What not to bring to a town square

[redwitch]

We know the rules -- no smoking except in designated areas; no coolers; no dogs in the squares themselves just the sidewalk areas, yet time and again people rail about whatever they don't happen to like and think should be prohibited. This list includes dogs and now snakes, smokers, drunks, heavily scented individuals, teens and young adults unless accompanied by Village resident grandparents, seat savers ... and I'd like to add line dancers to the list -- they take up too much of the dance floor. What else should be added to the list?

Folks, we all enjoy the entertainment at the squares. Just because you don't like something, doesn't mean it shouldn't be there or that you have the right to dictate what should or shouldn't be there.

Most dog owners are considerate of their friends and neighbors and keep them on a tight leash in the squares. While I would never bring a snake into a loud area filled with people, some would and, truth be known, the odds of the snake harming anyone is slim.

Nowadays, smokers understand the dangers of smoke (both first and second-hand) and do their best to smoke in designated areas only. Surely those who don't smoke can find a way to walk around those areas without being rude and obnoxious.

Line dancers are too much fun to watch to ban even if others can't find room to dance.

While I'm not a big fan of anyone drinking too much, it happens. So long as they aren't getting mean, let them enjoy themselves but do try to stop them from driving (cart or car) if you can.

Don't ban the seat savers, simply use the saved seats as needed.

Teens are allowed regardless of where they live or who is with them, so get over it. If they're doing something illegal or dangerous, call the police. If they're just being kids, sit back, watch and enjoy them. It can be fun to remember when you were young.

If you try to prevent everything you don't like, sooner or later someone is going to find something about you that they don't like and work on banning you. Why not just accept that all are allowed and should be welcomed and treated with respect?

[KyWoman]

We know the rules -- no smoking except in designated areas; no coolers; no dogs in the squares themselves just the sidewalk areas, yet time and again people rail about whatever they don't happen to like and think should be prohibited. This list includes dogs and now snakes, smokers, drunks, heavily scented individuals, teens and young adults unless accompanied by Village resident grandparents, seat savers ... and I'd like to add line dancers to the list -- they take up too much of the dance floor. What else should be added to the list?

Folks, we all enjoy the entertainment at the squares. Just because you don't like something, doesn't mean it shouldn't be there or that you have the right to dictate what should or shouldn't be there.

Most dog owners are considerate of their friends and neighbors and keep them on a tight leash in the squares. While I would never bring a snake into a loud area filled with people, some would and, truth be known, the odds of the snake harming anyone is slim.

Nowadays, smokers understand the dangers of smoke (both first and second-hand) and do their best to smoke in designated areas only. Surely those who don't smoke can find a way to walk around those areas without being rude and obnoxious.

Line dancers are too much fun to watch to ban even if others can't find room to dance.

While I'm not a big fan of anyone drinking too much, it happens. So long as they aren't getting mean, let them enjoy themselves but do try to stop them from driving (cart or car) if you can.

Don't ban the seat savers, simply use the saved seats as needed.

Teens are allowed regardless of where they live or who is with them, so get over it. If they're doing something illegal or dangerous, call the police. If they're just being kids, sit back, watch and enjoy them. It can be fun to remember when you were young.

If you try to prevent everything you don't like, sooner or later someone is going to find something about you that they don't like and work on banning you. Why not just accept that all are allowed and should be welcomed and treated with respect?

While I have misgivings about pythons at the Squares, you have written a very sensible post.

[mulligan]

Once again, common sense rears it's ugly head.....Thanks, Red.

[HDriders]

We know the rules -- no smoking except in designated areas; no coolers; no dogs in the squares themselves just the sidewalk areas, yet time and again people rail about whatever they don't happen to like and think should be prohibited. This list includes dogs and now snakes, smokers, drunks, heavily scented individuals, teens and young adults unless accompanied by Village resident grandparents, seat savers ... and I'd like to add line dancers to the list -- they take up too much of the dance floor. What else should be added to the list?

Folks, we all enjoy the entertainment at the squares. Just because you don't like something, doesn't mean it shouldn't be there or that you have the right to dictate what should or shouldn't be there.

Most dog owners are considerate of their friends and neighbors and keep them on a tight leash in the squares. While I would never bring a snake into a loud area filled with people, some would and, truth be known, the odds of the snake harming anyone is slim.

Nowadays, smokers understand the dangers of smoke (both first and second-hand) and do their best to smoke in designated areas only. Surely those who don't smoke can find a way to walk around those areas without being rude and obnoxious.

