad for those kids in the cars/homes with their parents or whoever they are with smoking it up and getting all the second hand smoke. I can't wait till everything goes smoke free. "

kg wrote on Jan 2, 2009 9:59 AM:

" I agree with dewdrop. The safety of those in the car along with others driving ..... using a cell phone while driving has caused alot more injuries and death than someone smoking in their car. The non-smokers are getting totally ridiculous!!!!! "

Kimberly wrote on Jan 2, 2009 9:52 AM:

" I think it's nice that these kids are getting involved with the government. They are just being responsible citizens proposing legislation that they feel is important. It doesn't go much beyond that. I don't know if a bill like this is rational enough to pass though. It could be a legal nightmare. One could argue that smoking around a child can be seen as child abuse, then it would also apply within the smoker's home. But something like that might be a stretch as well. As for the driving while smoking thing, I see it as just as bad as talking on a cell phone while driving, and many people complain about that. But that's just a social irritation of mine, nothing of legal precedence. I say allow these little lobbyists to have their day in Congress, at least they are learning, as well as being more involved than most adults are in democracy nowdays. "

Smokers Please wrote on Jan 2, 2009 9:32 AM:

" Smoking should be outlawed completely, it is a disgusting, filthy habit that effects the smoker as well as everyone around them, not to mention the health problems that insurance ends up paying for raising premiums for everyone not just the smoker. People standing outside their homes smoking and throwing the cigarette butts wherever they are standing for all of the rest of us to pick up after them, and throwing butts out of their car windows, I see it all the time. Talking to a smoker with stinky cigarette breath that just about knocks you over is also disgusting. "

Dewdrop wrote on Jan 2, 2009 9:19 AM:

" More regulations, more laws! Don't the police have enough to do without going after people that smoke in their cars? If one wants to limit what people do in their cars, they could outlaw cell phones in the ears! I bet those young kids would not think that is a good idea, although more people are hurt in accidents from people not paying attention when they drive because of the phones sticking into their ears than are caused by smoking. I also agree that if they are smoking in their cars, they are smoking in their house with their children in the same room! "

THE POLICE DONT HAVE ENOUGH TO DO wrote on Jan 2, 2009 9:14 AM:

" I abhor smoking. But this is simply a silly, frivoulous idea that should not take up the valuable time of our Legislature. This isn't civics it's nannyism at its worst. C'mon, Teach! Get a life and give your students one also. "

Just Curious wrote on Jan 2, 2009 8:49 AM:

" I would think a person's child in the backseat screaming "you're killing me" would be far more effective than another law on the books.

Same goes for the people who know smokers that drive around with their kids in a smoke filled car. "

Edward wrote on Jan 2, 2009 8:22 AM:

" The kids are also captive in their parents home! Amend the bill to include that. The police should be able to randomly check homes for smoking and the presence anyone 16 or under present, How about making it illegal to provide someone under 16 with unhealthy food. "

abc wrote on Jan 2, 2009 7:21 AM:

" If you want to teach Miss Selby's budding future leaders about politics and government you should introduce legislation to replace "chokecherry" as the State's official fruit with "juneberries". "

abc wrote on Jan 2, 2009 7:14 AM:

" Minnesota has nothing on North Dakota when it comes to a "Nanny Government" who thinks they are smarter and can raise your children better than you can. We seem to have more and more people who "care" so much more than you and I do. In fact, we can probably change the motto on our license plates to: "It Takes a Village". "

h wrote on Jan 2, 2009 6:31 AM:

" I agree, Smoker. If parents are smoking in their vehicle with their children, odds are that they smoke in their home around the children also. I smoke, but when I drive with anybody younger, or even a nonsmoker, I won't smoke. I dont think this law would be effective at all... It's not hard for people to see a cop coming and put down their cigarette.. it's going to be using waste of time for the cops.. what are they going to do? Pull someone over because they think youngsters are in the car and spend the time to ID everyone in the vehicle?? "

Smoker wrote on Jan 2, 2009 4:27 AM:

" While I admire this younger generations insight and drive, I also think this bill steps a lil bit beyond authority to deligate actions within ones own vehicle. PD's and the likes have enough to do without using this as yet another way for vehicle pull-overs. "

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