![Defense firm develops high-tech robotic boat for the Navy [video]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sNCawckpgI9rxethLGIA1XVV5dXvHsR7rkM7A0P8tib7RI-muzzC4XT73krfolhNCe4KEOizoBrO8NocrlBWI-BylG0PaIzQRHG8o5lhuai2l5UmZZ4ClW5EjvL8KkIJ0L2oOv77fT0XXtMtcvGjqokDYCVBi528U=s0-d)
Seeking to reduce civilian casualties and collateral damage, the Pentagon
will soon deploy a new generation of drones the size of model planes,
packing tiny explosive warheads that can be delivered with pinpoint
accuracy.
Errant drone strikes have been blamed for killing and injuring scores of civilians throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan,
giving the U.S. government a black eye as it targets elusive terrorist
groups. The Predator and Reaper drones deployed in these regions
typically carry 100-pound laser-guided Hellfire missiles or 500-pound
GPS-guided smart bombs that can reduce buildings to smoldering rubble.
The new Switchblade drone, by
comparison, weighs less than 6 pounds and can take out a sniper on a
rooftop without blasting the building to bits. It also enables soldiers
in the field to identify and destroy targets much more quickly by
eliminating the need to call in a strike from large drones that may be
hundreds of miles away.
"This is a precision strike weapon that causes as minimal collateral damage as possible," said William I. Nichols, who led the Army's testing effort of the Switchblades at Redstone Arsenal near Huntsville, Ala.
The 2-foot-long Switchblade is so named because its wings fold into the
fuselage for transport and spring out after launch. It is designed to
fit into a soldier's rucksack and is fired from a mortar-like tube. Once
airborne, it begins sending back live video and GPS coordinates to a
hand-held control set clutched by the soldier who launched it.
When soldiers identify and lock on a target, they send a command for
the drone to nose-dive into it and detonate on impact. Because of the
way it operates, the Switchblade has been dubbed the "kamikaze drone."
The Obama administration, notably the CIA,
has long been lambasted by critics for its use of combat drones and
carelessly killing civilians in targeted strikes in Pakistan,
Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and Somalia. In 2010, a United Nations official said the CIA in Pakistan had made the United States "the most prolific user of targeted killings" in the world.
In recent weeks, White House spokesman Jay Carney
was asked about the issue at a recent news briefing, and he said the
Obama administration is committed to reducing civilian casualties.
Although Carney did not mention the Switchblade specifically, he said
"we have at our disposal tools that make avoidance of civilian
casualties much easier, and tools that make precision targeting possible
in ways that have never existed in the past."
The Switchblade drone appears to be an improvement as an alternative to
traditional drone strikes, in terms of minimizing civilian harm, but it
also raises new concerns, said Naureen Shah, associate director of the
Counterterrorism and Human Rights Project at Columbia Law School.
She pointed out that when a drone strike is being considered there are
teams of lawyers, analysts and military personnel looking at the data to
determine whether lethal force is necessary. But the Switchblade could
shorten that "kill chain."
"It delegates full responsibility to a lower-level soldier on the
ground," she said. "That delegation is worrisome. It's a situation that
could end up in more mistakes being made."
Arms-control advocates also have concerns. As these small robotic
weapons proliferate, they worry about what could happen if the drones
end up in the hands of terrorists or other hostile forces.
The Switchblade "is symptomatic of a larger problem thatU.S.
militaryand aerospace companies are generating, which is producing
various more exotic designs," said Daryl Kimball, executive director of
the Arms Control Assn. "This technology is not always going to be in the
sole possession of the U.S. and its allies. We need to think about the
rules of the road for when and how these should be used so we can
mitigate against unintended consequences."
The Switchblade is assembled in Simi Valley by AeroVironment Inc., the
Pentagon's top supplier of small drones, which include the Raven, Wasp
and Puma. More than 50 Switchblades will be sent to the war zone in
Afghanistan this summer under a $10.1-million contract, which also
includes the cost of repairs, spare parts, training and other expenses.
Officials would not provide details about where the weapons would be
used, how many were ordered and precisely when they would be deployed.
AeroVironment, based in Monrovia, developed the weapon on its own,
thinking the military could use a lethal drone that could be made
cheaply and deployed quickly by soldiers in the field, said company
spokesman Steven Gitlin.
"It's not inexpensive to task an Apache helicopter or F-16 fighter jet
from a base to take out an [improvised explosive device] team when you
consider fuel, people, logistics support, etc.," he said.
About a dozen Switchblades were tested last year by special operations
units in Afghanistan, according to Army officials, who said the drone
proved effective.
The Army is considering buying $100 million worth of the drones in a
few years under a program called the Lethal Miniature Aerial Munition
System, Nichols said. The Air Force and the Marine Corps have also
expressed interest in the technology.
AeroVironment is not the only company pursuing small, lethal drones. Textron
Defense Systems is also working on a small kamikaze-style drone. Named
the BattleHawk Squad-Level Loitering Munition, the drone is being tested
at an Army facility in New Mexico.
Peter W. Singer, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of
"Wired for War," a book about robotic warfare, said the Switchblade's
entry into the war zone is typical of today's weapons procurement path.
Defense contractors, he said, are on their own developing smaller and
cheaper but powerful high-tech weapons vital to waging guerrilla-type
warfare in the 21st century, and they are finding success.
"This weapon system is the first of its kind," he said. "If it works, there's little doubt others will follow."
william.hennigan@latimes.com
Breaking News from Western Journalism
Jun 13, 2012 02:41 pm | Doug Book
Liar,
killer, and convicted 1978 “Speedway Bomber” Brett Kimberlin is engaged
in a part-time career of using police to harass, intimidate, and even
facilitate the death of conservative bloggers across the nation. In what
has come to be called “SWAT-ing,”… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 02:33 pm | MJ Nellett
Could
you imagine the conversation that God would have with Barack Obama if
He came down to visit with him for a little while? As this cloud decends
into the Oval Office, Obama jumps up from his desk and runs… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 02:27 pm | Kris Zane
Jun 13, 2012 02:26 pm | Cagle Cartoons
Jun 13, 2012 02:20 pm | Kevin "Coach" Collins
The
lies are finally thinning the Democrat Donkey heard.
Because being a Democrat requires a certain combination of gullibility
and a penchant for wishful thinking, lying is a stock in trade of being a
Democrat politician. Nevertheless, the fact that… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 02:11 pm | Daniel Noe
Jun 13, 2012 02:10 pm | Matt Barber
It’s
been a pitiful sight – a sad week for progressives and “Big Union”
Democrat-shilling thugs. In the wake of Tuesday night’s devastating
recall smackdown in Wisconsin, tens of thousands of “Occupy” hippies
across the nation have simply been too… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 02:05 pm | Daniel Noe
Jun 13, 2012 01:55 pm | Joe Gandelman
The
instinct to be politically correct was on display again. This time a
comedian’s insulting joke led to audible gasps in a Hollywood elite
audience and then, finally, to laughs.
What was this shocking incident about? It was — if… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 01:47 pm | Daniel Noe
Jun 13, 2012 01:34 pm | Breaking News
BALTIMORE
(AP) — Fighting for re-election, President Barack Obama is playing down
his historic health care overhaul and the multibillion-dollar
recession-fighting stimulus — two landmark efforts of his first three
years in office. Those signature policies are unpopular, and voters… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 01:26 pm | Breaking News
Whatever
else he said in his news conference on the economy last week, President
Obama did acknowledge that the government must take care to avoid any
policy that “further crimps the desire of companies to hire more
people.” If the… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 01:13 pm | Breaking News
There
was a time when President Obama could have run for president of the
world. He had sky high approval ratings just about everywhere but in
Muslim countries.
But three years of incompetence in foreign affairs has sapped his
approval… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 01:11 pm | Breaking News
During
the summer of 2009, conservative activists turned up the heat on
Democratic politicians to protest the innovation-destroying,
liberty-usurping Obamacare mandate. In the summer of 2012, it’s squishy
Republican politicians who deserve the grassroots flames.
