Should we spy on smokers?

1770 published comments with 85 censored.

Are undercover smoking agents, policing the forthcoming smoking ban in England, a good idea?

Council officials will have the power to enter premises undercover, allowing them to sit among drinkers and even photograph and film people.

They will be able to give on-the-spot £50 fines to individuals as well as take court action against premises breaking the new law which comes into effect in July.

Smokers' groups have called the plans a "waste of money".

Should council staff spy on smokers? How will it affect you? Would you shop a smoker? Have you had experience of smoking spies in Scotland, Ireland or in your country? Should smoking in public places be banned? Tell us what you think.

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The following comments were censored from this thread on the BBC's 'Have Your Say' section of their news website.

Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [mango-], Cardiff, Wales on Thu Feb 15 11:12:13 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

I would like to see police use tazers on people who smoke where they shouldn't. Singapore has the right idea - bring back public floggings for these criminals!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [cunnind], La Chatre, France on Thu Feb 15 11:27:00 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

Many smokers cannot be trusted to abide by the law let alone common decency not to pollute the lungs of others so policing is the only option. I once asked a smoker to sop smoking on a train in the UK and he only stopped when I said I would pull the emergency handle if he would not.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Atheist Woody, Burton on Trent, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 11:34:09 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

So were going to be paying people with our taxes so they can watch us and make sure we dont smoke, im wondering what the charge will be for smoking, does anyone know??

Also in Reids big book of bulls**t does this count as a minor crime like Paedophilia or is it something truly horrific like speeding??

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Ollie Glidewell on Thu Feb 15 11:59:27 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

Hiram J Fudwangler, Bishops Stortford

Use of word "maybe" already noted, as is your lack of brain to engage.

Try again!

(actually, please don't, you only make yourself look even more of an idiot)

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Gill smyth, Westcountry on Thu Feb 15 11:58:36 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

Quote:-"Victoria Bracken, Devon, United Kingdom "

Well, what does Victoria think she will get told if she tells people they shouldn't be smoking. Just 'cos she goes along with the nanny state, it doesn't mean the rest of us want to. She should mind her own f~****ing business. We aren't asking her to smoke in a hospital, so what right does she have to tell us not to smoke there. No wonder she is getting angry responses if she doesn't mind her own business.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [rustle], Paris, France on Thu Feb 15 12:08:44 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

ID cards – Trials without juries – Detention without trial up to 90 days – using the courts to prosecute their opponents – corruption
All typical of repressive governments, all hallmarks of Labour.[Harry-Flashman]

hallmarks of whom? sounds like friends of Pinochet to me! you get the government you deserve and, like it or not, Harry's got his!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by widuran Bertram, Letchworth, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 12:15:59 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

BTW Fascism is usually associated with right wing politics. There is nothing right wing about the BNP, their manifesto is chokka with socialist economics.

[Vulpus_rex], London, United Kingdom

I cannot believe what I am reading. The BNP not right wing. Me and my cousin tried to go to an unoffical BNP meeting last year and we were kicked out for being the wrong colour. I have also read their manifesto and there are some social economics but more of their policies are from the extreme right similar to Hitlers policies in Nazi Germany.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [Mysturji], Airstrip One, Oceania on Thu Feb 15 12:17:11 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

When's the revolution?
Seriously!
I mean, I'd start one myself, but I've never been very good at organising things, and I'd feel a right twerp storming the gates of Downing Street all by myself.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Bill O'vine, Newark on Thu Feb 15 12:16:34 UTC 2007. 5 recommendations.

Well it took him 10 years but Tony Blair and his Labour party has turned Britain into Stalin's wet dream.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Jon buck, Sheffield, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 12:36:55 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

"WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH."

-repeat-

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [G_Slick], North Carolina, United States on Thu Feb 15 12:33:25 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

This communism. Well Done!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [always_pulled_off] on Thu Feb 15 12:30:00 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

I suppose since Tone is now making us into a Stalinist state, the next logical step is to have individual citizens denouncing their enemies in revenge for some past insult.

