Why do smokers think it is OK to flick cigarettes out of their windows?

[YellowRubberDuckie]

It is very dry in Oklahoma right now, but I'm still seeing morons flicking cigarettes out of their car windows. The act alone is littering and gross, but when it's this dry, they are also arsonists. :wtf:
I do not understand this behavior. And it's not just people in their cars. The last time we went to a state park, the creek banks were full of cigarettes. It's disgusting and hideous!
What makes people this inconsiderate and disgusting?
Duckie

[boston bean]

1. because the anti smoking nazi's made it so cars don't have ash trays anymore. nt

[YellowRubberDuckie]

9. That still doesn't make it ok...

Smoking is disgusting and harmful to you and those around you. I have never understood why people would put something that disgusting in their mouths...

[Paradoxical]

38. Gross oversimplification of the dynamics between smoking and psychology.

I am constantly quitting and picking up smoking again. It relates to my level of stress and depression.

Smoking when I'm stressed or depressed helps me feel better.

[MedicalAdmin]

Granted and well understood in the medical literature.

You are addicted. Which is something you will figure out or not according to your own desires and needs. If you need help...

However I also notice cig butts and they are really gross. Kinda like cat poop. And I don't think that we can say that just because someone smokes that they shouldn't pick up their own damn mess. We are not your mother, dammit. *sticks out tongue*

[Paradoxical]

69. I don't dump butts unless there is no other option at the time.

I will either use an ash tray or put the butt out on the ground and toss it in the trash.

But, very rarely, I drive and smoke and the car has no ash tray. I've just never even thought about the idea of getting an aftermarket ash tray.

I'm less angry about the disdain towards dumping butts and a lot more pissed off that people consider me a lesser human being because I smoke.

[MedicalAdmin]

109. I don't think less of you.

You stated that you smoke because you have some mental issues at time. Hell - who doesn't?

And I'm gonna guess that you are going to go and get one of those after market ashtrays. My mom was a smoker and a great lady - she just had real bad pain and stress and they helped with that. She had this after market ashtray that folded up when not used to the size of a pack of gum. Maybe something like that would work for you?

[Aerows]

204. I have severe shoulder pain, and yes, smoking helps

But I've switched to ecigarettes on advice from this forum. Huge difference in health consequences.

[Jamastiene]

254. Doral had ashtrays as rewards for a long time.

They do fit in your pocket. They are basically foil pouches that you can snuff your butts in and then dump in the trash later.

[Aerows]

203. e-cigs

People just hate smokers. I have an e-cig in my mouth at the moment and no one can smell it. I'd never smoke in the house otherwise.

[MedicalAdmin]

215. I don't hate smokers.

I hate smoke for well thought out and documented reasons. And I hate people who ignore the reams of research on primary and secondary smokes effects on health and decide to blow that shit in my direction anyway. These people are, in my expereience, few and far between. But an asshat is an asshat. If that's not you then thank you.

It sounds like you are trying to deal with your addiction and are doing so with grace. And I appreciate that. It's the poopy heads who blow smoke at others, litter, and actively try to be annoying who I don't like. And my guess is that is true of most people.

[Jamastiene]

253. Cheap solution

Take out the drink and put one of these ashtrays in there instead.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CAR-AUTO-ASHTRAY-FITS-CUP-HOLDER-SMOKE-YOUR-CAR-/130454889199?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item1e5fb7a2ef


I, too, despise the utter disdain directed at us. What always puts things into perspective for me when the anti-smoking zealots are nagging is to go re-read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-tobacco_movement_in_Nazi_Germany

It is really amazing how similar the tactics are. I would much rather be a smoker than be like that.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

144. I watched my father and mother both struggle with it...

And my sister smoked while pregnant. It's repugnant. Smoking when you are stressed or depressed to make yourself feel better is a psychosomatic reaction. The cigarettes stimulates the dopamine maker in your brain. Classic addiction.

[Paradoxical]

146. I never said it wasn't an addiction. In fact, I am admitting it's an addiction.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

148. Maybe seek help?

Most states are giving away quitting aids for free these days. :shrug:

[Paradoxical]

149. You don't think I've tried help?

It's not a miracle cure.

[JonLP24]

153. Went through patches and lozenges

with no luck myself. I'm currently using e-cigarettes and don't have any urges to smoke like I did with patches and lozenges. Not sure what I'll do if Arizona ever bans them though I haven't seen anything that they are leaning that way like other states have gotten started down that road.

Nicotine is high on the dependence chart for psychoactive drugs. Only below Heroin in that regard.

[eShirl]

140. (obligatory "That's What She Said" reply)

That's what she said.

[Tx4obama]

170. If you don't 'understand', then perhaps you should refrain from bashing smokers. n/t

[YellowRubberDuckie]

180. I'll probably end up with lung cancer because of my parents.

They were alcoholics too. I'll bash smokers if I want. I will never understand how something like that is more important than your kids or their well-being. It is selfish.

[ZombieHorde]

201. "I have never understood why people would put something that disgusting in their mouths..."

That is what I tell all of my lovers.

edit: hehe

[Pithlet]

12. Wait. So there's a law that says carmakers can't put them in there?

Oh, but there isn't. Hmmm. And some cars still do, with more as an option! It's true. So, how did those anti smoking nazis do that then?

[Warren DeMontague]

14. Yes, we took them out so we could make room for all the misplaced apostrophes.

So that's smoking AND grammar Nazi, to you.

[Codeine]

47. He had to put the apostrophe in to make up for the hyphen he left out.

Maintains the proper feng shui of the sentence.

[PeaceNikki]

118. lolz

:D

[cleanhippie]

134. Good one!

[ElsewheresDaughter]

22. this is true...but you can buy an auto ashtray at any auto parts store for $10

[Tesha]

25. That excuse might amount to something if cigarette flicking hadn't been going on...

...for decades and decades.

Mostly it appears to be that they just don't
give a shit and it saves emptying the ash trays.

Tesha

[Name removed]

31. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Paradoxical]

40. "Smokers are pigs who honestly don't care at all about others." - uhhh thanks?

:shrug:

[davidthegnome]

75. Wow

That's quite a statement there. The level of ignorance contained within impresses even me.

[juajen]

79. You're painting with a broad brush.

I used to smoke and am very glad that I have managed to quit, though it was extremely difficult. I never put a cigarette butt anywhere but in the garbage. I had a portable ashtray in my purse and used it any time I smoked outside. It encapsulated all butts for future disposal. I hate seeing butts all over the ground; but, I believe we used to take care of that problem pretty well with the huge sand-filled common ashtrays that were everywhere. It was easy to clean them and they kept the butts off the ground, flower beds, etc. that are used by so many careless and uncaring smokers. I also never smoked in anyone's home unless invited to do so. As for throwing cigarettes out the window of a moving or unmoving vehicle, this is just stupid, and I didn't do it. Just remember, that some smokers, are not all smokers.

[SheilaT]

174. I am always amazed that anytime

someone brings up things like this -- tossing lit cigarettes out a car window for example -- every single smoker denies ever doing any such thing.

