Pantagraph.com | News | Smoking ban sparks dispute of wood-burning stoves, fireplaces

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Moon Mullins wrote on Mar 5, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Ken's original demand was that Elk Grove Village ban fire pits. Steve, you moved out of Rolling Meadows six years ago. A lot can happen in six years. Two years ago St. Charles, IL. ordered a man to quit using his fire pit because of neighbors' complaints. They lived in a congested block in the old part of the city. An individual case not a statewide rule. Elk Grove told Mr. Dubinski no. New homes frequently have woodburning fireplaces. Some cities have put restrictions on them. Ken's fault is making this a statewide issue. He needs to either find support at home or shut up. "

What now? wrote on Mar 4, 2008 3:46 PM:

" It is just going to be time when there are tons of banned items out there. We are coming to a nation that it is sue or be sued. Listing items that we should ban or not ban. What is going to be next? You know now that we are in the world of computers, I think we should ban paper, it catches fire, it gives me paper cuts, it leaves smudges on my fingers, Oh gosh the ink is making me sick. I have a plan for the Dub- live in a bubble. It sounds like that is what you are trying to do, Bubble Boy. "

whatevercple wrote on Mar 3, 2008 10:38 PM:

" bahumbug,,,,,,ole grouch get u a life and stop trying to rule others. We all are just as human as he and have as many rights as yourself. "

Santo Fan wrote on Mar 3, 2008 7:55 PM:

" To: Ban - - - I have one to add to your list. Let's ban people who can't spell from posting on internet blogs. "

wonder how wrote on Mar 1, 2008 1:09 AM:

" ole kenny would like to live next to the guy in normal that had all the mary jane growing ? That would really light a fire under his buttt to smell that burning,,, maybe cure his headache,, allergys,, make him happy so he will stop finding other thins to ban. who knows he might even help legalize it after living next door !!! LOL "

Ban: wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:48 AM:

" Since we are creating a list of the near futures bans please add the elderly and teenagers banned from drining on Veteran's Parkway, people wearing sweatpants and pajamas to Walmart, and children in resturants. They are all hazardous to my help or just make me feel ill. "

I have a headache wrote on Feb 28, 2008 6:43 PM:

" Mr Dumbinski could solve his headache problem and reduce carbon dioxide emissions if he would just stop breathing. He is living proof that the banners are all about controlling other people. "

YEEEESHHHHHHH wrote on Feb 28, 2008 4:22 PM:

" Banning Home Chimney smoke ??

So much for keeping th home fires burning....

Kenneth Dubinski ,I will NOT give up my fireplace for you or any other ultra left wing democrats............Boo Kenneth,Booooooooooo to you sir.......... "

Wood Heater wrote on Feb 28, 2008 3:33 PM:

" When my family freezes to death because I can't use my wood stove... is that worse than Kenneth Dubsinkis allergies? "

Hey Rick Hyer wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:59 PM:

" I am still waiting......... "

Pants wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:23 AM:

" You poor simple minded fool. Do you really think casinos only share revenue with the city in which they are located in? They provide money to the state. They will now be providing less money to the state, therefore everyone in the state will eventually see an increase in their taxes. Please get an education before trying to argue with me. Thanks and have a nice day. "

To sick of this whole mess wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:55 AM:

" You make a very good point, except I think I heard that argument somewhere else before and it was getting shot down. Where was it again? Oh yeah, that's what smokers were saying about people who didn't want to go into bars with cigarette smoke. Funny how things come around, huh? Karma will get you every time. "

to Pants wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:40 AM:

" WHAT CASINO!!!!! THERE IS NOT A CASINO IN BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL!!!! HARD FOR TAXES TO GO UP ON SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT EXSIST!!! "

Chris wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:28 AM:

" If firewood is burned correctly, there is very little smoke and ash. I have an older cast-iron wood buring stove that is completely enclosed. It burns wood hot enough where I would have a 5 gallon bucket of ashes after a whole winter's worth of burning.