The authorities will be so keen to prosecute, they wont worry too much about a little thing like evidence.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [flourgrader], Inverness, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 12:41:59 UTC 2007. 4 recommendations.

'get my niece to read 1984 soon' Julie Simms

Julie I agree but I should get her to read it now, 1984 is already here, we are watched at every turn and told how we should live and behave, shame we don't do anything about the PC brigade who are very much the main instrument for this nanny state we are already in - and getting worse. How soon before this extends to spies to see if you are grilling your bacon and not frying it, that will be shortly before bacon is removed from sale because it's bad for us. HELP!! By the way I am a non-smoker!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [TennSteve], Tennessee, United States on Thu Feb 15 12:40:04 UTC 2007. 8 recommendations.

More important would be Sex Police....entering your bedroom to see if the Missionary Position is being strictly observed. When this comes about (and it surely will) please send me a job application!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [Pete_Sym_4_PM] on Thu Feb 15 12:41:26 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

The misuse of this quotation is sickening. Its amazing that you kneejerk "freedom lovers" get so worked up about enforcement of a democratically passed law and taxation, yet when innocent people are shot by the police in their homes thats ok. Despicable. Grow up and worry about real issues.

Philby bradlaugh,


Don't you just love the fact that freedom and the right to personal choice are not 'real issues.'

Talk about blind.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Charles Bailey, London, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 12:40:50 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

I can think of 3 other occasions citizens were encouraged to spy on and report their neighbours for "undesirable" behaviour.

Orwell's 1984
Stalin's Russia
Taliban controlled Afghanistan.

Frightening, isn't it? :(

You forgot one. The Nazis got the Hitler youth to tell on their parents if they said or did anything untoward against the Nazi Party.
I'm beginning to think that NuLabour are the Nazis in disguise. For God sake everyone WAKE UP and demand an election before they start marching huge swathes of the population into Concentration Camps for re-education.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [Mathrades], Barnsley, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 12:54:36 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

Well this is pretty petty when I have my say and it gets taken off by BBC HYS Team. And for what you ask.

And for my next trick, says Blair, the Thought Police.

I'll get you yet, he chuckles.

Can someone explain why it was taken off? I'm at a loss. Perhaps I'm right and the BBC don't want to offend poor old Blair with all his security guards so the umpteen free convicts can't get him. Let's see if this gets wiped off the board.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by John Wilson, Leeds on Thu Feb 15 12:59:47 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

[Mathrades], Barnsley, United Kingdom

I had one taken off earlier this morning after some woman was basically slagging off men and all I did was ask if her back was ok because of the size of the chip on her shoulder. It's been deleted from the list where I can view all my comments.

It would appear that it is alrght to have a go at one set of people but not others. PC at it's best.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Bob Jim on Thu Feb 15 12:58:55 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

As long as they are Russian smokers yes.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Steve L, SE3 on Thu Feb 15 12:28:00 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

The first person who tries to photograph, fine or film me smoking will have my cigarette stubbed out in their eye.

As a smoker I welcome the ban however, I will not be policed like a third rate citizen!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Jermaine Goody, London, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 13:20:41 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

Are we secretly living in George Orwell's 1984?

Kim Poile, Ely, United Kingdom


Yes , Kim : Julian Bandwidth and Fiona Ipod , Chief Moderators of Have Your Say , just removed my perfectly valid post about the need for a return to sanity by getting rid of our tormentors : "Dr Gillian McKeith, "Mrs" Patricia Hewitt and " Generalisimo " Ken Livingstone.

I will give this 3 minutes max.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by jeremy slawson, plymouth, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 13:23:10 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

At least it will be easy to identify members of the British Stazi when they shop you for committing acts of civil disobedience. Its time people realized that there is a grain of truth in the whinging coming from minority groups like the Muslim community. This country has indeed become a complacent intolerant police state where minorities are badly treated for the socialist greater good. We have more people criminalized by this Government than ever before in history, but actual serious crime remains higher than in neighboring countries. We need a general election and a change of course.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Mr Death on Thu Feb 15 13:29:26 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

DO WHAT YOU HUMANS CALL THESE "HEALTH FASCISTS" REALLY BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN SOMEHOW EXTEND THEIR ALLOTTED TIME??