So where the hell do all the cigarett butts come from? Are they transported somehow from some other universe? I myself am yet to meet a smoker who truly never tosses a cigarette.

[AmyDeLune]

186. They come from ashtrays in an alternate universe...

in that universe, they find scads of mismatched extra socks in their clothes dryers.

[Name removed]

193. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Jamastiene]

255. Never have. Never will. n/t

[SDuderstadt]

43. "anti-smoking nazis"?

Please.

[Codeine]

48. Nicorette macht frei. nt

[Maru Kitteh]

141. I enjoy your sense of optimism, Codeine.

:rofl:

[EOTE]

194. I laughed.

And then I cried. Too early?

[louslobbs]

221. Same here Codeine lol, I look forward to your posts which always seem to break up the rhythm and

make me smile or laugh out loud. Thanks.
Lou

[Codeine]

247. Wow.

I had the impression nobody could stand me. I guess just almost nobody can stand me! Much better! :hi:

[Darth_Kitten]

211. Yeah, quite sad. Seems like it's the Smoking Nazis causing the problems

:D

[LiberalEsto]

64. Nonsense

They've been flicking cigarette butts out car windows as long as I can remember, and I'm nearly 60.

[SDuderstadt]

67. "First, they came for the...

smokers, but I was not a smoker, so I did not speak up"

[YellowRubberDuckie]

124. OH PTHHTHTHTHHHTHTH

That was a raspberry by the way. Tongue full out and spit flying.

[SDuderstadt]

132. "First, they came for the...

raspberries, but I was not a raspberry, so I did not speak up".

[YellowRubberDuckie]

145. You seriously made me...

:rofl:

[SDuderstadt]

152. "First, they came for the...

the laughers, but I was not a laugher, so I did not speak up".

[SidDithers]

97. And that makes it OK to pollute the world with filthy butts?...

Apparently, smokers are selfish idiots, incapable of coming up with a good answer to the question "What should I do with this piece of garbage?" on their own.

Sid

[snooper2]

121. Doesn't that just get your goat..

like people who don't smoke won't continue to use them for change

[Arugula Latte]

130. So that gives you license to litter?

Pathetic.

[cleanhippie]

131. Please. Ashtrays are 1.25 at wal-mart.

There are ashtrays for every application, including one that can be carried in your pocket.

[SDuderstadt]

135. Agreed wholeheartedly n/t

[cleanhippie]

151. No f-ing way!

You agreed with ME?!?!?!?


:toast:

[SDuderstadt]

154. Yep...

I'm pretty sure I have before.

[cleanhippie]

162. I know. Just messing.

We have had some hard disagreements though. Just playing, no worries.

[SDuderstadt]

164. Hard disagreements are...

good.

[cleanhippie]

175. Agreed.

Hey, two for two!

[SDuderstadt]

178. When you're right...

you're right.

[11 Bravo]

181. Then put it out in your fucking ear! Do NOT flick it into a potential tinderbox!

(And I say this as a 30 year smoker who only stopped when cancer intervened 14 years ago. I'm clean now, and haven't lit up for over a decade, but I would still LOVE a cigarette!)

[WatsonT]

189. My car didn't come with a built in trashcan

But I don't throw garbage out the window as a result of that.

[Darth_Kitten]

210. Making excuses for the selfish, careless Smoking Nazis are we?

:eyes:

[WI_DEM]

241. Oh come on! All my life (even before smoking Nazi's) smokers have thrown their butts out the window

of cars. This is nothing new!

[LooseWilly]

244. Hehe... and in response we smokers have declared the WORLD our ashtray...

Well... technically I'm not a smoker anymore, but the world is still my ashtray. ;)

(It is crazy to me that non-smokers can treat smokers so awfully and then be horrified that smokers cope.)

[Jamastiene]

256. And they wonder why we smoke.

Smoking helps us resist the urge to choke the living shit out of some jerk who desperately deserves it. It relieves the stress. Stress is evil...that shit can kill you.

[LooseWilly]

265. My biggest worry about quitting...

that I won't be able to turn to a cigarette to resist the urge to choke the life out of some self-righteous asshole... especially a self-righteous lecturer about the evils of smoking... someone on a crusade because they suffered (Ohh... but I experienced pain so I will stomp all over your freedoms).

Shit, I better shut up, or I'm gonna need a cigarette to calm my shit down... fucking people—the worst.

[emulatorloo]

2. Democrats use ashtrays. Republicans think the world is their ashtray

EOM

[Common Sense Party]

8. So no Democrat has ever flipped a butt on the ground?

You're quite certain of that?

[emulatorloo]

15. Of course not, I was speaking generally.

[Common Sense Party]

23. Generally speaking, I don't think politics have anything to do with it.

Generally speaking, I think most smokers litter and could care less, regardless of ideology.

[emulatorloo]

27. In general Democrats have more interest in the environment than Republicans do

Additionally everything out of the Republican house makes be feel like I am suffocating under a mound of careless littering.

At any rate my statement was more along the lines of observational humor than an assertion of absolute fact.

[louslobbs]

222. My sister is a Democrat and flips those butts everywhere, I've stopped saying anything, but if I'm

around, I'll pick them up when I see her do it. She's been getting better lately and has specific areas where she will smash and twist the butt into the ground and leave it there that way. I have a special ash tray in each of my homes, that I bring out when she comes over, because she knows the rules in my home don't allow smoking indoors, or flicking butts around my property. I'd also like her to stop smoking because I'd like to have more time on this earth with her, without her getting one of the many cancers or other diseases that smoking can cause. I hope she stops, but if she doesn't, if she can't, it's her choice and I love her ......and I'll pick up those nasty butts (with lipstick on them) anytime I see her "flick" one. The good thing is, she doesn't flick them out of her car, this would be especially dangerous since the hills in Hollywood can become very dry and fires can start quickly from a small, un-extinguished butt. Also, it's illegal to do that here. One final thing, I would give or do anything for her, and because I love her, the only thing I will not do, is buy her a pack of cigarettes.

Lou

[Bonhomme Richard]

3. Only dumb smokers. n/t

[MedicalAdmin]

70. Great quote. Thanks for that.

"Hold your ground! .. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. But it is not this day! This day we fight! , I bid you stand.* Aragorn

[louslobbs]

223. You know, my sister is not dumb, she's brilliant actually, I think of her as inconsiderate and

and at times, disrespectful of others. I'm hoping our constant conversations will help her to break through this issue and help her to break the habit. I won't hold my breath though, and I will love her always.
Lou

[phantom power]

I've never understood that. Especially since I don't think smokers are litterers in general.

[Codeine]

52. I clean my store's parking lot daily.

The vast, VAST majority of what I sweep up is filthy cigarette butts. Smokers are litterers, period.

[davidthegnome]

77. Well, at least you've got a very broad brush

to sweep with.

[calimary]

94. Oh yeah? I think they are! Did you ever have to sweep up all kinds of discarded

cigarette butts all over the place? Ever step on one that wasn't fully extinguished, but some thoughtless blockhead just left on the ground?