In case you hadn’t heard,… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 01:01 pm | Breaking News
The
2008 donors who haven’t returned to President Obama are
disproportionately centrists and very liberal Democrats, while regular
Democrats have stuck by the president, according to a new analysis of
campaign finance data.
The analysis, by Stanford political scientist Adam… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 12:51 pm | Breaking News
Sen.
Dan Coats (R-Ind.) on Tuesday said members of the House and Senate
Intelligence Committees are working closely to develop legislation aimed
at reducing the incidence of security leaks, and said he has several
questions about the contacts Obama administration… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 12:18 pm | Breaking News
On
May 29, Times-Picayune reporter Danny Monteverde was covering the
murder of Briana Allen, the 5-year-old who was shot to death at a
child’s birthday party at Simon Bolivar Avenue and Thalia Street.
Monteverde was tackling the delicate task of… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 11:27 am | Breaking News
SAN
JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The man who has called himself the
“mastermind” of the Sept. 11 attacks wants to wear military-style
clothing at his upcoming war crimes trial in Guantanamo.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has asked to wear a… Continue to Post
Jun 13, 2012 11:26 am | Cagle Cartoons
First Soda, Now Milk: NYC Wants To Extend Ban to Popcorn, Milk Drinks
By Andra Varin
First it was large, sugary soft drinks. Now, the New York City diet police want to take away moviegoers’ jumbo tubs of popcorn as well.
The city’s Board of Health plans to hold a public hearing on July 24 on Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to ban sales of 16-ounce soft drinks in restaurants, movie theaters, and sports arenas. Bloomberg says getting rid of the supersized, high-calorie beverages will help stem the obesity epidemic.
At a meeting Tuesday night, Board of Health members — who are all appointed by the mayor — expressed support for Bloomberg’s plan, and suggested broadening it to include other fattening snacks.
One member, Dr. Bruce Vladeck, said it would be a good idea to limit the sizes of buttery popcorn sold in movie theaters.
“Popcorn isn’t a whole lot better from the nutritional point of view than soda is, and may have even more calories,” Vladeck said.
Milk-based drinks are also coming under scrutiny.
“There are certainly milkshakes and milk-coffee beverages that have monstrous amounts of calories,” said board member Dr. Joel Forman. “I’m not so sure what the rationale is not to include those.”
Assistant Health Commissioner Susan Kansagra praised the proposal to limit soft drinks sizes. She said the obesity leads to 5,800 deaths a year in the city and costs taxpayers $4 billion a year.
The New York City Restaurant Association has vowed to take legal action if the proposal is passed. The beverage industry has complained that it is being unfairly singled out.
Health board member Dr. Sixto Caro said the proposal restrictions could have a negative economic effect on small businesses and also hurt low-income New Yorkers.
“We are targeting the low-income small business rather than the big company,” Caro told the New York Daily News.
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found that New York City voters oppose the soda size limits, 51 percent to 46 percent.
The Board of Health plans to vote on the proposed ban sometime in September. If it is approved, it would go into effect in September 2013.
In 2006, New York became the first major U.S. city to ban cooking with trans-fats. Now, several cities have adopted similar bans.
Since 2008, New York also has required chain restaurants to post calorie counts with their menu items.
And late last year, San Francisco banned fast-food restaurants from including free toys with McDonald’s Happy Meals and children’s meals. Proponents said the trinkets lured children into nagging their parents to let them eat food with lower-nutritional value.
Editor's Note: What Sugar Does to Your Body: New Video Shows Damage.
First it was large, sugary soft drinks. Now, the New York City diet police want to take away moviegoers’ jumbo tubs of popcorn as well.
The city’s Board of Health plans to hold a public hearing on July 24 on Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to ban sales of 16-ounce soft drinks in restaurants, movie theaters, and sports arenas. Bloomberg says getting rid of the supersized, high-calorie beverages will help stem the obesity epidemic.
At a meeting Tuesday night, Board of Health members — who are all appointed by the mayor — expressed support for Bloomberg’s plan, and suggested broadening it to include other fattening snacks.
One member, Dr. Bruce Vladeck, said it would be a good idea to limit the sizes of buttery popcorn sold in movie theaters.
“Popcorn isn’t a whole lot better from the nutritional point of view than soda is, and may have even more calories,” Vladeck said.
Milk-based drinks are also coming under scrutiny.
“There are certainly milkshakes and milk-coffee beverages that have monstrous amounts of calories,” said board member Dr. Joel Forman. “I’m not so sure what the rationale is not to include those.”
Assistant Health Commissioner Susan Kansagra praised the proposal to limit soft drinks sizes. She said the obesity leads to 5,800 deaths a year in the city and costs taxpayers $4 billion a year.
The New York City Restaurant Association has vowed to take legal action if the proposal is passed. The beverage industry has complained that it is being unfairly singled out.
Health board member Dr. Sixto Caro said the proposal restrictions could have a negative economic effect on small businesses and also hurt low-income New Yorkers.
“We are targeting the low-income small business rather than the big company,” Caro told the New York Daily News.
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found that New York City voters oppose the soda size limits, 51 percent to 46 percent.
The Board of Health plans to vote on the proposed ban sometime in September. If it is approved, it would go into effect in September 2013.
In 2006, New York became the first major U.S. city to ban cooking with trans-fats. Now, several cities have adopted similar bans.
Since 2008, New York also has required chain restaurants to post calorie counts with their menu items.
And late last year, San Francisco banned fast-food restaurants from including free toys with McDonald’s Happy Meals and children’s meals. Proponents said the trinkets lured children into nagging their parents to let them eat food with lower-nutritional value.
Editor's Note: What Sugar Does to Your Body: New Video Shows Damage.
Richest Person In The World Says Regular People Need To Work More: Retirement Age Should Be Bumped To 70
Carlos Slim, the world's richest man, thinks people should be working until they are 70.
Billionaire Carlos Slim said that boosting the retirement age to 70 would help to prop up the world’s struggling economies, according to Mexican press reports cited by Forbes. The Mexican telecom mogul argued that the current retirement age was put in place during a time when the typical employee worked a more physical job and people died at an earlier age.
“We live in the knowledge society, so knowledge and experience should be valued,” he said at the Geneva telecommunications conference, according to Forbes. “This is why a person’s work life could be increased.”
Slim’s suggested fix may already be underway in the United States. About 25 percent of middle class Americans think that they won’t be able to retire until they’re 80, according to a November Wells Fargo survey. In addition, Americans now expect to retire at age 67 on average, according to a recent Gallup poll. That’s up from age 60 in the 1990s and 63 from 10 years ago.
The 72-year-old Slim himself is still employed as the head of telecommunications conglomerate Telmex. His tenure hasn’t been without controversy, though. Protesters recently gathered in Washington D.C. to demonstrate against George Washington University’s decision to give Slim an honorary degree, arguing that his companies have choked off competition in Mexico and prevented smaller companies from creating jobs.
Still, Slim isn’t the only super-rich person to float the idea that ordinary workers should hold off on retiring. AIG CEO Robert Benmosche told Bloomberg TV earlier this month that the retirement age in European countries will have to move to 70 or 80 to take the pressure off their pension systems. Some have said that Europe’s generous pension systems and social services have been a major cause of the region’s debt crisis.
List of Senators who voted in favor of Andrew Hurwitz's nomination
Just want to give you a quick update and my heartfelt thanks.
With only two days notice to mount our opposition, I wrote an emergency email asking your help in opposing the nomination of Andrew Hurwitz as a judge to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Thanks to NPLA Members like you, we were able to flood the Senate switchboard in support of Senator Rand Paul's filibuster of the nomination.
The good news is we came within one vote of winning.
The bad news is we lost.
As you recall, Andrew Hurwitz is famous for his boast that as a law clerk in the early 1970's, he was the brains behind the logic that became the basis of the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 -- a decision that has resulted in the deaths of more than 56 million unborn babies.
Below is the list of Senators who voted in favor of Andrew Hurwitz's nomination -- all of whom need to be held accountable.