Line dancers are too much fun to watch to ban even if others can't find room to dance.

While I'm not a big fan of anyone drinking too much, it happens. So long as they aren't getting mean, let them enjoy themselves but do try to stop them from driving (cart or car) if you can.

Don't ban the seat savers, simply use the saved seats as needed.

Teens are allowed regardless of where they live or who is with them, so get over it. If they're doing something illegal or dangerous, call the police. If they're just being kids, sit back, watch and enjoy them. It can be fun to remember when you were young.

If you try to prevent everything you don't like, sooner or later someone is going to find something about you that they don't like and work on banning you. Why not just accept that all are allowed and should be welcomed and treated with respect?


WELL SAID !!!
:BigApplause:

[Cedwards38]

I'm in favor of banning bad attitudes and grouches.:D

[DandyGirl]

Well said! :BigApplause:

[graciegirl]

Red. You are ONE smart cookie. I have said it time and time again.

Mikey sends his love, and so does Hershey and Harry.

Both of our kitties love you and so do I.

[missypie]

I will add myself to the list of those that like your thread but no snakes please.

[jojo]

Right on.

[Patty55]

Are dogs really not allowed in the town square? I really wasn't aware of this, now how am I going to save my seats?

[rdhdleo]

I 99% agree but I am sorry a place that hosts mostly seniors does not need the shock affect of someone roaming around with a python that's where I draw the line. It makes no sense except that they think it's funny to shock the "old" people (even though we all know we are young at heart! ;) But that's just my opinion.

[samhass]

I 99% agree but I am sorry a place that hosts mostly seniors does not need the shock affect of someone roaming around with a python that's where I draw the line. It makes no sense except that they think it's funny to shock the "old" people (even though we all know we are young at heart! ;) But that's just my opinion.

I agree. I have no fear of snakes, but many people are terrified of them. Why would you subject the snake to people or people to the snake? :(

[redwitch]

As I said, bringing the snake is not a wise move -- not because of how it might scare someone but because it isn't good for the snake. Remember, there are people who are just as afraid of dogs as they are of snakes. So, I'll stand that the person who brought his python had the right to bring it whether we like it or not.

[donb9006]

So, I guess we allow anyone to do anything...and we'll turn the villages into another crappy town where the dregs have taken over. Great! I can't wait.

We come here because it's "different" from other places...let's keep it that way.

[Taltarzac725]

Are dogs really not allowed in the town square? I really wasn't aware of this, now how am I going to save my seats?

That's a new one on me. Every time I have been to the Squares there have been dogs there. This includes at night on the Square when there are many people around. The dogs are also on the area outside of the sidewalk. As to snakes, if it stays around its owner's neck it should not be a problem. I also with Red doubt if the snake would enjoy all the racket at a town square.

It is too noisy for my own dog on the Squares unless it is in the morning of early afternoon when there are fewer people.

[DaleMN]

Speaking of line dancing: Does the energetic gal that always has a water bottle in her hand still dance at the squares?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Speaking of line dancing: Does the energetic gal that always has a water bottle in her hand still dance at the squares?

"Pony Tail Girl" was dancing at Spanish Springs Saturday night. My next door neighbor knows her and I've seen her in my neighborhood. I think she lives near me.

[Taltarzac725]

Speaking of line dancing: Does the energetic gal that always has a water bottle in her hand still dance at the squares?

Which one? There are usually a lot of energetic gals and guys of all ages dancing at the Squares. You often see a 5 year old in there doing just as good as a 75 year old. Of course, I would not walk my dog through a bunch of line dancers as that would come out looking like a Laurel and Hardy skit or maybe even one of the Monty Python ones. Can you imagine walking a Great Dane through a line of dancers when she is on a twenty foot lead? I am sure that almost anyone above 5 years old would have enough common sense not to do this.

[redwitch]

So, I guess we allow anyone to do anything...and we'll turn the villages into another crappy town where the dregs have taken over. Great! I can't wait.

We come here because it's "different" from other places...let's keep it that way.

No, we don't allow anyone to do anything. We allow people the right to do what is legal, not dangerous and we enforce the rules as needed. We don't have the right to ban those who do things we don't like just because we don't like them. The pettiness, the small-mindedness I've seen here and heard at the squares is ugly and doesn't belong.

Dog owners have the right to take their pets in public. Kids of all ages are free to visit and use the squares. Neighbors of TV have the right to come and visit us (and, yes, I think they should be allowed to come in their golf carts and use our paths) and shop in our stores and enjoy the music at the squares. It has always been that way here and I, for one, sincerely hope it stays that way!