To answer the OP's question, I'd say: "because they're thoughtless, selfish assholes."

Hey, I've spent too much of my life...

1) choking and wheezing from my mother's chain-smoking,
2) nearly blinded from struggling with bad-fitting contact lenses that were made more uncomfortable because of all the cigarette smoke in my face all the time,
3) watching my mother die a slow awful death because of what those years of smoking did to her already bad heart,
4) living most of my life in canyon areas that were and still are dry as kindling,
5) watching our beautiful wildernesses and forest areas burn uncontrolled - because of a negligent cigarette tossed out a car window on a windy canyon road - AND the devastation, homelessness, injury, and death that follows, AND if the fires didn't kill you in the fall, the mudslides on those burnt-out hillsides would, later on, when heavy rains came in the winter and early spring - not to mention what that all costs us taxpayers,
6) watching the house burn on the hillside above ours, because the old widower in there had been smoking in bed (he died in the fire),
7) stepping on and stepping around cigarette butts discarded on the beach, on the sidewalks, practically everywhere you look,
8) trying to keep my children from stepping on cigarette butts discarded on the beach and sidewalks and practically everywhere you look,
9) attending too many funerals for parents of friends, and now friends too, from lung cancer and smoking-related diseases,
10) watching my best friend suffer as she had to watch her mother die slowly of emphysema (her mom was my mother's best friend - and yeah, they chain-smoked together), and
11) watch my friend lose her own teen years because she basically had to take over and be the mom for that family, including four younger siblings, while the emphysema turned her mom into a suffering, agonized invalid - until it finally killed her.

Sorry. Call me cruel. Fine. Even so, I'm not half as cruel as cigarette smoking is.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

128. I watched my dad die.

He struggled to breathe, and it was heart breaking.
My sweet mother in law quit twelve years ago, only to get a very aggressive form of lung cancer two years ago. She died a painful death. Too painful for such a beautiful person.
:hug: Been there.

[calimary]

159. Sorry to hear that. It was No Fun.

And some of me wonders, to this day, how much second-hand smoke did I breathe in? And how much has that shortened my own life? I was breathing it night and day. Hell, I'd breathe it if I got a dish sponge too close to my nose while bent over the kitchen sink every Friday night when I was little and that was my job (to clean up the dishes on Friday nights). I think that put me off smoking for good - one breath taken too close to that dirty dish sponge - after I'd wiped my mom's ashtray out with it. OMG! :puke: !!!!!!! Worst smell on the face of the earth!!!! Only took that ONE time and I was disgusted FOR LIFE.

My sympathies about your mother-in-law. The friend I spoke with started at our school in the 5th grade and we were instant friends. And my mom liked her mom a lot so there was that story. And I can remember marveling when she'd come over to see my mom and hang out for awhile and they'd sit down on the sofa and talk with their coffee and their packs of cigarettes, and it was an endless chain. They never took a break. As soon as they'd smoke one cigarette down to the filter, they'd stubb it out and IMMEDIATELY light up the next one. Neither of 'em missed a beat on that routine.

I remember back even farther when my mom would be on the phone, smoking as usual. She'd talk and talk with that cigarette in her fingers and she'd puff now and then and the ash on the tip would grow longer and longer. And sometimes it'd fall when she wasn't paying attention and there'd be ashes on the floor or whatever piece of furniture the ashes fell on. I developed a habit of speaking up about it: "Long Ash!" Every time I'd see it get more than a half-inch or so on the end of the cigarette, to remind her to ash it in an ashtray. She'd be too busy on the phone or doing something else. Always amazed me, watching that behavior. Even as a little kid.

My mother quit smoking several times, but finally made it stick after her heart started giving her problems. Then she had some really major and at the time experimental heart surgery to make her abnormally enlarged heart smaller, and it gave her another 17 years. But the damage had been done.

Cigarettes are FUCKED. I wish NO ONE smoked them!!! I wish they didn't exist! I wouldn't even wish them on republi-CONS.

[Little Star]

209. Couldn't have been any worse than me, watching my father....

die from cirrhosis of the liver from the disgusting/marriage wrecking/family physical and verbal abuse/car accident maiming & killing booze that no one wants to take off the market.

Poor you!

My fathers death was agony for him and very painful to watch. Alcohol kills those who consume it and it also kills some that don't consume it.

Nothing pisses me of more than control freaks.

We are all going to die from something and in reality, smoking & drinking are just 'the two things' that make authoritarian people feel superior when complaining about them.

It really comes down to "aren't I just sooo great".

Such people need to get a life!

[YellowRubberDuckie]

246. He was an alcoholic too...

...my life wasn't all roses and peaches. Jesus. What the fuck?

[Little Star]

248. Aren't you the one who said all the pain because his death was caused by smoking?

I was just telling you that alcohol is what caused "my" pain when watching my father die from it.

Neither of us have the right to think any one addiction causes more or less suffering than the other.

"What the fuck" is, that my hatred of alcohol is no less valid than yours is of cigarettes.

I never see thread after thread about how bad alcohol is. Why is that?

Cigarette smoking threads are like the latest "cool kid" subject. I'm better than a smoker, nah,nah,nah,na!

Your thread was insulting and avoided mentioning other just as disgusting habits, like drinking.

The smell of wine or beer is enough to make me puke. And a persons breath after imbibing ain't so sweet to smell either.

I've just had it with the smoking nazi's!!

[YellowRubberDuckie]

251. The way you said it....

...it sounded like my suffering and abuse was invalid because you watched your dad die of alcoholism. We had wild fires in Oklahoma City Metro area years and it was the topic. I can start a drunken driving thread if you want and tell you how my sister was killed by a drunk driver when she was 9 months pregnant or how my friend was killed by a drunk driver who got on a 4 lane highway going the wrong way with his lights off. Wah Wah for you. So you lost your dad to alcoholism. Suck it up. I've lived a tragic life watching far too many of my loved ones die violently or tragically. If you want to have a tragedy off, I'll win.
I wasn't talking about anything other than what was going on yesterday and observations from yesterday.
Duckie

[mike_c]

4. only fools do that out here, at least during summer....

Lots of fires start that way!

[NCarolinawoman]

163. Several fires were started that way in my area.

Literally, suburbia was burning--yards, gardens, golf courses. People were using garden hoses to defend their homes.

All because some foolish idiot threw butts out the window on a dry and windy day.

Also, a woodland fire was started--began at the highway's edge. :mad:

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Ashtrays solve this problem

[RayOfHope]

18. So does an empty soda can. Not having built in ashtrays is zero excuse

[blueamy66]

26. yep

cars have cup holders now....put an empty cup or a soda can in that cup holder and VOILA, you've got an ashtray!

[Occulus]

206. M'kay. Where does the empty soda can go in this picture?

For that matter, where does one put your portable ashtray?

Design matters. The more I Googled images of 2011 auto dashboards and interiors, the less impressed I became with the glut of touch and voice "apps" and the dearth of personal conveniences, such as cupholders. Not having a secure place to put something portable but potentially hazardous (like a hot drink or a hotter coal) is just trouble waiting to happen IMO.