INTRIGUING.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Chicken Noodles on Thu Feb 15 13:55:23 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

YES, why the hell not, i would rather the money be spent on this than benefits for some fat lazy slob who spawns children so that they can claim benefits!

It will be nice to go out for a pint without being killed by some scabby smoker!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by bob bob, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 14:14:44 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

Await
Death and
Decay
Internal-health
Chronically
To
Smoking

WE ARE THE MODS
WE ARE THE MODS
WE ARE THE
WE ARE THE
WE ARE THE MODS

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [kharmacontrarian] on Thu Feb 15 14:16:29 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

What if you don't inhale?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Peter Piper, Cambs on Thu Feb 15 14:21:23 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

I cut down trees, I skip and jump,
I like to press wild flowers.
I put on women's clothing,
And hang around in bars.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Rita Jones, Stockport, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 14:21:16 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

This is a comment on HSY, why is it on every topic some posts are put out more than once, does nobody check, you say you can't print all the posts because of lack of space, fair enough, but if you stopped repeating the same ones maybe more people would get their posts printed. I am now onto the 3rd page and they are the same posts repeated from the first two.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Robert Sharr, London, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 14:38:46 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

"To enable us to breath good healthy clean air, a right, smokers must not be allowed to smoke anywhere where they cannot avoid polluting others.
When I returned to visit the old country last week it was terrible to enter a pub - like an old London smog!

[cunnind], La Chatre, France "

So you move to a country where people eat smelly cheese in public and seldom wash.
Do I detect an element of inconsistency there?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Martin R, London on Thu Feb 15 14:50:35 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

"So you move to a country where people eat smelly cheese in public and seldom wash.
Do I detect an element of inconsistency there?
Robert Sharr, London, United Kingdom

So you respond to this person by racist "banter" against the French. ... I cannot take your comments seriously."
leftwing lefty, United Kingdom

leftwing lefty, this is just why people call it the Daily Hate Mail. It encourages the unacceptable and packages it for consumption by the hard-of-perspective, like Robert.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by John Wilson, Leeds on Thu Feb 15 15:13:49 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

Just a comment about Your Say in general but has anybody else had comments disappear over the last few days?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Ian Here, Southam, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 15:18:14 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

"Just a comment about Your Say in general but has anybody else had comments disappear over the last few days?

John Wilson"

Yes but that's life .... and if I don't like it .... etc....

Or are you implying something more sinister? Perhaps a smoke would calm you down.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by snidey c, rochester, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 15:27:23 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

seems rather petty when there is famen and poverty in the world but wotever for the good of the country right?

and im a non smoker haha

jodie brown, aldershot

Going on the way that was written I would presume you don't smoke as you are still of school age.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Chris Heatley, dorchester, United Kingdom on Thu Feb 15 14:33:09 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

Ooh, you're hard!
I'd cheerfully report you, you selfish murderer! ( Knowingly commit an offence which you'll know will kill innocents...)Oh, and I won't have to bring a friend!

[ceorlman], Maidstone

Calm yourselves down. I don't smoke but I would always combat feeble-minded little-englanders.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [rustle], Paris, France on Fri Feb 16 09:39:45 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

"Still playin the hard man? we are quakin in our boots Red Skinhead"

Do Quakers smoke?
The next thing you know the pubs, clubs and restaurants will be full of spies. Spy versus spy versus spy! How long will it be before smoking and drinking are banned altogether, in public or in the privacy of "your own home"? How long will it be before your home is no longer your own? Mind you, being optimistic, this might bring people together in street parties/demonstrations outside pubs. Rally round, get together, form a circle, thin red line etc... Brits have never been more cooperative than when under pressure!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Red Skinhead, the world on Fri Feb 16 09:35:18 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

