Belmont to be first U.S. city to ban all smokingAs an expatriate of California who once lived in Belmont and no longer smokes I feel sadness at this. The first words to enter my mind when I saw it were, “What the Fuck do they think they’re doing?”
Belmont is set to make history by becoming the first city in the nation to ban smoking on its streets and almost everywhere else.The Belmont City Council voted unanimously last night to pursue a strict law that will prohibit smoking anywhere in the city except for single-family detached residences. Smoking on the street, in a park and even in one’s car will become illegal and police would have the option of handing out tickets if they catch someone.
I’m kind of surprised that this is still a hot-button for me. It’s a hot enough button that I’m finding I can’t form an intelligent explanation of it. I mean, what about? But? Sputter, squelch...
As I said, I no longer live there or smoke, but I feel like I’m being attacked.
Yeah, greater good, secondhand smoke, litter, fires.
But, anal-retentive soccer moms in SUVs on well paved roads and self-righteous intervening bullies.
There ought to be a law against enacting laws like this.