[polmaven]

233. I'm looking at the door

and there seems to be room at the control area, or - what is that space near the bottom of the door? I really can't make that out.

[LynneSin]

242. Call me silly - but why buy a car if it doesn't have the things you need

I just recently bought a used car last year. I was pretty much open to any car that got about 20-25MPG (I live in the city) that was 4-doors and a bit compact. But there were a few oddities that was 'must have' and if they didn't have them I didn't buy that car. First, I like to play my MP3 player when I drive so having just a CD player was not an option. I've used those FM converters for the ipods and if you live in the city they pretty much suck (you tend to still pick up other channels). So the car needed either an Aux Cable outlet or a cassette player. I turned down a really nice VW because it was CD only - the sales person was shocked but I told him I didn't want a car where I'd have to rip out the CD player so I could spend another $200 putting in what I wanted.

I also live in a narrow street and since buying my house I had to replace my sideview mirrors 3 times. I couldn't turn in the side-views on my old corolla. Another sales person was shocked that I would turn down a really nice Toyota he had because the sideview mirrors didn't turn-in. But seriously, I was tired of paying $100 for each time they were hit.

I ended up with a Suburu that had both of the things I wanted and I love my car.

Point of the story is this - if I smoked then I would make sure that I bought a car that had the things I needed to make smoking enjoyable which is either an ashtray or a cupholder where I could put my own ashtray. It's not like that photo you showed us is the only car out there on the market.

[blueamy66]

267. You nailed it.

nt

[Common Sense Party]

6. Because they're a-holes.

Not all smokers are. Just the butt-flippers.

[Jamastiene]

257. Agreed. n/t

[randr]

7. Having been a smoker for a part of my life, a long past part

I must confess, I had as little regard for the property of others as I did for my own body.

[louslobbs]

224. Wow, someone who takes ownership in their past shit, thank you randr, you have my respect and I'm

glad you found a way to stop so that your family and friends might have you around a little longer.
Lou

[phleshdef]

10. When I smoked, I always pinched the remaining tobacco out and stuck the filter part back in my pack.

I never understood why many other smokers couldn't practice this simple but efficient means of not trashing up the planet while entertaining a bad habit.

[justabob]

74. me either

whether your method, or tucking into the cello around the pack or an ashbag/butt bag/portable ashtray..... or one's pocket. The possibilities are endless.

[TK421]

171. weird...I thought I was the only one that did that

here too! I'll just knock the cherry off and when I get home its about a half pack of butts

[luvspeas]

11. FLASHBACK!

I remember my dad flicking cigs out the window and every now and then one would fly back into the back seat. I adored my 4 pack a day chain smoking dad and I wish there was something we could have done to stop his habit.

Cigarette filters take forever to disintegrate. Texas had some great PSA's about this.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

13. My dad was too...

...and it killed him. I would give anything to have my dad back. Fucking cigarettes and his horrible willpower.

[luvspeas]

16. my dad wheezed and coughed his last ten years of his life miserable...

I hated to watch it, yeah another stubborn mf.

[MedicalAdmin]

72. Where do you think the "don't mess with Texas" slogan came from?

It was an anti-littering PSA.

[Pryderi]

17. They don't want their cars smelling like ashtrays. n/t

[ElsewheresDaughter]

24. wrong...they don't make ashtrays in cars anymore

[Tesha]

33. Ashtrays are still an option; they're just not very popular anymore. (NT)

[Scout]

54. so take some responsibility for your nasty habit and buy an ashtray

jeez :eyes:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

60. you better read upstream my post #22 before you get so nasty, scout!

[Scout]

192. what was nasty?

jeez

ETA: i STILL don't see anything nasty in my post, after re-reading it and yours. thin skin perhaps?

[Codeine]

56. Almost any car can be purchased with one.

Failing that, you can get one that fits in a drink holder from Kragen or Autozone for a pittance.

[newfie11]

19. had the same problem in SD

Black Hills with tourists. It is extremity frustrating

[ElsewheresDaughter]

20. It's not okay...I hate it I hate to see butts on the ground anywhere..and I am a smoker

[Jamastiene]

258. Same here.

It doesn't take that much time to snub it out and look for a trash can later.

[lunatica]

21. Broad brush there.

Smokers aren't some separate specie.

I smoked for 30 years and never once flicked my cigarette out the car window.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

28. Obviously I didn't say ALL smokers...

...but most I've seen, here in Oklahoma anyway, think that it is OK.
Sometimes I think they ARE a separate species, though. Most of the ones around here give no thought to anyone else when performing this disgusting habit.

[AndyTiedye]

29. I Loved the Bit With That in the Movie "Airplane"

They guy is walking up the stairs to the control tower and flings his burning cigarette out the window,
and we see everybody else cover their ears. Sure enough, a second later, there's a huge BOOM!

[Logical]

30. A really unthoughtful thing and totally rude. No manors from these people.

[Ghost in the Machine]

45. Maybe they would have better manners if they lived in manors?

:shrug:

Welcome to DU :hi:

[Logical]

168. LOL....good one. I deserved that! :-) Thanks!

[Logical]

173. LOL....good one. I deserved that! :-) Thanks!

[sad sally]

32. same rational as those who throw trash out their window

it ain't their problem - didn't you know Mother Earth has arms and can remove all the crap we throw on her - NOT!

[SidDithers]

115. People have to throw trash out their windows...

'cause they don't sell cars with trash containers.

Sid

[blondeatlast]

142. Geez, of course. Litterers don't cause litter, Detroit and Tokyo do.

BTW, you win the thrread for that response.

[louslobbs]

225. lol........thanks Sid

Lou

[TheCowsCameHome]

34. Man up. Swallow them.

Show 'em what a real smoker can do.

[louslobbs]

226. lol, i just broke out laughing lol, I just find that so funny...............Lou

[louslobbs]

227. Has anyone ever had a person in front of them flick it out their window and it comes into yours?

That really pisses me off.
Lou

[ElsewheresDaughter]

266. it is a $500 fine here in NY and NJ for flicking ciggy butts and they do catch you...I have seen it

[Shagbark Hickory]

35. I think more than anything, people think (incorrectly) that they will biodegrade quickly.

Cigarettes take a relatively long time to break down. Those filters seem to last for a couple of years on the ground in an undisturbed area.

The fact is there's nobody to clean up our messes and these do collect in natural areas.

[ieoeja]

232. I've heard smokers actually make the argument that they biodegrade within two weeks.

They must not see the huge piles of butts that show up when the snow finally melts.

[Tx4obama]

36. Maybe they are doing it to get back at people that call them morons and....

the people that have reduced them to feeling like criminals by taking away their rights :P

[Paradoxical]

37. When I smoke in the car, I have no ash tray. So I have to flick the butt.

But whenever I'm on the ground, I put the butt out and throw it in the trash.

[blondeatlast]

50. You couldn't improvise? Empty soda can? Buy an ashtray at Pep Boys? nt

[Paradoxical]

61. I guess I don't smoke and drive enough to have considered an aftermarket one.

I literally drive and smoke like maybe 1 or 2 times a month?