First they came for the foxhunters
and I did not speak out
because I was not a foxhunter.
Then they came for the drivers
and I did not speak out
because I was not a driver.
Then they came for the smokers
and I did not speak out
because I was not a smoker.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

[lickyalips], Richmond, United Kingdom

If i see 1 more of theise I'm gonna explode. Some Nonces bein fined for smokin aint the same as the holocaust, YOU MUPPET

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [neonsquirrel], Dublin, Ireland on Fri Feb 16 10:04:00 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Paul Johnston of Salford, can you read? The vast majority of contributors to this HYS are non or ex smokers. They are objecting to the allocation of precious funds which could be better spent elsewhere.

I live in Ireland, where a Publican or Restrateur faces a fine of € 3,000.00 if persons are smoking on his premises. There is no shortage of people like you to inform on him. Therefore, separate teams of 'pub spys' are not necessary.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [VicolaW], Bury, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 09:26:56 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

I work in construction and I have to say that anyone trying to hand out a £50 fine to a group of our site lads at 11pm on a Friday night after they've had a hard week and umpteen pints is either very brave or very stupid. Added to which, since many councils are running over budget and having to cut vital services is this really the best way of spending money? I think not, especially since the swines will probably be on triple time for working outside of office hours.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Red Skinhead, the world on Fri Feb 16 11:28:49 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

I am a smoker. I pay a fortune in tax to the chancellor for my pleasure. If all the smokers stopped then you'd have to foot the shortfall - some 10 billion.

And don't you think this country is full enough as it is without trying to save all these lives? Perhaps smoking is nature's way of thinning out the herd...

[politico-junkie-SE1]

Hurry up and die then take yer whinging mateys with ya.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by jack london on Fri Feb 16 13:44:14 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

"What a SAD LITTLE SMOKER. Do what you want but do it at home."
Jim Netts, Farnham, United Kingdom

What a SAD LITTLE PRIG. Be a prig by all means, but keep it to yourself.

Martin R, London

Like the man said

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [MGeorgiou], London, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 13:48:05 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

Dear fellow Britons
I appologise. I voted Labour at the last election. I did it because the Labour candidate was a nice chap. The Conservatives won the seat anyway so I didn't actually contribute to the current government getting in bit I'm still sorry. It's not much I know but it's from the heart. (hangs head in shame)

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Jimbob McGinty on Fri Feb 16 13:44:07 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

"Ventilation costs a fortune to install"

So how do poor people breathe?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Andrew Taylor, Leeds, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 13:33:25 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Everybody — every single person — who has used any of the words "fascist", "Nazi" or Hitler" in this debate is an idiot, and I think their posts should probably be removed because they're not contributing to the discussion.

This debate is not about New Labour or anybody else removing anybody's rights; this is simply about enforcing legislation that has already been passed. The only question is whether this enforcement is necessary or if it is a waste of money. (The amount of illegal parking and littering that goes on suggests that it might be necessary.)

If you want to debate the necessity of the smoking ban in the first place then fine, but this is not the time or the place to do so.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [Exeter_Jon] on Fri Feb 16 13:37:37 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Wow - have you seen how ratty the smokers are getting, just from being told they may be spied on.

Name calling and abuse of non-smokers (and women, bizarrely!).

As for Mark Field / MArtin R re: "Where are all the passionate non-smokers when there are real issues". I think you'll find we can all focus on more than one thing at a time and are generally also contributing to those debates.

It seems that the non-smokers tend to have the reasoned / rational responses to this debate, but (certain) smokers are highly emotional. In that case, maybe it would be better if those smokers were omitted from "real issue" debates.

Let's discuss the issue here and don't deteriorate to abuse!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Arthur Smedley, Carshalton Beeches,Surrey, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 13:39:20 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Being an athlete I need the carbs and it is very good for my colon.

You should try it it might calm you down a bit.

[CrashTestMonkey], London, United Kingdom

Good for your colon ? Tell me please , what is bad for your colon , save trying to talk out of it ?

