WP: "The Last Gasp of a Smoke-Filled Room"

[Hand]

When the District goes smoke-free Jan. 2, at least one nicotine haven will remain: the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers, several of whom enjoy a good cigar, have exempted themselves from the city's smoking ban, not to mention rules that forbid lighting up in federal buildings across the country.

But winds of change may be blowing on the Hill.


Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the Democrat from smoke-free California and the next speaker of the House, is thinking of banishing tobacco from the most popular smoking spot in the building: the Speaker's Lobby outside the House chamber...

As many as 25 percent of House members smoke, and one of the heaviest smokers is Majority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), who frequently emerges from the House floor and heads straight to the Speaker's Lobby to consume his favorite brand, Barclay. Yesterday, when he stepped out of the chamber, he gestured to an approaching reporter that he needed a moment before talking. He made a beeline for the southwest corner of the room, pulled a cigarette from his breast pocket, lit it and inhaled deeply.

Keep puffin', Boner! Have another! And another! Smoke more cigarettes! Smoke many more cigarettes! Smoke cigarettes constantly! :evilgrin:

link

[Atman]

1. Only 25% of them smoke? So why do the get special exemptions to the law?

The smokers are in a distinct minority...so everyone else has to risk health, and have their clothes stink just to accommodate them? What about the simple concept of living by the rules you set for everyone else?

I agree with one thing, though...Boner should keep on puffin. Six or seven packs a day. But do it outside, or in your sealed automobile where no one else has to inhale your cancerous waste, Boner. You'll extinguish yourself soon enough.

.

[frylock]

2. daddy needs his medicine..

Jeez, Boner. Try and get a grip on your addiction. I'll bet he's anti-medicinal marijuana too.

Posted from my Goodlink Treo.

[TygrBright]

3. How about everyone send ol' Boner a pack o' Barclays...

...y'know. Thousands of us. Flood his office with mailers containing a pack of cigarettes each.

He's too dumb to get the message, of course, but someone else might pick up on it.

evilly,
Bright