I've just never really thought about getting an aftermarket one.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

136. Just because you only do it once or twice a month...

...doesn't make it OK.

[Common Sense Party]

53. What's wrong with an empty soda can? n/t

[Scout]

58. no, you really DON'T have to flick the butt out the window

you're just being lazy and inconsiderate.

[Codeine]

62. So get one.

Or use a cup or can. Don't toss flaming litter from your car.

[Nye Bevan]

205. You "have to flick the butt". What about motorcyclists? Bicyclists?

What if someone is a couple of cars behind you in a convertible?

What if you start a forest fire?

I guess it's more important that you "flick the butt".

[Paradoxical]

250. I have a little more common sense than you are assuming.

I have actually never smoked while I've been driving through any wooded or grass covered area. I would never throw a lit butt out of the window anywhere near combustible materials.

I also make sure that if I have to throw it out, I am not chucking it into the face of anyone behind me. Usually I wait until I'm at a light.

[Ignis]

235. "I have to" Really?

No other option available whatsoever? :shrug:

[justabob]

39. a lot of us don't

for that very reason, among others. There are also a lot of us who would rather put their butt(s) in their pocket than throw it just anywhere, like a creek, or even a parking lot.

[Paradoxical]

42. This is true. I tend to not smoke in the car because I have no ash tray.

And I rarely drive.

[JonLP24]

68. That is true

I would stuff butts in my pockets when I couldn't find a nearby ashtray or trash can. My pants would stink but it is better than leaving a butt that will be there for a long time.

[justabob]

78. indeed

I don't know, but partying in the woods in college trained me well. I never wanted to be the one to burn down the national forest. :D It stuck with me.

[Jamastiene]

259. I always field strip mine and put them in my back left pants pocket...

or my left shorts pocket (no back pockets in my shorts) until I can find a trash can.

[GreenArrow]

41. "Why do SOME smokers think it is OK to flick cigarettes..."

...out the window"?

Some smokers do this; not all of us. I don't like it either. No need to use the broad brush to paint all of us.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

138. If I had meant all, I would have said all...

MOST would have been more appropriate...

[walldude]

243. You listed it as SMOKERS, not some not most

SMOKERS. And then I had to read about how smokers are scumbags, assholes and disgusting pigs.


I have a can in my car for butts. And when I'm outdoors where there isn't a single fucking ashtray left thanks to holier than thou jerks like you I have to crush it out and keep it in my pocket till I find a trash can.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

245. I'm holier than thou because I don't like stinky, smoky air?

And I never called anyone assholes, scumbags or disgusting pigs, although a lot of the smokers I know have no regard for anyone but themselves and their nasty habit.
Maybe you're one of the nice, considerate ones. Pardon my surprise. There are so few of you.
Duckie

[sailor65]

44. Because they're selfish scumbags

with no regard....

Can't tell you how many of those cigarettes tossed by the filth have landed on my jacket or bounced off me on my motorcycle.

[Paradoxical]

46. Okay, I ride a motorcycle and I smoke. And what you said was totally rude.

I very rarely drive a car. And when I drive I tend not to smoke. But sometimes I do have a cigarette and my car has no ash tray. So I have to flick them out the window. I make sure not to throw them in the face of other drivers or riders.

[sailor65]

49. You don't "Have to" anything

you CHOOSE to do the wrong thing for your own convenience.

Nice try though

[SDuderstadt]

51. So, get an ashtray n/t

[Common Sense Party]

57. It was NOT "totally rude." It was totally right.

Rude is flicking your butt where it doesn't belong.

[Paradoxical]

63. No, rude is calling other DUers scumbags.

That was rude.

[sailor65]

66. People like you

regularly put my safety at risk on the road, and without any remorse whatsoever.

Rude? Spare me.

[Paradoxical]

73. I ride over 1000 miles a month and have never had a problem with cig butts.

I know what you're saying is bullshit. Especially the part where you are calling people scumbags.

Have I witnessed inconsiderate disposal of butts? Absolutely. But it is not an epidemic. And when I have to dump my butt I throw it in a way that won't allow it to bounce up into anything. Especially if I'm at a light.

[blondeatlast]

80. So you litter and you seem to be okay with that.

There's no nobility in confessing a disgusting habit (the littering) that is also a crime when you have no intention of changing your ways.

[Paradoxical]

83. Never said there was any nobility. I just don't think it's okay to call DUers scumbags.

And even if they aren't DUers, dumping cig butts does not qualify someone as being a "scum bag". That's some very strong rhetoric for a non-malicious action.

I'm currently trying to quit. I haven't driven a car in a month. When I smoke normally, I put the butt out and chuck it in the trash every single time. I will go out of my way to make sure it makes it into the garbage.

[blondeatlast]

Non-malicious? Littering is indeed malicious; it's just easier to remedy than vandalism. nt

[Paradoxical]

90. Chucking 1 or 2 butts a month is not malicious.

By definition, it is not malicious.

[sailor65]

85. Where do you see that I called any particular DUer a name? n/t

[Paradoxical]

87. You called anyone who chucks butts "scumbags".

[sailor65]

92. That couldn't be a DUer

DUers don't throw their trash out onto the world and then rationalize it.....

That's a Republican trait....I couldn't possibly have been referring to a DUer.

[blondeatlast]

91. Somebody did call smokers who do this "scumbags."

Strong, yes--but people with a callous disregard for common decent public behavior (such as those who litter and then excuse their behavior) might be a little thicker-skinned, I would think.

apparently I'd be wrong.

[sailor65]

98. You're right, and it was I....

in reference to those who exhibit this behavior. And I agree with you.

I would not expect a DUer to be someone who would commit, and then rationalize it.

[Name removed]

103. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[in_cog_ni_to]

116. OOPS...wrong place.

deleted

[Jamastiene]

260. Congratulations on not driving for a month.

You just might kick the habit if you can make it just a little while longer without driving. :hide:

This thread needs some humor. :P

[sailor65]

Of course you do

any other story would fail to rationalize your bad behavior.

You throw your burning trash out the window....that's the bottom line.

And if you really were any kind of biker, you wouldn't do it.

Come to think of it, most DUers wouldn't think of throwing their garbage onto the streets period, driving or not.

[Paradoxical]

86. Any kind of biker? Uh I own a bike and commute with it.

I log more miles a week than most riders do in a month. I think I know a few things about what it means to be a rider.

My bike is my only mode of transportation.

Chucking 1 or 2 butts a month out the window is a lot different than chucking trash all over the place. There's a huge difference between the two.

That doesn't mean I'm right in chucking the butts. I've just never even thought about the idea of buying an aftermarket ash tray. I'll look into getting one the next time I drive.

[blondeatlast]

96. "I'll LOOK INTO getting one the next time I drive." For gosh sakes, don't break

a sweat for common decency or anything, m'kay?

[Paradoxical]

99. Yeah because I'm really screwing the community with 1 or 2 butts a month.

Have you no sense of magnitude at all?

[sailor65]

102. The quantity really isn't the issue here....

the attitude that makes your behavior possible in the first place is the problem.