So when you go for a curry at your local restaurant , you ask for brown rice do you ?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [donkeyjan], Cambs on Fri Feb 16 13:39:02 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

For God's sake, have these people nothing better to do, surely taxpayers' money can be spent on something worthwhile just for once.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Philby bradlaugh, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 13:55:15 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

"Passive smoking kills 11000 a year

Philby bradlaugh"

I love it when people invent bogus statistics to support their arguments.

[Slightlyreactionary], London, United Kingdom

To be fair to Phil / Jack No, he doesn't know any real facts, so he has to invent them.

Anything that's ever been quoted in a paper fills him with deep suspicion.

Also, as a good socialist, he's completely paranoid!

[tre-cool]

Stop it Harry your personal attacks are really devasting my ego. . The "invented" figure comes from a BMJ study. Look it up. My suspicion of the press comes from personal experience of their tendency to make up stories and dyou know? with a little RESEARCH you can catch on

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Theresa Greene, Reading, Berks. on Fri Feb 16 14:43:37 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

I'm dripping too.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Kenny Chance, Crawley, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 14:40:08 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Remember all male smokers : your hydraulics will work better when you quit !

Arthur Smedley

Certainly nothing wrong with my hydraulics Arthur old chap. In fact I think I have been spiked with Viagra! Down boy!!!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Selena Johnstone, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 14:45:11 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

So Peter Dobson believes shooting smokers is the answer. Is this guy for real? So you think shooting (I'm assuming to kill?) a person for lighting up a cigarette is the answer? How amazing that you would think like this after two world wars and no end of violence since. And you are small minded enough to actually put in writing that someone smoking a cigarette is one of the causes of crime - I assume you are referring to crimes such as murder, robbery, assault etc? These crimes are on a slightly different level to inhaling the smoke of tobacco even when the ban comes in. That would be like shooting someone by turning flipancy into a crime.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Milly Baden-Stephens, Brighton, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 14:19:34 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

Added: Friday, 16 February, 2007, 14:14 GMT 14:14 UK

"What a waste of time & money. Why don't they go catch some proper criminals like muggers, robbers, rapists, murderers, peodophiles, hard drug dealers, people smugglers etc. Why don't they pay for more police,nurses, teacher,prisons etc!!!?? This country is now a toilet !"
Milly Baden-Stephens, Brighton, United Kingdom

As you are in the country, does that mean that you are a peice of poo?

Phosgene Gasse

Do you have anything constructive to say? Flush off!! ;-)

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Steve Drew on Fri Feb 16 14:29:15 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Do smokers not drive or fly then?? I dont get it.

Red Skinhead, the world

Personally, I don't, but I'm sure a lot do... the thing is it's not the smokers here whinging about clean air, and I'd like to see the facts on cigarette smoke's effect on the atmosphere.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Red Skinhead, the world on Fri Feb 16 14:27:45 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Do you spare a thought, Jim for others? When you're driving? when you fly on a plane? What about sparing a thought for the environment? Do you do that?

This ban is not fair. Add to that spying, and it's down-right wrong. This should come down to choice. bars which allow smoking and those which don't would be the perfect solution for all.

Why do non-smokers have to be as santimonious as yourself? Grow up.

[politico-junkie-SE1]

S'funny when the debates about environment all you wallies are up in arms about taxes and that. Now you is using petrol as an excuse for smokin! Do smokers not drive or fly then?? I dont get it.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Phosgene Gasse on Fri Feb 16 14:31:27 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

"Which bit of that is untrue or inappropriate in the current context?"
[Harry-Flashman]

More smokesreening, Harry. It doesn't detract from the point you are trying to answer - and nor does it answer it. We know your tricks...

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [Harry-Flashman] on Fri Feb 16 14:19:33 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

Ah Harry/Tre-Cool, you caught me again, very well observe and enforce. the fact is it is the use of the word SPY that I object to,.
Philby bradlaugh,

That’s understandable. Lefties are frequently scared of words, which is why they always harp on about banning them.

Mature people are not scared of words, they are scared of bans.

