Ballad of the Sad Cafes

The constitution was written to protect us from the tyrranny of the 72% majority

Sadly country by country, city by city we are allowing the globalization of mediocrity, the legislated dissolution of individuals rights to choose (go or not to go). It is for these reasons and others I as an American have moved to Russia. Here in many ways people are worse off materially, however no-one here is budgeoning the free human spirit and legislating away individual choice in favor of the mediocrity of being politically correct.
Titanium_Torpedo@mail.ru

The sad and important part of this story has virtually nothing to do with the smoking ban itself. The real issue is the americanization of the world, through globalization. While the benifits of globalization are huge, the price is huge as well. Local cultures and traditions are disapearing, smoking in Paris, cafe life, these are only a few.

Frankly, I'm happy about the smoking ban. I have visited Paris many times and simply put up with the smoking in the bars and restaurants. The "Non Fumar" sections were a joke, just a table away from someone happily puffing away on their ciggie. Now, when I return I can enjoy what I'm eating or drinking vs. thinking about how much second (and third) hand smoke I'm inhaling. I'm not going to debate the issue of civil liberties as others have, but the one big difference between smoking and drinking or eating junk food while all take their toll on our bodies, smoking is the only vice that immediately carries over to people who want to have nothing to do with it. Let's not debate the health issues of second hand smoke, I'm an MD and I see the toll it takes on the families of smokers, particularly the kids. There's plently to love about Paris without lamenting the blue haze.

Banning smoking because it might make you a less productive member of society is slavery

If this starts to affect the great Chefs of France and all the great institutions that exist there I will go AWOL. Just like the Dodo, I guess everything is meant to go extinct...right?

this article inspires me on how to accept change as part my existence just like Monsieur Peresse did. hope that paris will soon find better alternative to continue it convivial culture...

The sad and important part of this story has virtually nothing to do with the smoking ban itself. The real issue is the americanization of the world, through globalization. While the benifits of globalization are huge, the price is huge as well. Local cultures and traditions are disapearing, smoking in Paris, cafe life, these are only a few.

I wouldn't go to a place that held cockfights. that is my choice. It wasn't enough to post a large sign outside an establishment stating that smoking occurs inside. No, the shotgun approach was used making sure that there is NO choice in the matter. We think smoking is bad (which it is) so NO ONE will be allowed to smoke. The anti-smoking lobby is now in charge of behavior modification. Look out for what's in the pipeline though. Next comes fatty fast food. Witnes the changes now happening in the menus. Next, comes alcohol. After that coffee. Some day in the future we will all be happy people spending the mandatory exercise and sleep time to keep us happy and productive and not harming ourselves because we don't know better and the government will dictate how all us little children will live.
Orwell time coming folks.

Great story and article... I fondly remember the streets you write of...
As for Sully 1124... This is the land of the free... We are free to do as we are told!
Nothing ends as it starts... Nothing!

i don't even smoke but if someone wants to smoket then fine. they have just as much right to SMOKE as you not wanting someone to smoke.

This seems to be the trend in the USA also when you can no longer socialize in a tavern ,Because the drive home has the dangers of getting a DUI for having 4 beers because of MADD lobbiest, and you can't smoke in the bar because the second hand smoke killing somebody that was probably out to try and have unprotected sex ,that will also kill you .Maybe the people who don't like smoke should go to a different tavern .If you don't like whats on the TV change the channel. When did this become the USSA ,it started as the land of the free.

How truly sad. While I am no fan of smoking, some things are best left alone. Soon the whole world will look, feel, and be the same; how boring will that be. In fact, I think that in many respects, we're already there; "there" being places with no character or soul, no sense of place. What will be the point of traveling?!

If the government were so worried about our health, they would make tabacco illegal. Instead, they give the tabacco industry a bye, and punish the addicts with restrictive regulations, fines and taxes.

love this article... Monsieur Peresse will always be a part of Paris's wonderful past.

If this starts to affect the great Chefs of France and all the great institutions that exist there I will go AWOL. Just like the Dodo, I guess everything is meant to go extinct...right?

I, for one, do not mind smoking bans at all. I hate smoke and I always give smokers the dirty eye. If you want your lungs to turn black, be my guest.. but not at the cost of my health and those around me. I'm sorry to those of you who think less of Paris because of the smoking ban, but this gives me MORE reason to visit.

If this starts to affect the great Chefs of France and all the great institutions that exist there I will go AWOL. Just like the Dodo, I guess everything is meant to go extinct...right?

I have no problem with the smoking ban in Mn. I do have a problem with the goverment telling people who own a bar or whatever and are paying taxes that they have nothing to say about the smoking ban in their place of buseness. Now the liberals will pop up with its our health I say stay the hell out of the smoking bars ect. I'm 65 years old and have seen a lot we are losing our rites my opinion this will not stop goverment seems to want to control us.