[blondeatlast]

104. I don't fucking care about scale; it's rude and disgusting and your pathetic

excuses for disgusting behavior aren't cutting it with me.

Would you like me to loan you the money? Sheesh--the dollar store has 'em.

"LOOK INTO?" :wow:

[Name removed]

105. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[blondeatlast]

107. You already have; the last time you threw that disgusting, non-biodegradable

thing on the ground.

[sailor65]

101. You'll look into it??

Wow, I hope you won't pull a hamstring or anything.....

[blondeatlast]

76. Yes it was--but so is flinging you garbage at others. I'd

call the physical act ruder than the rhetorical one.

[MedicalAdmin]

81. Reread the post.

The poster didn't call any DUer's that... not specifically. The poster referred to smokers.

[Paradoxical]

88. I smoke. Hence, I am being called a scumbag.

[sailor65]

106. I iddn't call smokers scumbags,

only those who throw their burning garbage out onto our world....

That couldn't possibly be you; after all, you're a DUer! You couldn't have the kind of disdain for our world and for other people that would cause you to do such a thing.

[davidthegnome]

110. No, it was still rude.

You can point out how someone's behavior is wrong and inconsiderate without being insulting or cruel. The "scumbag" comment wasn't right or necessary, at all. Not a good way to argue one's point - not if you really want to convince people to change their behavior.

[Lucinda]

59. You can make an ashtray. You choose not to. n/t

[davidthegnome]

84. Another winner

Come on, tell us how you really feel.

[Octafish]

190. +1

Well said, sailor65. Not a care in the world nor a thought for another being.

[Curmudgeoness]

55. Why do eaters throw their food containers out their windows?

I am a smoker, and I never do this. Not in dry conditions, not in the rain. I do not litter. Period. I am disgusted by the butts I see on the side of the road, as well as all the other shit there. I hate that it gives people another reason to hate us.

And to the smokers who are making excuses that there are no ashtrays in cars anymore, go buy yourself one. I have one of those covered ashtrays that are supposed to keep the smoke inside and smother the butt. There is NO EXCUSE for littering, no matter what it is you are throwing out of a car window.

[Lucinda]

65. And the dirty baby diapers left in shopping carts

Shocks me every time I hear about it.

[MedicalAdmin]

82. I saw a used diaper in the meat section at a grocery store once.

*barf*

[Lucinda]

95. Oh yuck!

People, upon occasion, really suck.
Blech.

[MedicalAdmin]

112. Worse than that in a way...

It wasn't rolled up and there was, er, green brown goo kinda oozing off of it onto the steaks...

*barf again*

[Lucinda]

114. Oh gawd

I really don't understand people sometimes. Who would DO that?

[MedicalAdmin]

Here's the thing.

I have to imagine that the parent had to have whipped junior up on the pile of meat, changed the diaper, and then left it there.

Oh christ, here I go again. *barf*

[Lucinda]

119. Boggles the mind.

There really aren't too many "well it could have happened like this" alternatives to take the edge off. It's just massive ick whichever way you try and turn it. :crazy:

[Curmudgeoness]

127. Oh god, I hate people sometimes. Or, I hate some people all the time.

:puke:

[Dappleganger]

71. Since when does food litter cause forest fires?

My issue with the ciggy butts is their potential to start massive forest fires, especially in an area such as ours (FL) which has been in drought conditions and fires have been threatening lives and homes. Food litter doesn't cause this kind of danger.

[Curmudgeoness]

125. But all litter is thrown by inconsiderate pigs, this is my point. nt

[davidthegnome]

161. So anyone who has ever littered in their life

Is an inconsiderate pig? That's not just a broad brush, you've pretty much just insulted the entire human race.

[Curmudgeoness]

166. I can't recall how long it has been since I threw anything

away just by tossing it where I stood, but I am sure I have before I paid attention. And if and when I did this, I was also an inconsiderate pig and I regret it.

Are you really defending people who litter because it is just more convenient than carrying away with you?

[davidthegnome]

169. Nope

I'm pointing out that we all make mistakes - and while we should be held accountable for them, the insults and broad brush statements do more harm than good (IMO).

I think we all realize that it's wrong - though some of us need to be reminded at times... we don't need to beat over the head. You'll catch more flies with honey than with a stick, is basically what I'm trying to say. I understand the strong sentiment regarding this issue and have some of my own - but can't we attack the person's action rather than the person?

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

218. wrong reply ... n/t

[JonLP24]

89. I agree

It is really bad along the highways in Iraq/Kuwait. Military vehicles traveled down those roads every day with dozens of convoys and people would just toss the trash out of their vehicles all the time. Piles and piles of trash every where. Never seen anything like that. Some or many just don't respect a country that they don't live in.

[Jamastiene]

261. +1000

[riverwalker]

93. $1 cup holder ashtrays at the Dollar store

work great. Also have a little discreet travel ashtray. I have smoked at some awesome places around the world, and left nary a butt.

[Bandit]

100. It is basically a Republican mind set

Fuck everyone else I will do as I please...

[AsahinaKimi]

108. Welcome to dry California

[BlueIris]

111. For the same reason heroin junkies toss their dirty needles wherever they please.

Consideration for others is not a trait commonly found in addicts.

[davidthegnome]

122. Wow

You know, I've known a number of addicts of all kinds. Generally they've been decent people who picked up bad habits, usually as a means of coping with great suffering.

I would argue that point very strongly. Most addicts have a great deal of consideration for others - because you don't become an addict without understanding great suffering, which greatly increases and encourages one's ability to be empathetic, or at least humble.

So many here are painting a very large number of people as pigs, scumbags, selfish assholes, whatever, I've seen it all. I've heard it all before, as an on and off smoker - no matter what I did with the buts, which by the way, always were properly disposed of. You want to encourage people who are suffering? You want to help them get better? I'm all for it, I'm with you. If you want to knock them down though... all you're doing is encouraging the very behavior that is complained about in the OP.

Yeah, throwing a flaming cigarette but out your window is inconsiderate, but so is making another human being feel like a piece of shit. You can argue your point without the broad brush, without the insults.

[JonLP24]

137. +1

Agree with your point, especially first two paragraphs.

[Luminous Animal]

196. +1.

[Jamastiene]

262. +1000000

[flvegan]

113. I dump my car ashtray in the Hooters parking lot.

[JonLP24]

120. !

:rofl:

[YellowRubberDuckie]

143. LOL

I didn't realize Vegans smoked. I thought would completely negate the whole healthy eating thing.

[flvegan]

157. Technically, vegans *can't* smoke (and I don't, for the record)

At least, ethical vegans. Cigarettes were long, long tested on beagles and are still tested on primates. No thanks.

[Codeine]

198. I wish the vegan hipsters in Los Angeles would figure that out. nt

[flvegan]

200. Vegan hipsters in LA.

My brain froze trying to process that.