A quick definition for you.
SPY - ‘A person secretly collecting and reporting on information.’ ‘ Keeping a secret watch on others.’

Which bit of that is untrue or inappropriate in the current context?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [politico-junkie-SE1] on Fri Feb 16 14:19:32 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

"You want to smoke...fine. Go ahead but just please spare a thought for those that don't want to stink like a used ash tray, or who want red eyes or to die of cancer...
You are forcing your smoke on us. Try to spare a thought for others.
Jim Netts, Farnham, UK"

Do you spare a thought, Jim for others? When you're driving? when you fly on a plane? What about sparing a thought for the environment? Do you do that?

This ban is not fair. Add to that spying, and it's down-right wrong. This should come down to choice. bars which allow smoking and those which don't would be the perfect solution for all.

Why do non-smokers have to be as santimonious as yourself? Grow up.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Dan Brown on Fri Feb 16 14:18:59 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

"The science is clear - other people's smoke is really bad for your health, especially in enclosed environments."

So if I decide I want to take that risk, and so does everyone else who is in the room (in a private club), what exactly is the problem? And do you not see the hypocrisy in the Houses of Parliament being exempt? "It's good enough for the proles, but not for us MPs who can appreciate smoking without being told what to do or where to do it."

Or is it just your little Hitler complex?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Red Skinhead, the world on Fri Feb 16 15:11:18 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

I dont like the ban, and I definately dont like nazis but you is all getting a bit wound up over nothin. when the ban starts go outside smoke yer fag then come back in an swill yer pint. Thats what Ill do. then ill go and moonstomp on real nazis bnp members AND I DO MEAN MEMBERS

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Philby bradlaugh, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 15:22:59 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Harry "tre-cool" flashman.
Quibbling over a single word or the spelling of a word shows a tiny tiny mind. My objection to the hype over this issue is that it is totally over the top, we already have snooping of this kind in licence enforcement, health inspections and social security, its nothing new, and in this instance will be temporary while the legislation beds in. The real Nazis are the BNP and their ilk, challenge them instead of tediously pretending we live in a fascist state. I dont like Blair either, and if Brown doesnt change some of the policies I wont be voting labour next time, but you and your rightwhinge buddies simply sound insane. This is a decent, prosperous country.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Phosgene Gasse on Fri Feb 16 14:14:24 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

"What a waste of time & money. Why don't they go catch some proper criminals like muggers, robbers, rapists, murderers, peodophiles, hard drug dealers, people smugglers etc. Why don't they pay for more police,nurses, teacher,prisons etc!!!?? This country is now a toilet !"
Milly Baden-Stephens, Brighton, United Kingdom

As you are in the country, does that mean that you are a peice of poo?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [TJLObserver], England on Fri Feb 16 15:31:42 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

....The real Nazis are the BNP and their ilk, challenge them instead of tediously pretending we live in a fascist state......... I wont be voting labour next time, but you and your rightwhinge buddies simply sound insane. This is a decent, prosperous country.

Philby bradlaugh, United Kingdom

The BNP are gaining votes because so many English people feel betrayed and alienated in their own country by the deliberate policies of this odious, quasi dictatorial regime. This was a decent country but it has been weakened by authoritarian, illiberal policies combined with the corrosive effect of the PC brigade. Still, we live in hope that recovery is possible.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [tre-cool] on Fri Feb 16 15:29:51 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

Phil “Jack No” Brad (having a)laugh

Wanna swap brain pans? I have an IQ of 155 and a Masters.

You are right, we already have snooping in the UK, and the range and type is increasing every day under this detestable government. I can’t wait for your change of heart when Prescot’s officials force their way into your house to inspect your view and take photos. You may become an instant right-winger at that point.

Yes, the BNP are Nazis. Nazis arise in opposition to unpopular mainstream politics. Labour are giving them plenty to oppose.

I never voted Labour, I saw through them at the start, unlike some.

We don’t live in a fascist state yet, but we are getting closer every day.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Theresa Greene, Reading, Berks. on Fri Feb 16 15:27:01 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

This is a decent, prosperous country.
Philby bradlaugh, United Kingdom

Ah, that'll change when Tre-Cool and Harry vote in smoking Affable Dave Cameron.