Open-front fireplaces generally do not get hot enough and can send quite a bit of smoke up the chimney. "

sick of this whole mess wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:19 AM:

" No one owes that guy anything. If his neighbors burn wood for heat and he doesn't like it or it makes him sick, HE SHOULD MOVE. It's his problem, not his neighbors or yours or mine. Why have we become such a nation of crybaby's that need everyone else to conform to us? We need to stop expecting the government to take care of us or it will step in and we won't like it. Toughen up, ya sissies. "

Broke from utilities wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:09 AM:

" He gets a head ache when he gets home? Must be married. I can't afford the current utility rates to heat my home and have a light on or drive to work each day, yet this idiot wants me to use more gas instead of free would from the trees on my property? Way to go Mayor Johnson, we need more level headed elected officials. "

laugh and live wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:32 AM:

" allthough i wish i didnt,,,, i do smoke. That was my right when i started smoking, and its practically been taken completly away. But even worse, its not stoping here, Now before u know it I wont have the right to be warm and my kids and grandkids . because we cant burn wood in the fireplace! Thats ok( i guess )cause when my gas bill goes sky high and i cant afford to pay it ill be danged me if we will be cold so we will have to resort to assistance through the government, and as many years as i did smoke and was allowed that right i feel i have paid more then enough in taxes and desrve that right to be warm. It all comes back to ,no matter what way u acess it,,rich get richer poor get poorer. In closing i would like to say if there is anything on this earth that is 100% unharmful in anyway to anyone Inhaul and be happy! "

Too funny wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:58 PM:

" I find it rather hilarious that people, many of whom support the smoking ban, are now saying that same thing that smokers say about second hand smoke. Why is it okay for a law to be in place to make things 'better' for you, and not one to make things better for others. After all, is your health/well being/enjoyment of life more important that anyone else's? A huge can of worms was opened by the smoking ban. A can where it is okay for others to force people to comply with things, even on private property, is someone whines loud enough. If you think a ban like this will never be passed, you are sadly mistaken. It is just the next progressive step after the smoking ban, and will continue. "

Yeah Rick... wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:03 PM:

" I'd like to see that, too. It should prove interesting, considering it doesn't exist. "

Hey Rick Hyer... wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Can you please site your source that PROVES that SHS killed "53,000 non-smokers". I would love to read it. "

I wonder wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:25 PM:

" just how many of you cigarette smoke banning activist have fireplaces? How sweet the day will be when your right to fire up your fireplace is taken from you!!!!!!!!! You helped push the ball that's rolling so now I say "let it roll". "

Rick Hyer wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:59 AM:

" If Scientific Studies show that 53,000 people are dying every year from this smoke (53,000 non-smokers die every year from Second Hand smoke) , and these studies have been peer reviewed for 15-20 years and have been acknowledged by the Surgeon General of the U.S., then yes - there should be an effort to curtail fireplace smoke. But until you get the scientific proof of this, I will quote Jay Leno - Shhhhuuutttt Uuuppp!! "

To:formerly from Normal wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:20 AM:

" Fire pits the size of houses? Oh, I get it, you live in California. "

Steve.. wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:18 AM:

" I grew up, born and raised in Rolling Meadows, next door to Elk Grove and visit home frequently. I only moved down here about six years ago. Where is all this outdoor fire burning going on. Never in my life did I walk outside to find the scent of outdoor/indoor wood burning to be overpowering. Has anyone told Kenneth that perhaps the issue he is having might be caused by living next door to one of the worlds busiest airports. Of course it can't be the billions of gallons of jet fuel being combusted just over head. It has to be the neighbors felonious fire pit. Perhaps Kenneth is just mad because he is one of the people whose house is about to by bowled over for more runways at O'hare. Can't stop the jets so he might as well stop something right. "

Stupid Stupid Stupid wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:34 PM:

" What's next? No fires to roast marshmallows on when you're camping? Some people use wood stoves/fireplaces (especially in rural areas) not just for decoration, but to actually heat their homes in the winter. If your house is built well, it's an incredibly efficient way to heat your home that is much cheaper than pricey natural gas.