[Ignis]

238. I save mine up for Olive Garden.

[in_cog_ni_to]

117. It takes cigarette butts 18 months to 10 years to decompose. NO ONE should litter their butts

for that reason alone. They need to be disposed of in a responsible manner. Put them in the garbage. If you don't have an ashtray handy, put it out on the ground and stick it in your pocket or a piece of paper, whatever and wait until it can be thrown in the garbage. Littering is BAD, no matter what it is!

[kentauros]

234. I was wondering if someone would point this out.

Notice how we're the only ones that seem to know it? ;)

If it's still lit when it's tossed out, that should be more than a misdemeanor. How about something on the order of involuntary arson? That seems like an appropriate punishment.

[quinnox]

123. Who knows, sounds like selfish jerks would do that

Smokers need help, and why they are so dumb to take up the habit in the first place I'll never know. :shrug:

[Paradoxical]

126. Ugh. I'm not dumb and I smoke.

Trying to quit but it's not easy.

[quinnox]

129. Fine, let me put it this way

I think its a dumb decision to start to smoke. Its been known for at least 30 years that this is a very harmful habit to a persons health, not to mention to people around the smoker.

[Paradoxical]

133. Nicotine helps me with stress, concentration and depression.

I started smoking when I was suicidally depressed. And it's been a battle on and off for years.

I have always known the risks associated with smoking. Most smokers will tell you the same thing.

[in_cog_ni_to]

139. Paradoxical, you don't have to explain yourself to anti-smokers.

Just ignore their insults. You do what YOU need to do to stay happy. Screw the anti-smoker insults. Seriously. Don't let them get to you.

[Luminous Animal]

197. The combustion engine is a very harmful habit to a persons health, as well.

It's been known for more than 30 years.

[Darth_Kitten]

212. +1

:)

[jp11]

147. Some people are inconsiderate/thoughtless.

I've seen people say they don't want their car to smell like cigarettes, which makes no sense when their clothes, hair, hands, face/mouth all stink like them. Then there is the claim there is no ash tray in the car, and if that was the case wouldn't it be part of smoking to not only buy cigarettes, matches/lighters that you carry around and into the car to maybe bring in a ceramic coffee cup so you could put out your cigarettes in the car?

Too many people are filthy, look around you wherever you go you'll see trash, at the beach, at the park, on the road, in the street. It doesn't take much to not be a litter bug but too many people just don't care or more often don't even think about it.

[IcyPeas]

150. their argument is that it's biodegradable

it pisses me off too.

[BobbyBoring]

155. Most don't

The smokers that do are the same people that will throw a beer can out the window with no thought. Some people are just pigs~

[cordelia]

187. They could use their beer cans for ash trays.

[taterguy]

156. Because it's amusing to watch cyclists behind us freak out when we do it

I live for seeing those lycra-clad freaks soil themselves as my embers head towards their face.

[JonLP24]

158. LOL

:rofl:

[Jamastiene]

263. ...

:spray:

[RebelOne]

160. I am not guilty of that, as I do not believe in littering.

I always use my car ashtray that is usually full.

[Liberal In Texas]

165. All smokers don't.. Don't generalize.

Don't assume the behavior on a few people represents a whole group. It's not a very progressive thing to do.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

185. I didn't say ALL, did I?

...and If you lived where I do, you'd have the same opinion. I can't even drive with the windows down or open up my windows on my house in the evenings without smelling that stench from the fucking neighbors.

[Liberal In Texas]

191. You also didn't say "some smokers..." just saying "smokers" implys the entire group.

I drive through Oklahoma a lot, and don't throw butts on your on your fair state.

[Nye Bevan]

167. Because they don't want to spend an hour and a few bucks buying a travel ashtray.

Disgusting, selfish, inconsiderate jerks.

[devilgrrl]

172. They don't.

I don't.

[Bigmack]

176. Why do they flick their butts out the window... Two reasons...

1) Incomplete toilet training... they never learned how to properly dispose of their wastes..... :evilgrin:

But seriously...they flick their butts because...

2) They never had Marine Gunnery Sergeant Jennings explain to them - as only he could - that they shouldn't. That dude could teach a lifetime lesson in one try. He was Satan's meaner older brother, and he didn't like people throwing shit around.

[Obamanaut]

177. Possibly for the same reason that gum chewers spit their gum out

anywhere they happen to tire of it. Doesn't start as many forest fires, but it's nasty nonetheless.

[many a good man]

179. All we can do is love smokers more

[TransitJohn]

182. Nice broadbrush smear.

n/t

[catgirl]

183. The idiots don't realize they're polluting

...so they certainly don't think they could possibly cause fires... or that they could cause an accident when their lighted butts hit the windshield behind them.

Grrrrr.

[Little Star]

184. There would be no flicking cigarettes out of their car windows...

if the authoritarian control freaks who know nothing about electronic cigarettes, would stop trying to control people who are trying to quit real cigarette smoking by vaping. But no! The authoritarians have to belittle and control and look down upon people who are trying to quit by using e-cigs.

Here, read this thread and you'll find many of "the know it alls", who actually know nothing, spouting their venomous, sanctimonious attitude, while having no clue as to what the hell they're talking about!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=439&topic_id=804725

And especially read this comment:

"You can vap e-cigs with 0 nicotine......

I started 2 weeks ago yesterday and have had no cravings for a real cigarette. I get the cherry crush flavor with 0 Nicotine.

Also, my brand has no Propylene glycol (not even the approved to eat, pharmaceutical grade Propylene glycol). Plus Johnson Creeks smoke juice cartridges are made in the USA, (Wisconsin).

Check them out at blucigs.com

My grown kids HATE, HATE, HATE cigarette smoke. Refuse to be anywhere near it, even outside. I can now smoke my e-cigs right in their houses and cars. Mine have no smell, none, nada, you can't even smell the cherry flavoring.

Trust me, my four daughters researched my brand throughly before allowing me to smoke them near them and their kids.

People really need to educate themselves about what is and what is not about e-cigs.

Although it's true, not all e-cigs are created equal.

edit to add: I started smoking at 14 (min. pk a day) and am now 64. You do the math This is a big deal baby!!!!"


Talk about having to always control others with such uneducated superior judgment. Even when they don't know what the hell they are talking about they just keep right on making asses out of themselves!

Besides, Friggin' Control Freak Authoritarians should take take the log out of their own eye before they worry about the speck in someone else's!

[ieoeja]

237. Did *you* read that thread?

I saw two truly negative comments out of the entire thread. There were a couple, "I dunno, but I heard..." posts. But only two which outright claimed e-cigs were completely bad.

Two does not "many" make. For that matter, if you must really stretch and include the uncertain well-wishers as spouting venom, four still does not "many" make in a thread that long.

[WatsonT]

188. Why does anyone litter?

They don't care and assume someone else will take care of it.

Cigarette butts at least will dissolve over time. Better than the aluminum cans and Styrofoam people love to throw out of their cars.

[hayu_lol]

195. Lessee...

what do we do with all the non-smokers who cram their snot-filled kleenex tissues into the outdoor ashtrays...and their candy wrappers...and yesterday's lottery tickets?

What do we do with all the beer drinkers who throw their used containers out of their car window?