I want to know if Affable Dave used to take Lambeth sulphate. Go on Dave, hug a hoodie and let us know or we'll think you're a 14-pint-a-night lightweight.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by David Bridgen, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 15:23:16 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

God all-bloody mighty, what next.

I can think of dozens of much more serious ills in society which need attention.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [rustle], Paris, France on Fri Feb 16 15:48:07 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

I am an ex-smoker who has saved a fortune since giving up. Kevin Milne,Portugal

These are the worst hypocrites of course, the ex-smokers, bigots to a man/woman!
Save a fortune, push off to Portugal and still have the gall to tell people in the UK how they should live. Bravo Kevin, what a fine upstanding example you are to us all! The next step will be "hit squads" of bigots only thinking about the common good. Go to Spain it seem some of them still miss Franco!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Logical Lady, East Sussex on Fri Feb 16 15:54:12 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

"You're disgusting and you're a burden on the UK health systm. Make life as uncomfortable as possible for yellow-teethed smokers I say!!!!" Kevin Milne

And I say I imagine you don't make many friends with such a disgusting attitude like THAT!!!

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [politico-junkie-SE1] on Fri Feb 16 16:06:21 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

[sh4ronp], i really cant see the point. They chose to smoke, why should i pay taxes to the government who will spend it on prelonging a smokers already doomed life to coughing, smiling at me with yellow teeth and then making my journeys uncomfortable by stinking out the transport (whether Airplane, Bus, Taxi) because its stuck in their clothes???

OLi Barker

Who the hell do you think you are?

Sanctimonious do-gooders who can't contribute anything to debate but simply moan and whine.

Say something constructive or clear off.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Martin R, London on Fri Feb 16 16:05:43 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

"There is NO PROOF that second hand smoke is harmful.
Speaking of red-herring arguments, you’ve served up a plateful.
The majority of the German population supported the Nazis. Did that make them right?"
[Harry-Flashman]

There is no proof that climate change is correct, so Harry denies it using his a few facts taken out of context and reasoning that discredits his ability to think. Harry, if you'll recall, Wittgenstein received no proof there wasn't a hippo under the table and we still have no PROOF you even exist.

I don't think you're real. And you cannot prove you are.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [neworldorder], Withernsea, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 16:05:21 UTC 2007. 3 recommendations.

I dont like Blair either, and if Brown doesnt change some of the policies I wont be voting labour next time, but you and your rightwhinge buddies simply sound insane. This is a decent, prosperous country.

Philby bradlaugh, United Kingdom

A decent and prosperous country for the few, a gutter sink for the rest of us. Have you tried living in a tower block flat in Peckham. If you did you might see the other side of what the politicians and do gooders have turned this country into. Yes BNP will be getting my vote, not because I agree with all their policies, but because they are the only real alternative to what we are becoming.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Jimbob McGinty on Fri Feb 16 15:59:24 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

Al-Bryant and Peter_Sym, you clearly have more time for antisocial zealous pettifogging than I do. I am merely human. You are clearly saints. I am not worthy.
Trying, and completely failing, to understand and conform to today's increasingly authoritarian meddling society has nearly destroyed me. I am a child of a lesser God. The worm will turn.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by chris heatley on Fri Feb 16 16:11:19 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

The majority of the German population supported the Nazis. Did that make them right?"
[Harry-Flashman]

The majority were dominated by the few, same as anywhere else but it could never happen here of course.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by First Rate on Fri Feb 16 16:17:13 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

"The problem is when their lifestyle choices impact on the health of others around them. My health should not be put at risk by others."

Al Bryant

I bet you still CHOOSE to drive a car and pollute pedestrians and cyclists wit hyour toxic car fumes.

Your no better than someone who smokes, get off your soap box!...