[2BNTV]

We know the rules -- no smoking except in designated areas; no coolers; no dogs in the squares themselves just the sidewalk areas, yet time and again people rail about whatever they don't happen to like and think should be prohibited. This list includes dogs and now snakes, smokers, drunks, heavily scented individuals, teens and young adults unless accompanied by Village resident grandparents, seat savers ... and I'd like to add line dancers to the list -- they take up too much of the dance floor. What else should be added to the list?

Folks, we all enjoy the entertainment at the squares. Just because you don't like something, doesn't mean it shouldn't be there or that you have the right to dictate what should or shouldn't be there.

Most dog owners are considerate of their friends and neighbors and keep them on a tight leash in the squares. While I would never bring a snake into a loud area filled with people, some would and, truth be known, the odds of the snake harming anyone is slim.

Nowadays, smokers understand the dangers of smoke (both first and second-hand) and do their best to smoke in designated areas only. Surely those who don't smoke can find a way to walk around those areas without being rude and obnoxious.

Line dancers are too much fun to watch to ban even if others can't find room to dance.

While I'm not a big fan of anyone drinking too much, it happens. So long as they aren't getting mean, let them enjoy themselves but do try to stop them from driving (cart or car) if you can.

Don't ban the seat savers, simply use the saved seats as needed.

Teens are allowed regardless of where they live or who is with them, so get over it. If they're doing something illegal or dangerous, call the police. If they're just being kids, sit back, watch and enjoy them. It can be fun to remember when you were young.

If you try to prevent everything you don't like, sooner or later someone is going to find something about you that they don't like and work on banning you. Why not just accept that all are allowed and should be welcomed and treated with respect?

Nice reasonable post.

I personally don't care for the cigar smokers at the squares as it offends my sense of smell.

I don't mind at all seeing dogs as they are lovable creatures but I personally would think the dog would prefer a quieter environment at home, as opposed to being careful that his/her space is not being violated.

I hate snakes whether they are harmless or not. I would never subject people to a weird view of what pets should be brought to the squares. I would recoil after seeing a snake but that's just me.

[Trayderjoe]

No, we don't allow anyone to do anything. We allow people the right to do what is legal, not dangerous and we enforce the rules as needed. We don't have the right to ban those who do things we don't like just because we don't like them. The pettiness, the small-mindedness I've seen here and heard at the squares is ugly and doesn't belong.

Dog owners have the right to take their pets in public. Kids of all ages are free to visit and use the squares. Neighbors of TV have the right to come and visit us (and, yes, I think they should be allowed to come in their golf carts and use our paths) and shop in our stores and enjoy the music at the squares. It has always been that way here and I, for one, sincerely hope it stays that way!

:BigApplause: :BigApplause: :thumbup: :thumbup:

The last time I looked, we are talking about a place for the public to use and with that, we will see differences (thank goodness!) in who and how we interact.

A person's area of control is in their own home where they can "set the rules." Should you invite me into your home, when I come in I will respect your rules, or I can choose to not visit.

Good post Red!

[dewilson58]

Nice reasonable post.

I personally don't care for the cigar smokers at the squares as it offends my sense of smell.

I don't mind at all seeing dogs as they are lovable creatures but I personally would think the dog would prefer a quieter environment at home, as opposed to being careful that his/her space is not being violated.

I hate snakes whether they are harmless or not. I would never subject people to a weird view of what pets should be brought to the squares. I would recoil after seeing a snake but that's just me.

I love cigar smoke..............don't like cig smoke.

[Indydealmaker]

Just remind the pet owners that you hear snakes "taste like chicken" and try to look REALLY HUNGRY!!:beer3:

[BobnBev]

I wonder how bear spray would work on a snake, or on the dreg
that has it wrapped around his neck? Hmmmmm, food for thought.:clap2::1rotfl::boom:

[JC and John]

I will add myself to the list of those that like your thread but no snakes please.

Agree!

[billethkid]

So, I guess we allow anyone to do anything...and we'll turn the villages into another crappy town where the dregs have taken over. Great! I can't wait.

We come here because it's "different" from other places...let's keep it that way.

TV has some how managed to not turn into "another crappy" town for more than 30 years now....that being said the minority report above has been duly noted.

The other 99% of us are just as happy as can be for the past 10 years here....knowing some who have been here twice that long with the same comment.....and do not expect it to be any different 10 or 20 more years down the road except the current doubters will have converted along the way.

btk

[2BNTV]

I love cigar smoke..............don't like cig smoke.

