First of all, I smoked for over 15 years. It was a terrible habit that I picked up in college and I'm very thankful I gave it up. It wasn't easy to quit, and I failed over 30 times trying. As of next April, it will be 3 years smoke-free for me.

I'm glad smoking is banned in bars and restaurants. Heck, I even said that when I was a smoker. It was too much with everyone smoking in such a small space. You would leave the bar smelling like a dirty ashtray...it was pretty gross.

According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, "The Iowa City Council voted 6-1 in support of prohibiting the use of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and chewing tobacco throughout ALL city parks. (Some parks already have a no smoking policy) This is the first of three readings.

I'm not sure I agree with this. I mean, you're outside? Do smokers not have rights anymore? Again, I don't smoke, but I don't agree the passing of this ordinance. And why are we wasting time on this? Maybe the Iowa City leaders should be more concerned about more important issues like gangs and shootings, not a random Frisbee golfer lighting up a Newport on a Saturday afternoon.

Look, smoking is bad and you shouldn't be doing it. But if you want to have a smoke while your sitting in the park, that's your right. Isn't it?

You tell me, should smoking be banned in ALL city parks? Comment below and we can discuss. In the meantime, I'm going to go grab another pack of chewing gum.

[Source: The Cedar Rapids Gazette Hard Copy]

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