For Life,
Martin Fox, President
P.S. As you are able, I hope you will continue to chip in to support the work of the National Pro-Life Alliance in opposing radical pro-abortion judges, advancing pro-life legislation, and holding politicians accountable.
Senators Who Voted in Favor of Andrew Hurwitz
Dangerous Homosexual SuperPAC
The Homosexual Lobby is ready to launch their next major push to seize control of the Republican Party:
A "conservative" Super PAC to buy Republican legislators.
The Homosexual Lobby has been infiltrating the once-conservative party for years.
New sham groups like GOProud and Log Cabin Republicans have tried to convince Republican legislators that it is okay to be conservative and pro-radical homosexualism.
And they’re doing it with their swollen bank accounts.
It’s no secret that the Homosexual Lobby has access to more funding than the pro-Family Movement.
Vast amounts more.
And last summer, it was this unlimited funding that persuaded four NY state senators to betray the voters who elected them by voting for homosexual “marriage.”
And the man who played an instrumental role in New York is leading this newest push.
Paul Singer is a billionaire who claims to be conservative, but he is fighting with his vast fortunes to institute homosexual “marriage” across this nation.
As part of the fight in New York last summer, Singer was responsible for more than $11 million being spent to push homosexual “marriage” through.
He openly gave each of the four Republican traitors a quarter of a million dollars for their vote!
And now he wants to repeat this strategy in the more than 30 states which outlaw homosexual “marriage.”
Singer has created a new radical pro-homosexual Super PAC specifically to infiltrate the Republican Party.
His “American Unity PAC” has only one purpose: Find conservative politicians who are weak on moral issues -- or just desperate for money -- and buy their votes.
Singer provided $1 million out of his own pocket to start this up, but he won’t stop there.
He is guaranteeing politicians that if they support homosexual “marriage,” he will keep the money flowing. It won’t matter if their own constituents reject them, Singer and his Super PAC will make the traitors rich.
It is no coincidence that they announced the new radical Super PAC when they did.
Only weeks ago I had the pleasure of announcing that Public Advocate and its supporters were able to drive Sen. James Alesi from office.
Mr. Alesi was one of the four Republican traitors who received slush funds from Paul Singer.
But you and I still got to him.
And the pro-Homosexual “conservatives” realized that they would have to do even more to weather the pro-Family storm of fury.
So they are going to spend even more money than ever before to buy the Republican Party -- to add the Homosexual Agenda to the conservative platform.
My friend, this could be their most dangerous strategy.
You and I saw how they made it work in New York.
The only counter-strategy mainstream Americans have is dedicated grassroots lobbying.
Through phone calls, letters and public campaigns to expose them, you and I can fight back.
Public Advocate is the biggest threat to the Homosexual Agenda... you can be sure that this new Super PAC is going to target us in the near future.
For the Family,
Eugene Delgaudio
President, Public Advocate of the United States
P.S. Please prayerfully consider chipping in with a donation of $10 or more to help Public Advocate fight for traditional values.
Pentagon to soon deploy pint-sized but lethal Switchblade drones
The drones, which U.S. officials hope will help reduce civilian casualties in war zones, pack tiny explosive warheads that can destroy targets with pinpoint accuracy.
The Switchblade drone is
designed to fit into a soldier's rucksack. It weighs less than 6 pounds
and can take out a sniper on a rooftop, without blasting the building to
bits. The drone also enables soldiers in the field to identify and
destroy targets much more quickly by eliminating the need to call in a
strike from large drones that may be hundreds of miles away.
(AeroVironment / January 20, 2009)
|
Help EFF Find Out How Your Local Police Agency is Using Drones
Help EFF Find Out How Your Local Police Agency is Using Drones
Thanks to an EFF lawsuit, Americans now have access to a list of the public agencies that have received FAA approval to fly domestic drones. Yet barely any information is known about what law enforcement agencies plan to do with these unmanned flying vehicles. We want your help to gather this information into one place. Please call your local police department and ask them these simple questions.What What!: Appeals Court Affirms South Park Parody Was Obvious Fair Use
In an important ruling for free speech, an appeals court affirmed that a parody of a popular online video called "What What (In the Butt)" was a clear case of fair use. EFF filed an amicus brief in support of South Park parent company Viacom, explaining that being able to dismiss a case early in litigation--before legal costs can really add up--is crucial to protect free speech and discourage frivolous litigation.The Cybersecurity Act Threatens Online Rights - a Handout for Your Senator
Worried about the Lieberman-Collins Cybersecurity Act? You should be. As we've explained before, it poses serious threats to online rights. We've prepared a one-page handout you can use share with friends, hand to Senate staffers, publish online, and use as talking points when explaining the issue to someone for the first time. Download it here and please spread it around!EFF Updates
In light of the recent data breach at LinkedIn, in which 6.5 million unsalted SHA-1 hashes of account passwords were leaked publicly, we thought this would be a good opportunity to remind users about best practices for managing passwords online in order to stay safe. In particular, we want to emphasize that users should never re-use passwords across multiple accounts, and that using a password safe provides an easy way to manage lots of strong passwords across multiple online accounts.The patent system is broken. Inventors are shutting down their businesses, small developers are removing their products from the U.S. market to avoid bogus legal threats, and industry groups are warning members that obvious technological improvements might draw lawsuits. But it's not all bleak: we keep learning of more and more ways innovators can navigate the system and hack it to serve its original purpose.
During the Trans-Atlantic Consumer Dialogue this month, U.S. and European consumer organizations meeting with intellectual property (IP) and trade agencies further exposed some underlying flaws in state policy approaches regulating global IP enforcement. It is clear that IP/trade agencies' biased understanding of what constitutes a "stakeholder" and a "key interest" in agreements like the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) -- as well as their unfounded high valuation of what they call "IP-intensive" industries -- are some of the problems that plague the U.S. global IP enforcement agenda.
Internet shutdowns, content filtering, arrests of bloggers, and online surveillance in North Africa have been headline news for the past year and a half, while Internet issues in the rest of the African continent haven't received quite as much press coverage. But Internet censorship and content filtering are well-established in Ethiopia.
The US Public Policy Council of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) has come out against CISPA, the cybersecurity legislation recently passed by the US House. They are joining a diverse group of individuals and organizations opposing this bill, including a wide array of digital civil liberties organizations like EFF, computer scientists like Bruce Schneier and Tim Berners-Lee, and companies like the Mozilla Foundation.
An Access2Research petition supporting open access -- specifically free access over the Internet to academic articles arising from taxpayer-funded research -- crossed its target of 25,000 signatures two weeks ahead of schedule. The Obama administration has promised to respond to petitions that pass that threshold, so the issue of access to research should now be firmly on the White House agenda.
miniLinks
The Defensive Patent License (DPL) is a new legal mechanism to protect innovators by networking patents into powerful, mutually-beneficial legal shields.The so-called ITU "Internet takeover" attempt leaked to the Internet Governance Project in a "mysterious email."
Google will now notify you if they think your account is the target of a state-sponsored attack.
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Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes
Response From HUD Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes
Smoking would be banned in all units and within 25 feet of entrances and windows, officials said.
http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_20839232/officials-considering-smoking-ban-at-york-housing-authority?source=most_viewed
York, PA - When Blaine Bosserman was searching for an apartment, he stayed with his mother
Recent Comments From Facebook:
Smoking would be banned in all units and within 25 feet of entrances and windows, officials said.
http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_20839232/officials-considering-smoking-ban-at-york-housing-authority?source=most_viewed
York, PA - When Blaine Bosserman was searching for an apartment, he stayed with his mother
until he could find a building that allowed smoking.
And when he settled upon a high rise in the 400 block of East King
Street owned by York's housing authority, Bosserman, 45, made sure there
were no conditions in the lease that would prevent him from lighting up
inside.
But a proposed ban on smoking in the York Housing Authority's 1,068 units countywide could soon force Bosserman to extinguish his cigarettes.
Pending approval of the authority's board and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, officials plan to ban smoking in authority buildings and within 25 feet of entrances as of Oct.1.