Idiot

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [always_pulled_off] on Fri Feb 16 16:24:52 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

I loathe your priggery and insistence that you are being rational: you are far from rational, Al Bryant.
Tarek Hughes,

Does it make stuff look more intelligent if you put it in bold? Or does it disguise the intellectual paucity of your contributions.

Priggery! Excellent word choice. It implies that at some point you’ve read a book.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Vitruvian Man, ArmsandLegs on Fri Feb 16 16:21:22 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

"AL BRYANT can be rearranged to form

BANAL TRY
LA RANT BY

too funny.

Phosgene Gasse "


or indeed ANAL BRYT

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by David Morgan, Maldon on Fri Feb 16 16:19:49 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

Ahhh, priggery, now there's a word you don't hear every day anymore.

Take a bow Tarek.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Phosgene Gasse on Fri Feb 16 16:19:00 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

AL BRYANT can be rearranged to form

BANAL TRY
LA RANT BY

too funny.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by JB Hayes, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 16:26:57 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

But do a search on the web and you find find hundreds of proper academic articles on the harm from smoke.

Al dear, these are just articles....no scientific proof now go away.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by James Derbyshire, Southend, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 16:35:20 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

"Anyway, you can disagree with the law as much as you like, but it is coming in. You militant smokers better start thinking about smoking outside."
Al Bryant

Man, I would give up smoking if I didn't think I'd become one of those damn non-smokers...

Let me ask you Al, are you in full support therefore of the murderous government we presently have in power?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Tarek Hughes, Washington, DC, United States on Fri Feb 16 16:33:33 UTC 2007. 2 recommendations.

"I loathe your priggery and insistence that you are being rational: you are far from rational, Al Bryant.
Tarek Hughes,

Does it make stuff look more intelligent if you put it in bold? Or does it disguise the intellectual paucity of your contributions.

Priggery! Excellent word choice. It implies that at some point you’ve read a book."

[always_pulled_off]

I bet that's an insult you rarely get! Why does your user name refer to a sexual activity? Are you trying to tell me something about yourself?

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by [michellegrand], Alton, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 16:31:27 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Yes. It is called playing the man, not the ball, in a Stuart Pearce style, sliding heel-cruncher of a tackle. It’s great fun. . The EPA in the US tried to blindside the courts and came a cropper on that exact point. There is NO PROOF that second hand smoke is harmful.
Speaking of red-herring arguments, you’ve served up a plateful.
The majority of the German population supported the Nazis. Did that make them right?

[Harry-Flashman]

Harry, the Nazi's got 33.6% in the last fair election in 1932 - even in 1933 it was still only 44.5%. And the Daily mail was supporting the Nazi's, though it doesn't make a big thing about it nowadays.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by John Smith on Fri Feb 16 16:39:01 UTC 2007. 1 recommendations.

"Oh, and I don't own a car - I use public transport. Even if I did drive a car, I wouldn't be pumping toxic fumes into indoor spaces. That's what smokers are doing."
Al Bryant

Might I kindly suggest you try it? Your garage might be a good place to start.

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Terry Killeavy, Gotham, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 16:49:11 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Spying on smokers would be a boring and tedious job

Bob Jim - will do it free, because he has no life and is very very boring anyway

Cheer up Bob Jim - it;s Fyday

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by fran banks, essex, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 16:45:47 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Should we spy on smokers ?? yes but only if they are female and naked and we can see the evidence

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by Red Skinhead, the world on Fri Feb 16 16:56:12 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

I lost two uncles in the war and my father was sunk twice but survived. If they saw the way this country is run now I am sure they would wish they had not bothered.

[neworldorder], Withernsea, United Kingdom

And you gonna vote Bnp?????? THEM UNCLES MUST BE TURNING IN THEIR GRAVES AND SAYING TRAITOR TRAITOR

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Should we spy on smokers?

Written by fran banks, essex, United Kingdom on Fri Feb 16 17:11:28 UTC 2007. 0 recommendations.

Dear bbc host, i notice you removed my last post on here regarding being naked while smoking,i thought it was light hearted i was not slinging mud or being insulting, whats happened to the bbc sence of humour ??

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