Why are smokers always the fall guys? We do pay outrageous taxes--for kids health care they told us--and the rest of you were all for it. Where does all that money really go?

If you don't smoke, don't go outside. Stay home where you belong. LOL--Ducks are usually for dinner.

[WatsonT]

199. "If you don't smoke, don't go outside."

Wow.

I don't really care if you choose to smoke.

But I have no sympathy for litterers regardless of their rationale.

No one forces you to throw cigarette butts on the ground. And blaming others for not providing you with enough ashtrays is ridiculous.

Not really sure how anyone can actually defend littering.

It's like being pro-cancer.

[louslobbs]

228. Most people who litter are lazy, they don't want to walk to a trash can or go and look for one, it's

easier to just throw it on the ground I guess. I can't stand littering to the point that the other day, I went to my mail box and two auto magazines had come, it was windy that day and the wind blew open one of the magazines and three of those subscription cards came flying out and down the street, every time I got to one, it blew further down the street, I finally got one, and proceeded to chase the other two down the street and with the wind blowing and gusting at times, they were way ahead of me most of the time. It took me almost 15 minutes to get all three of these subscription cards so that I could throw them in the trash. In my defense, I was in comfortable sandals at the time, but if I had my sneakers on, I'm sure I could have cut that time in half. How anal is that? lol
Lou

[Aerows]

202. Because they haven't converted to e-cigarettes yet

That's why.

[David__77]

207. A smoker set my house on fire recently.

They were sitting on my front porch steps - no one I know - and left their smoldering butt on the old wooden step. We were awoken the next morning to smoke coming in the house. We had to call the fire dept., which used an ax to tear up several of the front steps, which were red hot underneath. Good thing we weren't burned to a crisp. I am not saying all smokers are inconsiderate, but some are.

[Shiver]

208. Revenge.

We've been kicked out of bars, restaurants, most buildings that are not our own homes. We get vilified and lectured and looked down upon for our habit, as if we don't already know the risks. People give us dirty looks on the street for daring to pass by them with a lit cigarette, and a continuing crusade to take away our rights.

So, as revenge, the rest of the world gets to deal with our butts.

Seriously, though, I don't drive, so I don't do this, although I will admit that I do drop butts on the ground. I do it all the time. In fact, I did it ten minutes ago. In some cases, there is no ashtray or even a garbage can nearby, nor is there any kind of device or container to put them in to dispose of later. Sometimes I'm running late and they put the ashtray on the other side of the building. If I'm in a car and there is an ashtray, I use it. If there is an empty soda can, I use it. If there is a container of any kind that I can use to store a butt, I use it.

But an option like that is not always present.

So I guess I'm a scumbag. I'm a DUer who often tosses his butts on the ground with no second thought behind it. I try not to, but between situational circumstances and the head-injury that damaged my short-term memory five years ago, I sometimes forget.

[GoCubsGo]

213. Because they're immature, lazy slobs.

Just like anyone who tosses any sort of trash out their windows, instead of waiting a few minutes to throw it in a trash can or dumpster.

[Puglover]

214. I don't think it has anything to do with smokers.

It's just stupid people that happen to smoke.

We were in Mexico this Spring and there was a group of overly tanned 65+ folks that sat at the same table every day on the beach. Smoking. All day. And using the beach as their ashtray. Literally around and near their table it looked like an ashtray. And everyday they would get up and leave as the sun went down and the Mexican staff would clean up their butts. They just happened to smoke. They were clueless assholes. I would suppose they do lots of other thoughtless things. Some folks whether smokers or not seem to think they are entitled to do crap the rest of us would'nt think of doing.

There is a lady that lives near us. I have run into her a few times at the pond where we all walk our dogs. Once, she saw her siamese cat down around the water and cheerfully told me that "the little hunter just loves the ducklings" x( She also has a great dane and she doesn't bag it's poop. When I saw her walk away from the things huge steaming pile a few weeks ago I finally had enough of it and told her that the next time I saw her not bag his crap I was calling the police. She seemed shocked and said, "well it does fertilize the grass!" LOL my point is if she smoked I am sure she would flick her butts out of the window of her car.

[Zorra]

216. It's called being a selfish, irresponsible, inconsiderate asshole.

There is no other reason for this. They get no pass, no way, no how.

[Morning Dew]

217. I'm hoping I can flick enough of them

to cover the McDonalds wrappers and poopy diapers on the roadside and in parking lots.

Thanks! Just doing my part to beautify the countryside.



:sarcasm:

[louslobbs]

229. OMFG, the "poopy diapers", I have had the displeasure of seeing and smelling several of these in my

lifetime. Who are these slobs, that would throw a dirty, filthy, stinking diaper in a parking lot, field or out the window of a moving car? That just sickens me. Yuck!
Lou

[Jamastiene]

264. Read above.

There was a post somewhere above that said they found one ON the meat in a grocery store. :puke:

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

219. I put my butt out the window once or twice...

And then we honked as we sped by the victim.
BAM! They never knew what hit 'em.... the ol' pressed ham. }(
I probably caused irreversible mental images. I am not remorseful.

[louslobbs]

231. Well if it's OneTenthofOnePercent as nice as we've heard, no one would mind that

I look forward to your next drive by lol.
Lou

[cbdo2007]

220. They don't care enough about their kids to see them get married....

so what makes you think they would care anything about a little forest fire or litering??

[Paradoxical]

249. This is uncalled for. Absolute stupidity.

[Heidi]

230. Smokers in general don't think that's okay.

Do you also believe campers in general think it's okay to abandon campfires?

[walldude]

240. Hey you are getting in the way of the bashing...

cut it out. Smokers are disgusting pigs, scumbags and assholes. It says so right on DU.

[Heidi]

268. I have noted that my question has not been answered by the OP.

I happen to know from her posts that she's a dog owner. I wonder if, for example and as an anology, she believes dog owners in general think it's okay to just leave their dogs' poop in public places for the rest of us to walk through (and which can make some other animals sick, if the poop-leaving dog has certain diseases). This is the same broadbrush with which she's painting smokers. I find this inexplicably narrow minded and shit-stirring for a member of a progressive community. :shrug:

[LynneSin]

236. Honestly, the point is valid - I've seen brush fires started by old cigarette butts

If those things are still smoldering and it's especially dry out - it's not a good combination.

I find it funny when I asked a person why they tossed them out the window and he said "because he doesn't like the stench of stale cigarettes in his car". Funny thing is - the car smelled like that because he smoked.

If you can't stand the smell of smoke then perhaps you shouldn't be doing it.

[WI_DEM]

239. the ones who do that are idiots and liter bugs to boot.

[Jamastiene]

252. This smoker never does that.

I have an ashtray sitting in a drink holder right beside the wheel. I never even throw my butts on the ground after field stripping them. I trash them after I am sure they are out...which field stripping does. I also make sure my fire is out when I field strip the butts.

I agree that smokers should not litter or threaten entire forests and neighborhoods with possible fire from carelessness, but not all smokers are careless assholes.

Still, (too late to Rec), but :kick: because that annoys me to no end too.