Spring Break
A Soldier in the War on Smoking
Editorial Observer: Logan Quinn
Issue date: 10/29/09
Hopkins Kicks Butts has been doing a lot of kicking lately. Kicking and screaming that is. They have been clamoring to the administration trying to get ashtrays moved farther away from buildings. They have been complaining that students smoking in front of classrooms is detrimental to their health. And they have succeeded in getting the University's ear on this obviously all-important issue - students smoking 40 feet away from buildings will definitely be less of a health risk than students smoking five feet away. But their aims do not stop there. No, the members of HKB are currently seeking an all-out ban on smoking on Homewood campus. First the campus, then the world!
If you think this sounds like communism you're not alone. Though HKB claims they got 800 signatures without breaking a sweat, anyone who has signed a petition for student government elections will remember how little we students take notice of what we are signing - especially if there is a free sticker involved. Most students I've talked to about this proposal have been staunchly against it, smokers and non-smokers alike.
Do I think HKB is a terrorist organization? No. On the contrary, I support the majority of their actions. In fact, I believe much of what the do is laudable. Their focus on helping people quit and doing community outreach programs that try to keep kids from smoking is commendable. And I agree that students shouldn't smoke directly outside of campus buildings and they should be compassionate towards their non-smoking peers. But this is going too far. Students shouldn't be allowed to smoke indoors. But outside? Come on. Why not just send all the smokers to Gulags?
The ashtrays have become the de facto battle line for this issue. HKB has sought University help in moving these bins away from buildings. Smokers brave the elements to retrieve them and return them to their rightful, dry place. The war wages on. And to the people in the trenches, I salute you. You fight a noble battle, and one day you will be able to tell your grandchildren of your heroic deeds.
If you think this sounds like communism you're not alone. Though HKB claims they got 800 signatures without breaking a sweat, anyone who has signed a petition for student government elections will remember how little we students take notice of what we are signing - especially if there is a free sticker involved. Most students I've talked to about this proposal have been staunchly against it, smokers and non-smokers alike.
Do I think HKB is a terrorist organization? No. On the contrary, I support the majority of their actions. In fact, I believe much of what the do is laudable. Their focus on helping people quit and doing community outreach programs that try to keep kids from smoking is commendable. And I agree that students shouldn't smoke directly outside of campus buildings and they should be compassionate towards their non-smoking peers. But this is going too far. Students shouldn't be allowed to smoke indoors. But outside? Come on. Why not just send all the smokers to Gulags?
The ashtrays have become the de facto battle line for this issue. HKB has sought University help in moving these bins away from buildings. Smokers brave the elements to retrieve them and return them to their rightful, dry place. The war wages on. And to the people in the trenches, I salute you. You fight a noble battle, and one day you will be able to tell your grandchildren of your heroic deeds.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Ken Landale
posted 10/31/09 @ 8:55 AM EST
What's the big deal about telling smokers they can't poison non-smokers outside? Why is sucking on burning poisonous leaves so important that it has to be some "protected" activity. (Continued…)
Marge
posted 11/02/09 @ 10:15 AM EST
I do not usually post, on this occasion I really want to thank you Logan for realising it is not just standing up for the rights of one section of society but for all. (Continued…)
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