ARTICLES - HOT OFF THE FAGGOT

Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes

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According to Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) They are violating our national origin (American Indians), and religion! Tobacco smoke is a part of our religious observance.
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives:
I am a resident of Broad Park Manor and feel my rights are being violated by not being able to smoke cigarettes in my own apartment. I am part American Indian, and tobacco smoke is part of our religious practices and belief system which would also be violating my religious freedoms which is unconstitutional.
At this point in my life I am not interested in quitting and wish the Government and its funded agencies would stay out of my personal life.
When I first moved here before signing the lease, I specifically asked if smoking was permitted in my apartment, and they said yes. now it is around 4-5 years later and we are being told we can no longer smoke in our apartments as of Oct. 1st 2012.
Just because us residents are elderly, disabled and low income, we are being persecuted by not being permitted to smoke in our own home. We pay rent here based on what we earn and can afford. This is public housing and not owned by private owners. It is paid for by yours and my tax dollars, not a private owner who would have more say in this issue. Most of the people here are elderly and worked all their life and paid taxes, leave them alone to do as they please in their own home, and stop harassing them and me!
Religious views on smoking
Religious views on smoking vary widely. Indigenous peoples of the Americas have traditionally used tobacco for religious purposes, while Abrahamic and other religions have only been introduced to the practice in recent times due to the European colonization of the Americas in the 16th century.
Communal smoking of a sacred tobacco pipe is a common ritual of many Native American tribes, and was considered a sacred part of their religion. Sema, the Anishinaabe word for tobacco, was grown for ceremonial use and considered the ultimate sacred plant since its smoke was believed to carry prayers to the heavens. Smoking was chiefly done after the evening meal, in the sweathouse, and before going to sleep.[1] The tobacco used during these rituals varies widely in potency — the Nicotiana rustica species used in South America, for instance, has up to twice the nicotine content of the common North American N. tabacum. Many Native American tribes operate tobacco stores, including on the Internet, where they are usually exempt from taxes and therefore can sell products cheaper than non-Native American dealers.
At the meeting between the Housing Authority and its tenants it was stated that the use of incense and sented candles was still approved, and that you are not even allowed to own an ash tray even if it contains only candy.
There is also Biblical reference pertaining to the smoking of flax.
Matthew 12:17-20
King James Version (KJV)
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
Isaiah 42:1-4
King James Version (KJV)
42 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

Also below you will see that for a violation of their no smoking policy, smokers will be fined 250.00 on top of loosing our security deposit. The security deposit itself is to be for any damages done when we terminate the lease. So we smokers are going to be charged double in relation to none smokers!


Over half of the residents here at Broad Park Manor are smokers, and having to go out side to smoke will greatly increase the usage of the elevators and the likelyhood of them breaking down and needing repair or replacement. The average smoker smokes an average of 1 pack a day. This would increase elevator usage approx. 1000 times daily for each of the 3 buildings.

This will also increase the need for clean up of cigarette butts on the surrounding area around the buildings with no dispensers to place your butts.
The residents of York Housing Authority and Public Housing around the Country would  greatly appreciate your help in this matter! 
Who will help you when they come for you and your rights?

Please read the following articles concerning this matter:
http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.com/2012/06/residents-protest-proposed-smoking-ban.html
Blaine Bosserman

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

you know the gubmint knows what's best for you...unbelievable, but is it..good on you for addressing this 'agency"

Gomez said...

Blaine, can you please contact me, I'm working to organize the residents who want to dispute the smoking ban

http://scr.im/yorklp