Are you happier living in the UK?

[smcquie]

Originally Posted by Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin

I think I am happier here, but I'm sure it's different from one person to the next. I love almost everything about England. The architecture, the history, the culture, etc. It's beautiful here, and I've made so many friends that I can almost be assured I'll run into someone I know every time I go into town.

I'm not a citizen (yet) so I don't feel I have a right to complain about anything, although I'm very sorry to see all public places banned from smokers. I think it's an infringement on the rights of individuals. And I don't just mean the smokers themselves. I mean shop owners who should have the right to decide whether they want to allow smoking on their premises. I think the government could have offered rewards to companies banning smoking, like reduced insurance rates, for instance, rather than just dictating.

Oops, sorry. Just said I don't have a right to complain and then I did it anyway!

Well, regardless, there's no such thing as a perfect country. But for me, England comes as close as is possible.

I think I agree with you, but then you have to think about the people who need the jobs in public places - should they have to accept working in a smoking venue because they can't get another job? Tough situation.
Totally agree on the culture, architecture and history here - totally fantastic!

[soon_to_be_halfBRIT]

Originally Posted by Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin

I think I am happier here, but I'm sure it's different from one person to the next. I love almost everything about England. The architecture, the history, the culture, etc. It's beautiful here, and I've made so many friends that I can almost be assured I'll run into someone I know every time I go into town.

I'm not a citizen (yet) so I don't feel I have a right to complain about anything, although I'm very sorry to see all public places banned from smokers. I think it's an infringement on the rights of individuals. And I don't just mean the smokers themselves. I mean shop owners who should have the right to decide whether they want to allow smoking on their premises. I think the government could have offered rewards to companies banning smoking, like reduced insurance rates, for instance, rather than just dictating.

Oops, sorry. Just said I don't have a right to complain and then I did it anyway!

Well, regardless, there's no such thing as a perfect country. But for me, England comes as close as is possible.

You ever heard of second hand smoke and the dangers it imposes? I'm glad the UK gov banned it. It makes sense that they did because its proven, in case you have'nt heard, deadly to your health and more importantly deadly to those around you. Why should people who want to live a healthy life, be subjected to the stupidity of smokers who dont give a damn about themselves or obviously anyone else because of their proven deadly bad habbit? I say if you want to kill yourself more quickly go smoke somewhere away from those who dont. Its not a matter of a person's rights. Its a matter of regard to your fellow human's life. I believe in your rights like anyone else, but not when it involves trying to justify inflicting one's bad habbits, in this case smoking which causes lung cancer amongst a long list of other wonderful things, on everyone else around you just because you cant be bothered to step outside to conduct your nasty habbit.

Ok about being happy here...I am more happier now than I have ever been in my entire life. Sure theres up and downs with everything in life but thats life. For me?????...if it was'nt for my wife's unconditional love for me, I could never be as happy as I am now ANYWHERE!...true love does help..

[Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin]

Hi, no offense, but aren't you being a bit over the top in your response? I very obviously wasn't intentionally trying to insult anyone in any of my posts to date. Can you say that same?

[soon_to_be_halfBRIT]

Originally Posted by Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin

Hi, no offense, but aren't you being a bit over the top in your response? I very obviously wasn't intentionally trying to insult anyone in any of my posts to date. Can you say that same?

Absolutely yes, I can say the same. And to your question of being over the top? Dont be silly, absolutely not. I like anyone else here has a right to their own opinion. As far as insult? Sorry if you took it that way, but my opinion doesnt include insults and if you took it that way, life goes on.

[smcquie]

Wow - HalfBRIT - I have to agree with Penguin - you seem a bit wound up here (at least that is the way it is coming across). I think (penguin, correct me if I am wrong) that she was saying that given is it legal to smoke, that it is weird (and maybe wrong) that it is illegal for businesses to provide an indoor place for people to do it.
I don't think penguin even mentioned whether she smokes or not (not that point she was making anyway). Either way - please keep it pleasant - there's plenty of room for both your opinions, and if you saw my earlier post, you'd know I actually lean on the side of defending people's right to work in a place that is smoke-free.

[Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin]

No, you're definitely not wrong. Actually one of my friends over here said it better than I could.

Before the smoking ban took effect she told me she wouldn't go to the cinema because they won't let her smoke. I said, "But you don't smoke." She said, "That's not the point."

[smcquie]

That's actually pretty funny!
In the long run, I think the ban will stop more people smoking, it's just going to take some time to adjust. Can you believe they used to let people spark up at their office desks?

[Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin]

Yeah, back in the States too. In fact I remember grocery stores having one of those standing ashtrays at the end of every other aisle. Really strange to think about that now!