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
Please read the following articles concerning this matter:
http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.com/2012/06/residents-protest-proposed-smoking-ban.html
http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_20839232/officials-considering-smoking-ban-at-york-housing-authority?source=most_viewed
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/news/ci_20841373/york-housing-authority-announces-smoking-ban
Blaine Bosserman
2 comments:
you know the gubmint knows what's best for you...unbelievable, but is it..good on you for addressing this 'agency"
Blaine, can you please contact me, I'm working to organize the residents who want to dispute the smoking ban
http://scr.im/yorklp
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