A feature on The Washington Post described smokers in the Big Apple as an “endangered breed,” in very much the same way as some of the earth’s vanishing species are being described. One of the things that may lead to their demise, like those other endangered species in the wild, is loss of habitat, as New York City implements a ban on smoking that will include parks, beaches, and plazas in the summer. This means that smokers will no longer be welcome in the iconic Central Park and Times Square.
From a health standpoint, their endangerment may not be such a bad thing; after all, it will certainly be beneficial to the smoker, as well as the people around him or her, if he or she is able to kick the habit. Some New Yorkers, however, say that the city has gone overboard in its apparent quest to eradicate smoking in the city.
Monica Rodriguez, a smoker in New York, shared her two cents regarding the issue: “I think they’re getting too personal… I don’t think it’s OK. They’re taking away everyone’s privileges.” Whoopi Goldberg, one of the hosts of ABC’s “The View,” pointed out that inhaling the fumes from the exhaust of the city’s taxis and buses is not healthy either: “There should be a designated place, and I’m tired of being treated like some damn criminal… If they’re really worried about the smell in the air, give us electric buses, give us electric cars, and then I’ll understand.”
Thomas A. Farley, New York City health commissioner, shared that the city’s smoking ban seeks to protect those who are most vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke, such as asthma sufferers and children.
Tags: new york smoking, new york smoking ban, new york smoking policy, smoking ban, smoking policy