And don't give me that "Better for the environment" crap. The process of drilling and refining gas to use in homes more than outweighs the footprint of burning some logs. "

middle of the road dude wrote on Feb 26, 2008 1:42 PM:

" to DON
then you are worse than the smoking nazi's. At least they believed in their cause although time will show them they have been led down the path by the pied piper.
(meaning that you will learn in time that the data on SHS has been fudged to link the shs with all the problems you have with your health) You on the other hand are just a mean vindictive person and that is much worse "

Don wrote on Feb 26, 2008 1:01 PM:

" I do not burn wood.But I smoke.I like to think of some non smoking Natzi trouble maker.Who has a fire place and likes to use it.Being told they can not.I bet there are a lot of them out there.I say ban ban ban ban.What goes around comes around.I also know non smoking Natzis that love to burn candles.That stinch bothers me and I smoke.Let ban candles to they could be a fire hazard.Just do it ban ban ban! "

to Moon Mullins wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:36 PM:

" I am quite confident they only refer to autos and are not including jets in the equation. as it takes thousands of gallons of jet fuel to get a large jet into the air "

Pants wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:03 PM:

" I will no longer argue with you ignorant, uneducated hicks. All I will say is just wait until your taxes go up due to loss of revenue for the casinos. You people are blind and do not understand something so simple. The losses reported at casinos are based on numbers from December 2007 and January 2008. People did not all of a sudden stop spending money in one month. As for bar closings, I can guarantee you that the only thing that changed was the smoking ban. Bar owners haven't changed their business plans. They were doing just fine before the ban went into affect. "

jj wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:44 AM:

" EVERYTHING we do or are causes pollution. YES, that includes you...as in your body. And now we have given government the right to say what is okay, what is not. So, lobby, grease some palms, and you can get bathrooms facing the north baned because some idiot with a cause will come up with some data saying it creates more air pollution.
Get real people. The population is increasing and we have to deal with each other. Because YOU have a problem, doesn't mean the rest of America has to deal with it to.
Start fighting the ban that already exist before it ballons into worse.

"

Moon Mullins wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:22 PM:

" According to the EPA, 35% of particulate matter is derived from people burning wood. 21% of particulate matter comes from vehicular exhaust. Like I said earlier this should be a municipal issue not a statewide one. In congested neighborhoods the smoke can be unreal at times. "

Just the Start! wrote on Feb 25, 2008 6:29 PM:

" I believe you "banners" were warned. Once the banning is allowed, there is no telling where the silliness of this is gonna end. I mean seriously.......the man says he is getting headaches from people burning wood in their fireplaces??? We cannot allow these crybabies to enfringe on others' rights. Some people just want to complain about everything, and aren't content just to live their lives. "

claude wrote on Feb 25, 2008 6:05 PM:

" Yes us Minnesotans have a theatre clause that allows smoking so our bars r hosting "theatre night". Id love to stay and chat but i gotta get ready to head out to the bar. Oops, i meant to say "head out to a play". I hope i get to be Hamlett again. O:-) "

Mr. Zero wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:51 PM:

" Some monks in Vietnam invented a great way to protest. Perhaps some of you should try it, I believe it's appropriate. "

Kenneth Dubinski wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:50 PM:

" Needs to get a life and move. And by the way"What???" he does not need a dog because he will get rid of it for pouring out fumes from its butt that will be giving him headaches. "

i love wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:39 PM:

" the smell of a fireplace going. i don't have one anymore and i miss it terribly. but man, i sure love it when my neighbors are using theirs. nothing like the smell of wood burning. tell the moron to get a grip on reality. lol "

Jude wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:16 PM:

" Now that the smoking ban is in place, the non-smokers are happy. Now this bozo comes up with banning burning wood in various ways whether for a heat source, a cookout or just the plane old comfort of a fireplace in your own home. Now he's gone and stepped on the toes of the non-smokers. You can bet at least half, if not more of the people on the blogs, are non-smokers and someone wants to take their "priviledge away from them. Can't have that now can we. Well guess what, yes it can happen. Let some group get caught up in this crazy idea and it will. Look what you started with all your crying and whining. Oh yea, taxes are going to go up thanks to you idiots. "

Oh noes, the slippery slope! wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:54 PM:

" The most important line in this article? "But so far, no lawmakers in Springfield have signed up to support the cause." Kudos to y'all for making a mountain out of a molehill. "

NEW Ideas wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Just wanted to share with you all what I found on the net. In the Twin Cities of MN, a new idea sprung up: Theatre nights. Here is when a bar owner says all in the bar are actors in a performance, who for production purposes are allowed to smoke. I wonder if this idea could fly here in IL's Twin Cities. Could be fun. The article is in the "startribune" of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. "

To Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:19 PM:

" ur argument involving the casinos is irrelevant. Look at the economy, people are cutting back on spending. Revenue not only includes the winnings they have to pay out but also how much money is paid in for valet parking, drinks, entertainment, percentage cut on tips, etc. "

Reality to Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:17 PM:

" What are the facts that wood that I cut and chop out in a thicket or grove is more harmful than cigarettes with ammonia, uric acid, cyanide residue, fiberglass residue for menthols, etc.? What is your argument that us demanding this guy to pay our gas bill should be considered equality for casinos and bar owners have us pay for their losses? One, what is the last casino that you know of that closed due to losing money? Whose fault was it? Not the customers that go in there, because they go in there to win and if they win big either they got lucky or its some staff person not doing so well. The dealers, management, marketing staff, waitstaff, who? For the bars that close for losing money, they lose it for not being able to either price their goods appropriatley versus cost, labor, and overhead or because they just don't bring in customers. YOU STARTED arguing for this Dubinski guy pushing the ban, so YOU get to DEFEND your positions, Pants. "

give me a break wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:16 PM:

" I thought we were the "LAND OF THE FREE HOME OF THE BRAVE." Sounds to me the USA is turning communist. For all you people that don't like our freedoms, you might as well move somewhere like IRAQ!!!! "

Smoke screen wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:09 PM:

" Not demeaning the rights people have to disagree with the smoking ban but, please pay attention to what else is going on, this may be a Smoke Screen for what is being pulled on us. Has anyone noticed that the attention is being taken off the governor and the fact that he is using our tax dollars to travel home every day, and Illinois fuel cost are being inflated again. The State budget is a joke, Schools are still waiting on the money the state owes them, New Home construction is coming to a stand still, Insurance cost is crazy, bla bla bla. No wonder we all want need to smoke so much. "

Cynic wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:56 PM:

" That "slippery slope" is getting steeper all the time. What do you want banned? What special rights do you want? Every ban we do in your favor now, will be offset by another ban later. "

Native wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:51 PM:

" Any smoke gives me a migrane! So keep your smoke away from me.

I do not smoke. I do not burn leaves, (try mulching them). I do like to grill out and sometimes attend a bonfire, (just stay out of the smoke.
I have encountered people that do not care when you ask them to burn at another time (when the wind is not blowing straight at your house)

Let's try some commen Courtesy and Education, before we resort to Banning. "

I'm wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:50 PM:

" not happy w/the leaf burning ban in Clinton. We were instructed to rake the leaves to the street and the city would vaccuum them up. Well I spent hours doing just that. However, the truck repeatedly drove by, vacccuuming the leaves of the people that evidently rub elbows at the country club. So, next year my leaves can just blow all over the neighborhood, and into the yards of the snobby neighbors who evidently "rate" in this community. I pay my tax dollars just like they do. Oh and they get their driveways plowed on the dime of Clinton too. I would love for one of those snooty neighbors to complain about my fireplace.... "

to to lame from isu alumni wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:50 PM:

