This kind of crap gets me so steamed.

[pfm721]

C&P from the blog.

"With anti-tobacco laws sweeping the nation, it’s worthwhile to look at the tactics anti-smoking zealots use to push smoking bans. This document (if you want to read it the link to the pdf is below), created by a coalition of anti-tobacco groups, details their strategy. It includes fighting against exemptions for private clubs and cigar shops, not agreeing to so-called hardship exemptions (for businesses that suffer from bans), and avoiding ballot initiatives where citizens get a vote (in favor of less transparent legislative strategies)."

http://www.stogieguys.com/wp-content/uploads/cia_fundamentals.pdf

 

[Anthem]

1. This makes me impossibly mad.
2. What is scary is that they are this organized, and it has taken us this long to form CRA. Or here in Michigan MTA. While we have a long way to go, and a lot less dollars to do it with, at least we have begun our grass roots campaigns.

What I guess I am saying Pat, is that there is a silver lining, even a faint one. So while we are both rightfully angered, we still have some tricks up our sleeves.

 

[pfm721]

Absolutely. If people haven't joined CRA they need to seriously think about doing so. I interviewed Arturo Fuente Jr. yesterday and he said the single most important thing cigar smokers can do is get involved and get organized.

 

[Stew]

1. This makes me impossibly mad.
2. What is scary is that they are this organized, and it has taken us this long to form CRA. Or here in Michigan MTA. While we have a long way to go, and a lot less dollars to do it with, at least we have begun our grass roots campaigns.

What I guess I am saying Pat, is that there is a silver lining, even a faint one. So while we are both rightfully angered, we still have some tricks up our sleeves.

Do you have more info on MTA? Im in Michigan also and would like to know.

 

[Josh.CHI]

Absolutely. If people haven't joined CRA they need to seriously think about doing so. I interviewed Arturo Fuente Jr. yesterday and he said the single most important thing cigar smokers can do is get involved and get organized.

Could you make a thread with info for joining CRA? You may want to submit it for approval first.

 

[GoingPostal]

I think it's a lost cause here in CA. The Anti-Smoking NAZI's are everywhere. Our own governer had to build a special tent just so he could have a place to enjoy a nice cigar. Every now and then you hear where the police where called because some guy at a bar is smoking. so I do urge you to get orginized in your state before you become like CA. if you don't think it can happen in your state remember they got Las Vegas, cause i guess smoking is too great a sin in "sin city"

 

[pfm721]

Could you make a thread with info for joining CRA? You may want to submit it for approval first.

here is the link

http://www.cigarrights.org/membership.htm

 

[Anthem]

STEW,

Michigan Tobacco Association is still a grass roots movement among B&M shops who are banning together to try to raise money to hire lobbyists to fight tax and smoking ban issues. They have not gone totally public yet because they are so young, but if you want to donate it is a legal non profit organization with papers filled. If your local B&M is not registered I would certainly urge them to do so quickly.

If you wish to Donate you can contact President Mike Nolan at Nolan's Tobacco Traverse City 231 946 2640. He is probably busy with the toursit season and IPCPR coming up, but don't hesitate to give a shout. He is a working guy too, so it may take a little patience.

Thanks for asking and feel free to PM

 

[Terrasco]

I think it's a lost cause here in CA. The Anti-Smoking NAZI's are everywhere. Our own governer had to build a special tent just so he could have a place to enjoy a nice cigar. Every now and then you hear where the police where called because some guy at a bar is smoking. so I do urge you to get orginized in your state before you become like CA. if you don't think it can happen in your state remember they got Las Vegas, cause i guess smoking is too great a sin in "sin city"

Don't give up hope! Even in California, all is not lost. The city of Long Beach recently eased some of their tobacco ordinance in order to allow cigar lounges to operate. Even Prohibition was repealed. Join CRA and fight for your rights!

 

[GoingPostal]

Don't give up hope! Even in California, all is not lost. The city of Long Beach recently eased some of their tobacco ordinance in order to allow cigar lounges to operate. Even Prohibition was repealed. Join CRA and fight for your rights![/QUOTE]

Hadn't heard that, great news. So maybe there is hope for us fellow Californians. definately going to join the CRA

 

[dajones]

So much for freedoms. Freedom to associate. Individual rights. That sort of thing.

But... it's for the CHILdren.

Yah: why not try, uh, *parenting*?

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

"Yah: why not try, uh, *parenting*?"

That's the real issue right there, isn't Jonesie!

 

[Josh.CHI]

"Yah: why not try, uh, *parenting*?"

That's the real issue right there, isn't Jonesie!

+1 on that one

 

[mr.drybones]

its getting bad in new york too...but here in new york we luckily have attitude too...most smokers just smoke anyway, alot of bars have a fee to smoke to help cover fines. what i want to know is how in the world did it get this way? some lady who worked in a bar for like 15 years didnt like working in a smoky enviroment and we changed the laws to require special smoking aquariums for businesses to allow smoking. there rooms required seperate heating and cooling systems and had to be completely enclosed. thats very expensive! and shortly after they made all those businesses build all those special rooms they changed the law to disallow even that! made all those rooms for nothing! arghh. heres the point, we shouldnt work in smoky rooms if it bothers us, we should look for work elsewhere! why inconvenience all those around you just to make yourself happy? thats selfish and rude! smokers have rights as humans too, right?