Cigarette smoke is almost an offensive to this non-smoker but cigar odor is more offensive. Everyone has the right to do what they want but the square sign says smoking is prohibited in the park area.

[DonH57]

We've only eaten in the restaurants at the squares. Never had the desire to go to the squares for any other reason.

[DAWN MARIE]

Speaking of line dancing: Does the energetic gal that always has a water bottle in her hand still dance at the squares?

Yes, that's Lisa. she's one of my Line Dance Friends. She was at KB's with me last night. Tonight we'll be at LSL to see Garrett Miles.

[CFrance]

Which one? There are usually a lot of energetic gals and guys of all ages dancing at the Squares. You often see a 5 year old in there doing just as good as a 75 year old. Of course, I would not walk my dog through a bunch of line dancers as that would come out looking like a Laurel and Hardy skit or maybe even one of the Monty Python ones. Can you imagine walking a Great Dane through a line of dancers when she is on a twenty foot lead? I am sure that almost anyone above 5 years old would have enough common sense not to do this.

Why did I think you had a golden doodle?

When we first bought here I asked about dogs in the squares and was told the same thing--on the perimeter but not in the square itself. Our dog doesn't like a lot of commotion and trying to walk on a sidewalk with many people. We leave him home because we know he doesn't like being in that kind of environment... not because somebody might not like dogs and objects to them being somewhere they're allowed.

I think your post is SPOT-ON, Red!!

[graciegirl]

tv has some how managed to not turn into "another crappy" town for more than 30 years now....that being said the minority report above has been duly noted.

The other 99% of us are just as happy as can be for the past 10 years here....knowing some who have been here twice that long with the same comment.....and do not expect it to be any different 10 or 20 more years down the road except the current doubters will have converted along the way.

btk


This makes a lot of sense!

[CFrance]

Nice reasonable post.

I personally don't care for the cigar smokers at the squares as it offends my sense of smell.

I don't mind at all seeing dogs as they are lovable creatures but I personally would think the dog would prefer a quieter environment at home, as opposed to being careful that his/her space is not being violated.

I hate snakes whether they are harmless or not. I would never subject people to a weird view of what pets should be brought to the squares. I would recoil after seeing a snake but that's just me.

I really respect your opinion, 2B, but I think it is the dog's owner who knows best what the dog prefers, and not people who don't know the dog. We've talked about this before on the forum, with another poster. There is no blanket assessment about what dogs want or need. Some have separation problems and are better off going wherever they are legally allowed. I am all for that.

Others, like ours, prefer not to be in the vicinity of a crowd of people moving about in unpredictable directions. He quite frankly doesn't know where to step next. So we leave him at home. He has no separation problems. But I would never take what's good for him and apply it to all dogs.

[D&Lsunfun]

What will be at the Town Square next??
Really, there is no rule about bringing a 10 foot snake to the square and terrifying
residents? Not just one but 2 snakes. Who is in charged in the entertainment and why can't they post a sign and also have some law enforcement to enforce the rule.
Seeing this sight ruins the fun at the square, (any of them) I have heard these snake handlers travel the squares like freak shows in the circus.

[DonH57]

I personally would not take our dog to one of the squares because I know it would stress him out. Despite the fact he gets along with other dogs and people it would be to much at once for him. I certaintly would not expect others to have to tolerate him or watch out for his leash. There are some acceptable social situations where dogs and people can coexist but I personally don't believe the squares are the place. I must say however bringing an orangetan would be handy to run off the chair savers.!

[tln1947]

The very first time we went to the square at Spanish Springs there was a man with his feet propped up on a sign that said "no smoking". Of course he was smoking a cigar!

[Average Guy]

Any chance that inclement weather could be added to the list of banned items???

[TheCollierCpl]

Call the police you say? Their common response, " we can't do nottin' " . Make go on a diet. No more donuts or freebies!

[CFrance]

Call the police you say? Their common response, " we can't do nottin' " . Make go on a diet. No more donuts or freebies!

Wow.

[keithgerri]

Agree with your post. To many people here think its a perfect world as long as you agree with them and their opinions,politics,religion etc. Everybody needs to lighten up and just get along and be nice

[travelguy]

let the snake(s) and dog(s) meet up. that should cancel each other out.

[donb9006]

Agree with your post. To many people here think its a perfect world as long as you agree with them and their opinions,politics,religion etc. Everybody needs to lighten up and just get along and be nice

So how do you "get along" with someone you completely disagree with? Who does everything opposite of what you believe to be "right"? It's a "perfect world" when everyone DOES agree.

