Fired for smoking

[bhudson57]

I'm kinda torn on this issue. First off, I feel that a person shouldn't be fired. However, I completely understand requiring a smoker to pay the difference in cost. It's not fair to the others that they are in essence paying for me. But on the other hand, my wife works at a Christian school. If you act in an unchristian like manner, depending on the circumstance, you can be fired. Adultery is grounds for termination. I actually agree with this and not because it keeps my wife in line (yeah, right). But in order to set an example for the students, you have to live by example. If you don't, see ya. I don't know, we'll see.

Bill

[n3uka]

King, a vice president of communications with the Maryland-based Scott, admits to smoking a “handful” of cigars each year.

Fire the bastard. He is costing them money. I can't stand hypocrites. I feel driving up and slapping him.

On a side note. Weren't there a few towns that tried to outlaw smoking. Even in the privacy of your own home? I thought Rockville, MD was one of them.

[yayson]

This is not a smoking rights issue, this is a USA healthcare crisis issue. The system is screwed up and more and more people here are one major health problem away from a lifetime of slavery to debt because they cannot afford the rising cost of health insurance.

I've gotta say it's a bit frustrating to me to see the point of this thread aimed where it is.

[squid]

Folks...the day is indeed coming where everything in ones life is going to be regulated by employers, health care companies, and the government.

The Great State of North Carolina is now considering adding an extra tax on to soft drink companies to pay for the obesity that they feel these companies are contributing to.

Additionally, Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance for state employees is already reducing rates for those not overweight and overweight employees are now having to pay full premium rates.

Regarding the smoking...the local hospital system has just banned ALL smoking on the grounds of the hospital system for employees, patients, visitors, etc. You'll now see employees and visitors running across the street to bus stops, etc., to smoke.

Until folks start standing up and railing against these initiatives that are happening throughout this country, when can expect to see these types of issues become more prevalent.

Sounds like Nazi Germany when selection was occurring to find the "perfect" race, etc. I'd like to see 3000 members of Club Stogie begin to bombard legislatures, insurance companies, etc., with their comments and resentment to these types issues.

Before too long....they're going to ban UGLY people from the work place. When that happens all of us here on CLUB STOGIE are probably out of a job!

[Bubba -NJ]

I think stories like this are just a way for the medical insurance field to place blame of the rising cost of insurance on others and not themselves . Next targets will be alcohol drinkers and the overweight citizens . And before you know it , the gov't will be requiring us to get barcode tattoo's . We are less and less free each day .

[Grownassman]

OMG, are you serious? What is the world coming to? Discriminating on something that is totally legal.