HUD, the federal department that funds the housing authority's offerings, has been strongly recommending smoke-free policies for public housing nationwide, said Richard D. Fox, the authority's executive director. The recommendation is based on research from the American Lung Association, he said.
But for a lifelong smoker like Bosserman, the ban seems unenforceable, he said. People won't stop smoking just because it's banned from the property, Bosserman said. "I've been smoking since I was 15 years old," he said. "I'm going to seek legal action or move out...or I'll keep smoking in here until they force me out."
Many of the nearly 70 residents gathered at the White Rose Senior Center Tuesday for an information session greeted the proposal with equal hostility.
Authority officials - who have been meeting with residents to make sure that they understand the particulars of the policy - were met with boos and groans as the session began. Residents came prepared with a barrage of questions, quickly labeling the plan discrimination against the low income and elderly. Other residents took longer to process, calling out long into the meeting.
"Wait, you mean I won't be able to smoke next to the window?" one woman cried. Another asked if he would next need permission to make love to his wife.
Resident Robert Leas waved a copy of the Constitution. The Unites States was founded by the people and for the people, he said.
Shelley Peterson, director of housing management for the authority, fielded many of the questions. Peterson, who previously worked for the Franklin County housing authority, helped usher in a similar policy there.
"There are no constitutional protections for smokers," she said. "I challenge you to find it."
Residents will not be required to quit smoking, Peterson said, and they will have the option to delay the ban. Residents can sign temporary exemptions that will allow them to smoke in their apartments until their next lease renewal, although guests in those apartments will still be prohibited from smoking, she said.
"They've
got to be realistic," Annie Coleman, a resident and smoker said. "You
can't fight the government...For the type of rent that you pay, you're
blessed." (Daily Record/Sunday News -- Paul Kuehnel)
Resident Anne Coleman spoke out in favor of the policy. Coleman admitted that she is a smoker, but said ignoring the recommendation from HUD could jeopardize federal funding.
Parkway
resident Angel Murray, left, questioned how the ban could possibly be
enforced. Murray, who is a smoker, lives with her daughter Vanessa,
right, and infant granddaughter Kimari, but chooses not to smoke in the
house when the baby is around. (Daily Record/Sunday News -- Paul
Kuehnel)
Officials
assured residents that HUD has not threatened to cut funding, but said
the ban would likely become mandatory for all HUD-funded properties in
the future.
"They've got to be realistic," Coleman said. "You can't fight the
government...For the type of rent that you pay, you're blessed."
The ban will be effective in all of the housing authority's units, including its less connected, multiple family housing, such as the Parkway neighborhood. Even in buildings without shared hallways, the vents are connected, Fox said.
Parkway resident Angel Murray questioned how the ban could possibly be enforced. Murray, who is a smoker, lives with her daughter and infant granddaughter, but chooses not to smoke in the house when the baby is around.
"That's a personal decision," she said. "Not something someone said I have to do."
Authorities should have bigger concerns than cigarettes in Parkway, Murray said. Last week, Murray's neighbor was nearly struck by a stray bullet in broad daylight, she said.
"How are they going to execute that?" she asked. "They can't keep people from shooting each other."
Jackie
Green, a smoker, said that there are other priorities in her Parkway
neighborhood, like the bullet that went though her porch post last week
while she was standing on the porch. (Daily Record/Sunday News -- Paul
Kuehnel)
Official: Smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable disease. The new policy will encourage healthier lifestyles among residents, and assist other residents with breathing issues who are bothered by secondhand smoke. Additionally, units occupied by smokers cost five times more to clean for a new tenant.
Resident: How will this be enforced? Will you put censors in our homes?
Official: No sensors will be installed, but crews maintaining authority homes will be instructed to look for signs of smoking. Smell alone will not be enough to incur a violation, but the presence of ashtrays could be. Three violations will result in the resident being evicted.
Resident: Will you be paying to help us quit smoking?
Official: Social service employees of the authority have been preparing tips to help residents cope with the ban, whether they choose to quit or smoke elsewhere. They will also provide assistance with smoking cessation services.
Resident: What about Glaucoma and other medical conditions that require residents to smoke?
Official: Smoking marijuana is never permitted in public housing. Smokeless tobacco will still be permitted, but electronic cigarettes will also be banned.
· Tobacco usage, YorkCounts quality-of-life indicator: Rooted in York County's past
But a proposed ban on smoking in the York Housing Authority's 1,068 units countywide could soon force Bosserman to extinguish his cigarettes.
Pending approval of the authority's board and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, officials plan to ban smoking in authority buildings and within 25 feet of entrances as of Oct.1.
HUD, the federal department that funds the housing authority's offerings, has been strongly recommending smoke-free policies for public housing nationwide, said Richard D. Fox, the authority's executive director. The recommendation is based on research from the American Lung Association, he said.
But for a lifelong smoker like Bosserman, the ban seems unenforceable, he said. People won't stop smoking just because it's banned from the property, Bosserman said. "I've been smoking since I was 15 years old," he said. "I'm going to seek legal action or move out...or I'll keep smoking in here until they force me out."
Robert
Leas holds up a copy of the U.S. Constitution saying the smoking ban is
against his constitutional rights during the meeting Tuesday. (Daily
Record/Sunday News -- Paul Kuehnel)
Many of the nearly 70 residents gathered at the White Rose Senior Center Tuesday for an information session greeted the proposal with equal hostility.
Authority officials - who have been meeting with residents to make sure that they understand the particulars of the policy - were met with boos and groans as the session began. Residents came prepared with a barrage of questions, quickly labeling the plan discrimination against the low income and elderly. Other residents took longer to process, calling out long into the meeting.
"Wait, you mean I won't be able to smoke next to the window?" one woman cried. Another asked if he would next need permission to make love to his wife.
Resident Robert Leas waved a copy of the Constitution. The Unites States was founded by the people and for the people, he said.
Shelley Peterson, director of housing management for the authority, fielded many of the questions. Peterson, who previously worked for the Franklin County housing authority, helped usher in a similar policy there.
"There are no constitutional protections for smokers," she said. "I challenge you to find it."
Residents will not be required to quit smoking, Peterson said, and they will have the option to delay the ban. Residents can sign temporary exemptions that will allow them to smoke in their apartments until their next lease renewal, although guests in those apartments will still be prohibited from smoking, she said.
"They've
got to be realistic," Annie Coleman, a resident and smoker said. "You
can't fight the government...For the type of rent that you pay, you're
blessed." (Daily Record/Sunday News -- Paul Kuehnel)Resident Anne Coleman spoke out in favor of the policy. Coleman admitted that she is a smoker, but said ignoring the recommendation from HUD could jeopardize federal funding.
Parkway
resident Angel Murray, left, questioned how the ban could possibly be
enforced. Murray, who is a smoker, lives with her daughter Vanessa,
right, and infant granddaughter Kimari, but chooses not to smoke in the
house when the baby is around. (Daily Record/Sunday News -- Paul
Kuehnel)The ban will be effective in all of the housing authority's units, including its less connected, multiple family housing, such as the Parkway neighborhood. Even in buildings without shared hallways, the vents are connected, Fox said.
Parkway resident Angel Murray questioned how the ban could possibly be enforced. Murray, who is a smoker, lives with her daughter and infant granddaughter, but chooses not to smoke in the house when the baby is around.
"That's a personal decision," she said. "Not something someone said I have to do."
Authorities should have bigger concerns than cigarettes in Parkway, Murray said. Last week, Murray's neighbor was nearly struck by a stray bullet in broad daylight, she said.
"How are they going to execute that?" she asked. "They can't keep people from shooting each other."
Jackie
Green, a smoker, said that there are other priorities in her Parkway
neighborhood, like the bullet that went though her porch post last week
while she was standing on the porch. (Daily Record/Sunday News -- Paul
Kuehnel)At a glance
Resident: Why are you doing this?Official: Smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable disease. The new policy will encourage healthier lifestyles among residents, and assist other residents with breathing issues who are bothered by secondhand smoke. Additionally, units occupied by smokers cost five times more to clean for a new tenant.