[redwitch]

So how do you "get along" with someone you completely disagree with? Who does everything opposite of what you believe to be "right"? It's a "perfect world" when everyone DOES agree.

I enjoy discoursing with friends who have different beliefs from me. We're all unique individuals and should be cherished as such. You don't have to agree to enjoy someone's company. Remember, opposites do attract!

[graciegirl]

So how do you "get along" with someone you completely disagree with? Who does everything opposite of what you believe to be "right"? It's a "perfect world" when everyone DOES agree.


There is a very old parable of the prodigal son that kind of covers this stuff for me.

I don't do it all the time, but I try.

To err is human, to forgive, divine.

Twice I have said that this very morning.

I am NOT very religious. I am very trying.

[donb9006]

I enjoy discoursing with friends who have different beliefs from me. We're all unique individuals and should be cherished as such. You don't have to agree to enjoy someone's company. Remember, opposites do attract!

For trivial matters, disagreement is fine...but not when it comes to values, morals, etc. it's not. It's repulsive.

For example: One is law abiding, the other a criminal. One is a religious fanatic, the other an atheist or another religions fanatic. One is conservative, the other believes in entitlements. One believes in monogamy and family, the other has children with multiple fathers. One is a teetotaler, the other a lush.

Opposites attract when each brings something POSITIVE to the relationship. But basically people in a relationship...a healthy one...agree on most things...the important things. Do you hang out with thugs? criminals? alcoholics? cruel people? liars? cheats? Why not? You say opposites attract... No, opposites don't attract...

The villages is what it is because we're basically in agreement with each other. Like minded people get along better.

[rubicon]

It would seem that someone intent on having a good time at the square would not want to baby sit their dog. it would seem logical that someone who is considerate would not want to bother people with concern that a dog is sniffing at their feet, tripping over a leash, hearing constant barking and or concerned that they may step on a dog mine.

I too enjoy watching line dancers. However I also want to participate but it seems the line dancers crowd the floor almost all evening.

We could go on but this subject boils down to two basic sort of people and that is those who are considerate and those who only are concerned about their self interests.

[ilovetv]

I enjoy discoursing with friends who have different beliefs from me. We're all unique individuals and should be cherished as such. You don't have to agree to enjoy someone's company. Remember, opposites do attract!

That works well....until one brands the other as a "hater" or "racist" for saying they disagree with somebody whose values and ideology they see as pernicious and insidious to society.

per�ni�cious adjective \pər-ˈni-shəs\
: causing great harm or damage often in a way that is not easily seen or noticed

in�sid�i�ous adjective \in-ˈsi-dē-əs\
a : awaiting a chance to entrap : treacherous
b : harmful but enticing : seductive <insidious drugs>
2a : having a gradual and cumulative effect

[redwitch]

There are opposites and there are those that you could never be around -- huge difference. I have one bigotry -- I hate, loathe and despise bigots. I do not tolerate them in my presence. I do not insist they leave, I leave. They have a right to their opinions; I have the right to want to hear them. I have as little chance of changing their mind as they do mine. But, I'll say it again -- unless it is in my home, I would never demand they leave an area just because I don't like them. The same goes with snake handlers, dog lovers, cigar smokers and cigarette smokers -- so long as they follow the laws and rules of an area, do not deliberately put their pets or others in harm's way, smoke where proscribed -- which was the point of my starting this thread. Just because you don't like something or even are afraid of something doesn't give you the right to demand another be removed for your comfort.

Now, if we could have people removed just 'cause, I'd probably start with everyone wearing too much scent (perfume, aftershave, body lotions, shampoo, etc.), then bad toupees, combovers, big hair, women in their 50s and up dressed as if they were in their teens and early twenties, black socks with sandals, loud drunks in Hawaiian shirts .... Would make for a pretty boring town square, don't you think, but it would remove a lot of folks with very bad fashion sense.

[graciegirl]

Santa is watching.

And listening.

I believe.

[dillywho]

There are opposites and there are those that you could never be around -- huge difference. I have one bigotry -- I hate, loathe and despise bigots. I do not tolerate them in my presence. I do not insist they leave, I leave. They have a right to their opinions; I have the right to want to hear them. I have as little chance of changing their mind as they do mine. But, I'll say it again -- unless it is in my home, I would never demand they leave an area just because I don't like them. The same goes with snake handlers, dog lovers, cigar smokers and cigarette smokers -- so long as they follow the laws and rules of an area, do not deliberately put their pets or others in harm's way, smoke where proscribed -- which was the point of my starting this thread. Just because you don't like something or even are afraid of something doesn't give you the right to demand another be removed for your comfort.