Resident: How will this be enforced? Will you put censors in our homes?
Official: No sensors will be installed, but crews maintaining authority homes will be instructed to look for signs of smoking. Smell alone will not be enough to incur a violation, but the presence of ashtrays could be. Three violations will result in the resident being evicted.
Resident: Will you be paying to help us quit smoking?
Official: Social service employees of the authority have been preparing tips to help residents cope with the ban, whether they choose to quit or smoke elsewhere. They will also provide assistance with smoking cessation services.
Resident: What about Glaucoma and other medical conditions that require residents to smoke?
Official: Smoking marijuana is never permitted in public housing. Smokeless tobacco will still be permitted, but electronic cigarettes will also be banned.
The rules
Click here to see a list of the rules for the proposed ban.Also of interest
· Finding housing an important part of York City's history.· Tobacco usage, YorkCounts quality-of-life indicator: Rooted in York County's past
Smoke-Free Housing Policy
1. Smoking is not permitted in Housing Authority buildings, including apartments, in accordance with the following guidelines. Effective October 1, 2012, all current residents, all employees, all guests, and all new residents of the Housing Authority of the City of York after this date will be prohibited from smoking inside the buildings including the housing units. Any current resident as of October 1, 2012, who desires to continue smoking on a temporary basis, must request and sign the temporary smoking exemption form allowing them to smoke in their unit/apartment. This exemption will continue only until the date of the resident’s lease renewal in 2012-13, at which time the smoke-free policy will also apply to the resident.
2. Any resident with an approved exemption must not smoke in any unit other than their own. Any resident with an approved exemption must not allow anyone not on their lease to smoke in their unit at any time; this includes guests and other residents.
3. Any deviation from the smoke-free policy by any tenant, a member of their household, or their guest will be considered a lease violation. Three (3) violations will be considered to be a repeated violation of the material terms of the lease and will result in eviction. A cleaning charge of $250. will be added to the tenant account for each violation of the policy that occurs inside a building/unit/apartment.
4. “No Smoking” signs will be posted outside and inside the buildings.
5. Smoking outside any Housing Authority building including housing units is limited to the following area(s:) 25 feet from any entrance or window, or public sidewalks.
6. If a resident smells tobacco smoke in any building, they are to report this to the office as soon as possible. Management will seek the source of the smoke and take appropriate action.
7. For the health and safety of the Housing Authority employees and their representatives, no resident shall have any type of tobacco or related product burning at such time as any employee or representative of the Housing Authority enters and remains in their housing unit. If any resident refuses to put out the burning tobacco or related product prior to the employee or representative entering the unit, or if the resident lights a tobacco or related product while an employee or representative remains in the apartment, the employee or representative shall vacate the apartment immediately and not return until such time as there is no longer any tobacco or related product burning. This may result in a delay of services to the unit/apartment.
8. New residents will be given a copy of the smoke-free policy. After review, the tenant will sign the Smoke Free lease addendum, a copy of which will be kept in the resident’s file.
9. Upon adoption of this policy, all residents presently living in Public Housing units will be given a copy of the policy. After review, the resident will sign the Smoke Free Lease Addendum and if applicable, the Exemption form. Both will be placed in the resident’s file.
York Housing Authority announces smoking ban
As long as she's not bothering anyone else, Reda Richardson thinks she should be able to smoke at home.
But those days are numbered, the Broad Park Manor resident recently learned. On Oct. 1, the York Housing Authority will enact a no-smoking policy affecting residents of more than 1,000 units across York County.
"It feels like they're infringing on my personal life, telling me to live my life by their rules. I don't think it's fair," Richardson, 67, said. "What I do in my own private premises, it's nobody's business."
Richardson is not alone in her outrage.
Several dozen people - presumably most of them smokers - turned out Tuesday for a meeting about the new policy at the White Rose Senior Center in York City. It was the first in a series of information sessions that will be held at each of the authority's facilities, said Shelley Peterson, director of housing management.
The policy, which also bans smoking within 25 feet of entrances or windows, will go into effect Oct. 1, she said.
"People who are smokers are really not happy," Peterson said. "Nonsmokers are less vocal, but they're happy."
Marlene Sexton-Norrell, another Broad Park Manor resident, said she thinks it's hypocritical of the government to allow the sale of cigarettes but ban smoking in public housing facilities.
"Now they want to say you can't smoke," Sexton-Norrell, 63, said.
The York Housing Authority, which is based in York City, manages affordable-housing complexes throughout the county. Tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent. The rest is subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Peterson said.
HUD "strongly encouraged" the change in a written memo to housing authorities nationwide, Peterson said.
For now, there's no funding incentive to implement smoking bans, Peterson said. But, she said, "My guess is at some point HUD will mandate it."
The new policy will become part of lease agreements. Residents caught violating the policy can be charged a $250 fee. After three violations, the authority can opt to terminate the lease, Peterson said.
Peterson said the authority does not keep track of how many of its residents smoke.
Despite the passionate feedback, there's almost no chance the authority will abandon its plan before October, Peterson said.
"They believe they have a constitutional right, which they don't," she said.
- Reach Erin James at 505-5439 or ejames@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter @ydcity.
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.
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?
Recent Comments From Facebook:
Drew BeeSmokers are severely mistreated. We pay more taxes and help the economy, While the Politico's misinform the public with SPECULATIONS and THEORIES rather than Scientific FACTS. In the same breath they concern with one's rights, They piss on the others. We are pushed outside in ALL weather, We are ignored as to our respect, Yet they use the funds we give to build public parks with Tobacco revenue, Yet BAN smoking in them. It truly IS time to end the mentality of our current Government. Self serving Reps such as Bob Casey and unfortunately, Todd Platts it seems is on it's way OUT. Yes, WE THE PEOPLE are soon going to remind you that our Nations Constitution is NOT a formality, BUT THE ULTIMATE LAW IN THIS COUNTRY!. Fear you? HAHAHAHA.. Not at all.. God gave me the rights, Not YOU.If we cant take the Feds, We'll own the states.
Ana Stallings if we (taxpayers) are paying for thier food and thier homes then yeah ban smoking inside the dwelling! If they dont like it,get a job and a mortgage payment like I got and do what you want in your house like I do!!!
4 hours ago via mobile ·
Inquisition News They need to leave the elderly and disabled alone, they worked all their life and paid taxes. They don't need to be harassed and treated like children! Let them do what they want, or what their able to do with the few years they have left.
Inquisition News Wait till you get in the old folks home and see how you like being told what to do!
Inquisition News And by the way. The cigarettes that most people here get are roll your own, which I purchase for 10 dollars a pound for tobacco and 5 dollars for 3 boxes of tubes which lasts me all month, total 15 per month.
Inquisition News 15 dollars a month is a damn site cheaper for 3 cartons of smokes, than 180.00 a month for 3 cartons of name brand.
Inquisition News These people have worked all their life and paid their dues into Social Security in order to receive their check just like you hope to do when you get to that age. Would you want to treated that way after working your entire life? I think not.
Inquisition News While their at it, maybe they should just put the elderly out of their misery! Huh?
Ken Cleghorn Maybe they could move out of the subsidized housing that we are all paying for if they saved the money that they are spending on cigarettes. Then we could sell the real estate, disband HUD, and get a few more people off of the socialist government teat. ;)
4 hours ago via mobile ·
Blaine Lee Bosserman They need to leave the elderly and disabled alone, they worked all their life and paid taxes. They don't need to be harassed and treated like children! Let them do what they want, or what their able to do with the few years they have left.
Blaine Lee Bosserman Wait till you get in the old folks home and see how you like being told what to do!
Blaine Lee Bosserman And by the way. The cigarettes that most people here get are roll your own, which I purchase for 10 dollars a pound for tobacco and 5 dollars for 3 boxes of tubes which lasts me all month, total 15 per month.
Blaine Lee Bosserman 15 dollars a month is a damn site cheaper for 3 cartons of smokes, than 180.00 a month for 3 cartons of name brand.