Now, if we could have people removed just 'cause, I'd probably start with everyone wearing too much scent (perfume, aftershave, body lotions, shampoo, etc.), then bad toupees, combovers, big hair, women in their 50s and up dressed as if they were in their teens and early twenties, black socks with sandals, loud drunks in Hawaiian shirts .... Would make for a pretty boring town square, don't you think, but it would remove a lot of folks with very bad fashion sense.

And, there are 3 squares from which to choose. Anyone who doesn't like the company at one can always try another. If that doesn't work, do something else. There is plenty of "stuff" to do here.

[Bosoxfan]

There are opposites and there are those that you could never be around -- huge difference. I have one bigotry -- I hate, loathe and despise bigots. I do not tolerate them in my presence. I do not insist they leave, I leave. They have a right to their opinions; I have the right to want to hear them. I have as little chance of changing their mind as they do mine. But, I'll say it again -- unless it is in my home, I would never demand they leave an area just because I don't like them. The same goes with snake handlers, dog lovers, cigar smokers and cigarette smokers -- so long as they follow the laws and rules of an area, do not deliberately put their pets or others in harm's way, smoke where proscribed -- which was the point of my starting this thread. [:BigApplause:

Now, if we could have people removed just 'cause, I'd probably start with everyone wearing too much scent (perfume, aftershave, body lotions, shampoo, etc.), then bad toupees, combovers, big hair, women in their 50s and up dressed as if they were in their teens and early twenties, black socks with sandals, loud drunks in Hawaiian shirts .... Would make for a pretty boring town square, don't you think, but it would remove a lot of folks with very bad fashion sense.

This is the best post I've seen .People trying to control others for their own comforts are the problem.Live & let live !

[ilovetv]

This is the best post I've seen .People trying to control others for their own comforts are the problem.Live & let live !

And then there's this thing called "Public Safety".

[smcgirl]

I laughed, then squinted my eyes in hopes that someone didnt want to add NO ELDERLY in the square. Come one, come all..we will all get over it. (most of us)

[Pepperhead]

Appreciate what you have in your square. I took this pic by Jackson Square in NOLA. His hands are cuffed behind his back. The cop told me to quit embarrassing the guy.

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/392600_2411619731214_1280353984_n.jpg

[murray607]

Appreciate what you have in your square. I took this pic by Jackson Square in NOLA. His hands are cuffed behind his back. The cop told me to quit embarrassing the guy.

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/392600_2411619731214_1280353984_n.jpg

OMG it's cousin Bill, I wondered where he got to. I was going to invite him to spend the Holidays with us. Maybe I will bring him to Paddock Square along with his pet Tarantula.

[Patty55]

So how do you "get along" with someone you completely disagree with? Who does everything opposite of what you believe to be "right"? It's a "perfect world" when everyone DOES agree.

I've learned to deal with it. I pretend to listen, then say "WHATEVER" and as I walk away mumble "Moron". It doesn't make for a perfect world but hey, it works for me.

[CFrance]

There are opposites and there are those that you could never be around -- huge difference. I have one bigotry -- I hate, loathe and despise bigots. I do not tolerate them in my presence. I do not insist they leave, I leave. They have a right to their opinions; I have the right to want to hear them. I have as little chance of changing their mind as they do mine. But, I'll say it again -- unless it is in my home, I would never demand they leave an area just because I don't like them. The same goes with snake handlers, dog lovers, cigar smokers and cigarette smokers -- so long as they follow the laws and rules of an area, do not deliberately put their pets or others in harm's way, smoke where proscribed -- which was the point of my starting this thread. Just because you don't like something or even are afraid of something doesn't give you the right to demand another be removed for your comfort.

Now, if we could have people removed just 'cause, I'd probably start with everyone wearing too much scent (perfume, aftershave, body lotions, shampoo, etc.), then bad toupees, combovers, big hair, women in their 50s and up dressed as if they were in their teens and early twenties, black socks with sandals, loud drunks in Hawaiian shirts .... Would make for a pretty boring town square, don't you think, but it would remove a lot of folks with very bad fashion sense.

This is the best post I've seen .People trying to control others for their own comforts are the problem.Live & let live !

And yours is the second-best, Bosoxfan.