14 minutes ago ·
Gregory Conley · Rutgers
Perhaps someone from the housing authority would like to explain how they plan to enforce a ban on the use of smoke-free electronic cigarettes in the privacy of one's home? The vapor produced by an electronic cigarette does not linger in the air, and the smell (if there is any) disappears after just a few seconds.
The Seattle Public Housing Authority considered a smoking ban less than one year ago. After considering applying the ban to e-cigarettes, the board deliberated and came to the unanimous conclusion that it did not make sense to ban e-cigarettes. I hope the officials in York have the foresight to come to a similar conclusion.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:58pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:05pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:35pm
- frostytoes (signed in using yahoo)
I can't believe anyone living in public housing could afford to buy cigarettes.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I live here and purchase roll your own tobacco and tubes 1 pound of tobacco is 10 dollars and tubes 1.80 per box amounting to around 15.00 per month.Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:38pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:58pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:06pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.Reply ·
· June 14 at 1:29am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:46am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:35pm
Brandi Turney
Electronic cigarettes should not be included in this. They are a great alternative to help people quit smoking.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:58pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:06pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
Blaine Lee Bosserman I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:46am
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Electronic cigarettes can't be said to help you quit smoking. The FDA requires domestic research, but at the same time research can't be conducted without an ethical board review. Any lack of smoking by e-cigarette users is purely coincidencidental.
They can be said to replace smoking.Reply ·
· June 16 at 7:55am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:35pm
Debbie Guardino · Top Commenter · Chicopee High School
"electronic cigarettes will also be banned." Can someone please explain to me the reasoning behind including electronic cigarettes. They are 99% safer than "traditional cigarettes, leave no odor, there is nothing burned which means no chance of someone starting a fire by falling asleep with one and are used by thousands as a way to help them quit smoking.
Zain Wolf · Darwin, Northern Territory
discovering the source of that addition to the ban would be quite revealing, albeit difficult I would wager...Reply ·
· June 14 at 7:09pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:35pm
Amy Elizabeth Walter · Independent Beauty Consultant at MARY KAY
Like quitting smoking is a bad thing? Tax payer dollars are paying for the housing that these people can't afford. Tell me how it is they have the luxury (not a luxury to me but I think my point is made) to afford to smoke? Smoking can cause serious health damage to not only the smoker but others in the household (i.e. children especially) but let me guess... are these people able to pay their own health bills? Likey no... I say if the people don't like it (proposed smoking ban) then they can move out of public housing. It is a no brainer! Duh. The people have spoken!
Debbie Guardino · Top Commenter · Chicopee High School
but what about those same people who are using much safer and cheaper electronic cigarettes? They are using a product that can help them quit yet these products are also going to be included-why? Because it's all about the all mighty dollar-Big Pharma loses money when people choose to use ecigarettes and other Tobacco Harm Reduction Products instead of the ones "pushed" on them by the Pharmaceutical Companies, many of which don't work for most people. Not everyone who lives in public housing is "milking the system". And what about the people who visit those who live in public housing?
John Hammack · Top Commenter · The Citadel
Debbie Guardino smoking is a choice, just like getting a job or using free money to buy food or beer and cigarettes. You just don't smoke in MY house.Reply ·
· June 13 at 5:47pm
Debbie Guardino · Top Commenter · Chicopee High School
I'm talking more about the inclusion of electronic cigarettes-I never smoked in my house or apartments when I rented and smoking is NOT a choice it's an addiction same as any other. And stereotyping everyone who lives in public housing is a bit closed minded don't you think? What if someday you found yourself in the position that forced you to live there?
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
John Hammack
"Debbie Guardino smoking is a choice"
It's an addiction, as cited before the FDA swears up and down smoking cessation is a MEDICAL CLAIM. The addiction in roughly 75% of cases continues UNTIL DEATH, with 33-50% of smokers kicking the bucket early.
" You just don't smoke in MY house."
Not your home, their home.Reply ·
· June 13 at 7:47pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:59pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:06pm
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Gary Hart
"Smoking is a choice. "
No, it starts as a choice, but it's it's an addiction.
"When somebody like Debbie or Matt realizes that thy have a nicotine addiction, and they choose to do nothing about it"
You're being dishonest. According to Tobacco Free Florida it takes a healthy person 8-11 tries for cessation, and we're talking about the elderly and the disabled. Other sources site that 75% of smokers die smoking. You concede here that it is a medical condition, and not a "choice" like stamp collecting. If your claims were valid, the FDA would not have jurisdictional authority. In any case it's atypical for anyone who smokes to quit. Cigarette smoking is an addiction.
So what you're really saying is if someone is mobility impaired, and they enjoy HUD housing, they they relapse, they should go homeless.
To add insult to injury, they also are banning electronic cigarettes, which have an objective health impact less than a Glade Plugin.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:46am
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I smoked from the time I was 18 until I was 29. I quit, on the first try, and haven't had a tobacco product since. Therefore, I have a very clear perspective of your issue, and, again, I say, too bad. I could care less what FDA statistical crutch you wish to use to prop up your bad habit, but the fact is, if it is important enough to you, you will deal with your addiction. I did. The bottom line is that most smokers dig their heals in and decide that nobody can 'tell them what to do' because their habit is 'completely legal'. Well, so is taking a dump, but if you crap in the hallway instead of the toilet you need to be kicked out. By the way, I do not ban e-cigarettes from my rental units.Reply ·
· June 15 at 12:51pm
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Gary Hart
"I smoked from the time I was 18 until I was 29. I quit, on the first try, and haven't had a tobacco product since. Therefore, I have a very clear perspective of your issue,"
No you don't. You are not typical, typical is 8-11 cessation attempts, 75% of the population smoking until death, cigarette smoking claimed to be as addictive as heroin.
"Well, so is taking a dump, but if you crap in the hallway instead of the toilet you need to be kicked out. "
This is what we're talking about, people who are most likely to take a crap in a hallway due to mobility issues. So according to you, the disabled are not entitled to housing, they should go homeless.Reply ·
· June 15 at 3:27pm
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Edit: ~75% of smokers smoking until death.Reply ·
· June 15 at 3:31pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:35pm
Sabrina Sidmore · Head Witch at Bewitching Stitching
I don't think that the United States Government has any right to prohibit smoking anywhere until they quit taking donations and money from the big tobacco companies.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:59pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:06pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Gary Hart
"it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. "
No it isn't, it's not a well established fact at all. The Gold standard, the Cali EPA meta study cites a STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP, and the evidence they polled their data from was 50/50.
"The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you"
This is patently untrue. Using electricity based on coal kills roughly 50,000/year, and this is an improvement based on 1997 EPA regulations. You're allowed to drive a car, or burn wood by the kilo. But 20 grams of organic material that is LESS toxic than wood is a no no. And obviously you do have the right to damage the property you rent, otherwise it would be a criminal offence. You're accountable for damages, but that's it.
"I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street "
That's what we're talking about, the elderly and the disabled out on the street because the rules don't take into account limited mobility. And it doesn't explain e-cigarettes which pose less risk to bystanders than Glade Plugins.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:47am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:35pm
Craig Nispel · Top Commenter
And they are even taking away electronic gis which has no adverse health effects. comm on people get a life!
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:00pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:08pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.Reply ·
· June 14 at 1:15am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:35pm
Marsha E. Jones · Penn State York
Before you comment you should educate yourself on public housing. And who are you John to determine that another human being is worthless?
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I don't have to know any more about it than I already do. If I, as a taxpayer, provide you with free or subsidized housing, then I, as a taxpayer, am entitled to limit or eliminate any unhealthy or destructive practices, which smokig is both, in said housing. End of story.
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
John Hammack
"That is more MY house than theirs"
So an apartment building owner can dictate how tenants live. No? Okay then.
And we have the Master's Settlement, Roughly 8 Billion/year from big tobacco. Presuming Penn. 25% smoking pack/day with $1.60 going to the Feds and State, that's 5 million a day in taxes. In case you didn't get the memo, smoking is HIGHLY profitable, to big tobacco, the Feds, and the state. You take their money, and their money goes into all sorts of services you enjoy. So by your own logic, it's more THEIR state than your state. They pay more taxes.
"I do not want to pay for your free health care too."
Smoking kills roughly 1% of it's user base every year, 33-50% of smokers prematurely. Smoking related disease is typically not treatable.
Your argument has no basis in objective reality, they pay for their own health care with their lives, and their death results in huge savings to you.
Chris Burns · Top Commenter · York, Pennsylvania
Matt Zukowski: An apartment owner can and does dictate what goes on in his building. A lot of them do not allow pets, I did not see you complaining about that. What about allowing waterbeds. A lot do not where is your argument there. The Federal Government owns these buildings and as a condition of renting one of these, you must agree to the rules the owner sets forth.Reply ·
· June 13 at 2:45pm
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Chris Burns
"A lot of them do not allow pet"
AFAIK no HUD owned building disallows pets. They absolutely allow service animals.
"I did not see you complaining about that. "
Because it's not an issue, and I'm offended you think I wouldn't complain about this.
"What about allowing waterbeds."
I'd have to look this up, however, this falls into the category of unreasonable risk to the property, as opposed to a stove which is not. As such you concede to property owners not having carte blanche.
"The Federal Government owns these buildings and as a condition of renting one of these"
...See More
Chris Burns · Top Commenter · York, Pennsylvania
A service animal is not a pet. I am talking about the typical cat or dog (or other animal) as a family pet. Certain disabilities require service animals and only a complete moron would try to disallow them.
With the rules and regulations, it all depends on the lease that was signed. If the lease allows for changes then all would be subject. If not, then the conditions of the lease must be upheld.
Your argument about the addiction of smoking does not hold water, if the Government as the owner wants to no longer allow smoking, it is their perogative.
If you feel so strongly about this, feel free to by some buildings and then rent to low income/disabled tenants and allow them to smoke.
John Hammack · Top Commenter · The Citadel
Matt, I am completely in favor of them dieing early, but be sure, people in welfare housing do not pay for their own health care. If they can only pay $2 a week for cigarettes, that is MY money. They usually find money for other things I can't afford because I am a payer and not a receiver of the money. All the cigarette money doesn't mean anything to me. What I see is at my level. I pay more in taxes than my own mortgage. They don't pay anything and eat better than me. At the very least, welfare people need to pick up a broom and get to work. Give them a job and dignity, don't give them food stamps that are easily converted into cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. When a welfare house needs to get fixed, the city pays a contractor to fix it, the person occupying it does nothing to fix it. I can't afford to fix my house, but I have to pay to fix theirs.Reply ·
· June 13 at 3:57pm
John Hammack · Top Commenter · The Citadel
BTW, apartment owners definitely dictate how their tenants live and can give police access to the apartments while you are not home, under most conditions.Reply ·
· June 13 at 5:44pm
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Chris Burns
"Your argument about the addiction of smoking does not hold water, if the Government as the owner wants to no longer allow smoking, it is their perogative. "
Not really. You can't very well throw up the property damage card as well the disabled have been smoking there for years. It also falls into the category of unreasonable hardship. Grandmother might break a hip, blind guy could get hit by a car.
We are talking the federal gov, so we have to site the FDA who swear up and down smoking cessation is a medical claim. Nicotine addiction is a medical issue without adequate treatment. Even in California the mentally ill are permitted to smoke in state run facilities.
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
John Hammack
"When a welfare house needs to get fixed, the city pays a contractor to fix it, the person occupying it does nothing to fix it. I can't afford to fix my house, but I have to pay to fix theirs."
So this is about your personal resentment of the disabled. You resent having to pay taxes to people who can't take care of themselves because you make a choice to live beyond your means.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:59pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:06pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.Reply ·
· June 14 at 1:17am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:47am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:36pm
Craig Nispel · Top Commenter
@ These also mean senior high rise which are for the disabled also. It does not mean they ae trash!
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:59pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:07pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.Reply ·
· June 14 at 1:16am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:36pm
John Hammack · Top Commenter · The Citadel
Huh? They live in a free house at MY expense and can afford to smoke? I can't afford to smoke, and I work. Why do they have cable tv or even a tv if they don't work? I bett they always have money for beer and pot. My property taxes got raised 15% this year and my property values plunged. These worthless people got new furniture last October that I had to pay for. When do I get to buy new furniture?
Craig Nispel · Top Commenter
These are not just the project house theses are the elderly high rises also that are for the disable and seniors. I am sorry but what i do in my house is my business, as long as it is a legal . and smoking is legal prouduct.Reply ·
· June 13 at 4:41am
David Welber · Top Commenter · CPA at David A. Welber, CPA
It's not your house when you aren't paying for it. Like our parents said," when you're in my house, you follow my rules." I can't smoke in my own office, that I am paying for with my own money. Why should you have the privilege of smoking in a place that I also pay for with my money?
As they used to say in the British army, "When you take the King's shilling, you do the King's bidding. Here in America, the people are the king.
Craig Nispel · Top Commenter
They do pay for it it is not free to live in theses high rises. they take a third of oincome. Most of these people have worked all of their lives and deserve to be trated wirth a little respect. It is time that the government STOP inter ferreing with our lives to the point that pretty soon we will need permission to take a piss.
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
There is a huge distance between being 'treated with respect' and being allowed to continue with a habit that is a health risk to other people around you. This applies not only to the health risk of second hand smoke, but the risk of causing one of the thousands of fires caused by cigarettes each year. I stand by what I say: If you're going to live off my dime, or a part of my dime, you concede certain freedoms. This applies to my nephew who lives with me, the tenants who rent homes from me, and people who I support as part of my tax burden.
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Gary Hart
"There is a huge distance between being 'treated with respect' and being allowed to continue with a habit that is a health risk to other people around you"
So the blind, disabled, and the elderly have to risk bodily injury? FDA approved cessation methods like the patch don't have a 3% success rate after 20 months, so if grandma relapses, she risks breaking her hip.
" the risk of causing one of the thousands of fires caused by cigarettes each year"
So HUD residents can't have stoves, they're tops in starting fires, followed by indoor heat. What about candles? Sorry, no Hanukkah Menorah for you, too risky.Reply ·
· June 13 at 12:08pm
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Gary Hart
"If you're going to live off my dime, or a part of my dime, you concede certain freedoms"
Yeah, certain social and religious freedoms, sure.
Look, roughly 75% of all smokers die smoking. Nicotine typically represents a life long addiction. There are good objective reasons to ban smoking indoors, but NO objective health reason to ban e-cigarettes indoors, and e-cigarettes mitigate a smoking habit. Grandma shouldn't have to bust a hip, nor blind guy risk getting hit by a car finding the smoking area.Reply ·
· June 13 at 12:09pm
Chris Burns · Top Commenter · York, Pennsylvania
Matt Zulowski: So why do we outlaw Heroin? When a junkie needs a fix, he robs or steals to get the money and risks being shot. How about drug deals gone bad? They risk injury or death.
What about all the people killed every year in automobile accidents, do we outlaw cars? A baseball bat could be a deadly weapon, lets get rid of baseball. You are not the only one that can take a point to the ridiculous.
Your arguments have no point in reality.Reply ·
· June 13 at 5:01pm
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Chris Burns
"So why do we outlaw Heroin?"
Why don't we outlaw alcohol, or cigarettes for that matter?
" You are not the only one that can take a point to the ridiculous."
So you concede your point is ridiculous.
"Your arguments have no point in reality."
You're being dishonest. Cooking and heating cause more fires than smoking, so by your logic, we shouldn't allow either indoors. But I'm pleased you concede my point.Reply ·
· June 13 at 7:50pm
Chris Burns · Top Commenter · York, Pennsylvania
My point is that you have no valid argument. You are arguing against yourself. You bring up points that are not correct etc. You may as well give up. If the housing authority wants to, they can ban smoking IN THEIR BUILDINGS. the same as any landlord. As I have stated before, if the residents do not like it, they are free to find other accommodations.
From your posts, your employer should be a State of Confusion.Reply ·
· June 13 at 8:29pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:59pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:06pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Matt Zukowski They are not living off your dime! They are Senior Citizens that paid their dues into Social Security just as you are doing. When you retire do you want them treating you the same way? I think not! Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:11pm
Matt Zukowski · Top Commenter · Works at State of Utah
Chris Burns
"My point is that you have no valid argument."
You're being dishonest.
"As I have stated before, if the residents do not like it, they are free to find other accommodations."
Again, the FDA swears up and down that smoking cessation is a medical claim, so it qualifies as a medical condition. Roughly 75% of smokers go to their grave smoking, it's really that addictive. That you propose is someone who is disabled who can't quit, which is typical, who doesn't want to risk bodily injury, should be homeless.
Good rule of thumb, if you're in HUD housing, you can't find other accommodations.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Gary Hart These people are and were the very tax paying public that paid for these places while they were working or while they still could. They paid their dues into Social Security while they worked and are only now collecting on what they paid in. So if you want to be treated this way also when you retire, go ahead keep it up. Apparently you never heard of the Golden Rule, Do onto others as you would have them do unto you. Just wait for it, it will be your time one day!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:19pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:39am
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
Matt, you're a little slow, so I'll just have to make it clearer. When somebody(my parents) supported me (age irrelevent) by giving me a place to live in their home, I had to abide by the rules they made or not live there. That logic is as valid as any you wish to put forth. You can whine all you want about your nicotine addiction being a medical condition, but the fact is, you do not need the chemical to survive. Its a habit that is destructive to the condition of people and property it comes in contact with, and, as such, the owner of said health and property has every right to refuse to allow you to continue the habit. You don't rate any special privileges to consume it just because you are old, blind, infirm, or disabled. You don't rate additional sympathy if you get run over by a car in the pursuit of a habit that you can easily live without. You don't rate special privilege over non smoking tax payers to destroy property, either.Reply ·
· June 15 at 5:38pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:36pm
Mark Foreman · Top Commenter · Seneca Valley Senior High School
How many in City government and the administration smoke?
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:00pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:07pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:48am
Mark Foreman · Top Commenter · Seneca Valley Senior High School
Unfortunately, the landlord can set lease conditions that say what you can and cannot do in THEIR property! I think thats why they said you may get permission to smoke (just tennants, not guest) until trhe lease is renewed. You need as place to live, you do not have to smoke.Reply ·
· June 15 at 12:05pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:36pm
Scott Brenner · Top Commenter · Freelance Philosopher & Creative Thinker at Common Pedestrian
"One war at a time." That was Abraham Lincoln's statement when confronted with the fact that the U.S. Navy had arrested two Confederate diplomats en route to England, aboard British naval ships. Right now the (Civil) war and test of government authority is to ban and bar cigarettes from public property, as funded by taxpayers - and, really, given the damage to property (e.g., cigarette butts on the ground for cleanup, smoke-laden facilities), the amount of money spent per pack and carton, health concerns that amount to a whopping cost for medical coverage (much subsidized, though I do wish all coverage was), not to mention burden to employers and employees alike, and let's not forget the void created by sickness and death and loss to loved ones, heartbroken, I can understand the desire for the out-and-out ban. Soon, though, the ...See More
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
You have gone into an extreme apples and oranges scenario. Smoking causes injury to non-smokers; well established. An individual who buys a soft drink hurts nobody but themselves. Bloomberg over-reaches, and should be censured by the voting public. And then, how many house fires have been started by a sugar laden drink?
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship.Reply ·
· June 13 at 10:45pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:00pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:08pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.Reply ·
· June 14 at 1:15am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Gary Hart I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:49am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:36pm
Steven Schueneman
The newspaper reporter misused the word censor, in place of "sensor", causing the newspaper reader to censure the reporter. ps. The mental picture of a uniformed government censor patrolling each unit to sniff out smokers was worth the chuckle.
Randy Parker · Top Commenter · York, Pennsylvania
Whoops! Thanks. We will get that fixed ASAP.Reply ·
· June 13 at 9:43am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:00pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:07pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:48am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:37pm
Debbie Guardino · Top Commenter · Chicopee High School
so they are going to ban a legal activity? why stop with smoking how about alcohol and junk food and including electronic cigarettes is just ridiculous. There is no smell, second hand smoke and is 99% safer.
Mark Foreman · Top Commenter · Seneca Valley Senior High School
Its" legal" until someone says it is illegal, which they have done!Reply ·
· June 13 at 8:22am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:00pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:07pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.Reply ·
· June 14 at 1:15am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:48am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:37pm
Keith Ressler · Top Commenter · Dover, Pennsylvania
The cigarette police are coming. Another grotesque waste of taxpayer dollars. More of the government's we know best what is good for you BS.
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Open Letter To HUD, York City Housing Authority, All Housing Authorities Affected, ACLU, Senators And Representatives Concerning Residents protest proposed smoking ban in York Housing Authority homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ residents-protest-proposed- smoking-ban.html#links Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:00pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
This is a Landlord tenant relationship, not a tenant Doctor relationship. Our health concerns are none of their business! And we smoke in our own apartments, smoking is not and was not permitted in the lobby or hallways to begin with!Reply ·
· June 13 at 11:08pm
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
I am a property owner myself, and banning smoking in all my rental units over 15 years ago was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. To be clear, I could care less about YOUR personal health. However, it is a well established fact that second hand smoke is a serious health hazard to anyone around you. It is a serious fallacy to think that just because you smoke only in your apartment with no one around that your nasty habit doesn't affect those around you. Your apartment is far from airtight. Since banning smoking, both my maintenance and my insurance costs have dropped. No more stinky, stained walls. No more burns in the carpet. No more nauseating stench in the HVAC system. No more tenants falling asleep with lit cigarettes. I am so sick and tired of listening to smokers whine about their so-called 'right' to smoke, just because the habit is legal. The fact is, you have NO right at all to risk the health of those around you, nore to cause damage to objects and property in your proximity that don't belong to you. I seriously hope you find yourself out on the street looking for a place to live that you can afford based solely on your income, and not on my tax dollars, since you can't be bothered totake your filthy habit outdoors.Reply ·
· June 14 at 1:15am
Keith Ressler · Top Commenter · Dover, Pennsylvania
@Gary - I respect your right, as a private businessman to impose whatever terms and conditions you choose on those who choose to rent from you. I agree with you 100% on the smell, burn marks, etc that results from smoking. My point is, how many government resources will be directed towards and spent on enforcing this ban? I could care less who smokes, or kills themselves as a result, so long as they do not smoke in my home. I think government has more important things to do than enforce a no smoking ban.
Gary Hart · Top Commenter
It states in the article that the ban won't be actively enforced, as in a cops setting speed traps. I read it that any time maintenance or admin staff needed to enter an apartment, they would report any signs that the tenants had been smoking. This is actually nothing more than I do. I don't go around sniffing for fumes every week, but if I have to go and see a tenat for any reason and there are signs that there has been smoking, such as the smell, ash trays, etc, they get their one and only warning notice. After that, I will do random checks for a while, based on their reaction and attitude. In the extreme, I had a tenant whose son was like this Blaine character who, in the end, I had to get a restraining order against to prevent him from visiting his mom on my property since he refused to leave his smokig habit outside when he came to visit her. She has been a tenant of mine for over ten years now.Reply ·
· June 14 at 2:58am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
I had my own trailer at Lawsons trailer court at Leaders Hights on South George St when they closed the trailer park I lost everything and had to stay with my mother till I could get in public housing. I am now disabled and can not afford to buy other housing.Reply ·
· June 15 at 11:48am
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html Reply ·
· Sunday at 3:37pm
Blaine Lee Bosserman · Works at Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012
Response From HUD Including My Reply Concerning Smoking Ban In York Housing Authority Homes http://inquisitionnews.blogspot.co m/2012/06/ response-from-hud-including -my-reply.html. Reply ·
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