" yeah after checking out the 'research' done by the ALA and ACS on Second Hand smoke and finding out that those organizations only spend on average 19% of their total budget on research (remainder goes to salaries and advertising for more funds) i feel more comfortable believing a tabloid than anything those fascists have to say. "

farm girl wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:42 PM:

" I grew up on a farm, in the 50's thru the 70's, and there is no better smell than that of a farm. All smells of the farm!! No better way of life. I suppose that would probably bother them too. My advice to them would be buy yourself a bubble and get in it. "

Eh.. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:33 PM:

" Whiner... "

In the State of California... wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:30 PM:

" anything and everything gives you cancer. "

to To Lame wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:26 PM:

" I know it is a fact. Doesn't make it any less dumb of a situation. Make sure you realize a persons point before you attempt to correct them. "

To American wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:09 PM:

" Like the smoking ban!!! Let's get it reversed! "

American wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:59 PM:

" With people around like Mr. Dubinski, soon we will have no rights at all. We are getting closer and closer to being a communist country. More people need to stand up and fight against all the new laws that infringe upon our rights as American citizens. "

JD to: what next.. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:36 PM:

" Since carcinogens are released when you cook red meat, it is the obvious candidate for the next ban. Maybe it will be milk shakes or ice cream, since both have little nutritional value, yet are full of calories. We can not have fatties walking around. Maybe it will be your car, requiring you to purchase an alternative fuel vehicle while they charge $10 a gallon for the alternative fuel. People do not realize that due to their wanting to regulate the behavior of others, everyone is now a target for any politician or special interest group. We are full speed down the slippery slope, and the majority of American STILL think they are safe..because they trust the government too much. "

getrealpeople wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:27 PM:

" I don't suppose they all walked to the meeting or did everyone drive their big SUVs. Let's start a ban on cars, buses, trains, factories and all go back to the horse and buggys and eating raw foods. "

Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:26 PM:

" To all you people asking when this is going to stop....remember one thing. You STARTED it!!!!! You should have left the smoking thing be. "

To Lame wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Actually, that person's post is correct. That's why the National Lung Association is currently lobbying for a state wide ban on leaf burning. You should do research before you bash someone's post. In this case they are right and you are wrong. Have a nice day. "

Anchor wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Any one remember all the talk about the "slippery slope" when the whole smoking ban came up in the first place?...yeah, this is what we were talking about...as soon as these morons get a toe hold in our freedom, every nut job in the nation wants to start banning things...Be ready, more is coming. "

Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:22 PM:

" When taxes go up because of all the lost state revenue due to this ban are you going to complain then too? This is all your fault. Just remember that. Everything that happens, you brought on yourself. Comparing December to January, Casino's on average lost 15% of revenue. Do you have any idea how much money that is? "

Anchor wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:20 PM:

" Put these people in a bubble and stick them on a shelf somewhere. I am SO tired of listening to people gripe about the smallest things...I doubt the headaches are from the neighborhood fire places...my guess is he gets headaches because he is wound tighter than a snare drum. Get you hands out my freedom!! "

Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:16 PM:

" Actually, I am a non-smoker. And no while fireplaces don't have nicotine, thw wood you are burning could have worse things on them. I am not saying that I agree with this guy. What I am sayimg is that you people opened a can of worms that you should have left alone. You were all for the smoking ban because it was something you wanted. And now that this is something that impedes YOUR rights, you all of a sudden have a problem with it. And by the way, the leaves and yard waste that you burn in your backyards have a lot more toxins than a cigarette. That's a fact. "

what next.. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:24 PM:

" will they pass a law against using grills? Where will this stop.Maybe this guy needs to move someone where it's not a problem for him, like way out in the desert or out in the country far away. "

lame wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:20 PM:

" And wood smoke can be linked to increased risks of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for heart conditions and premature death, according to the American Lung Association.

So can bubble gum on the sidewalk causing broken arms and legs, according to People are Just Dumb Association "

to pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:07 PM:

" you were dropped as a child weren't you? "

Signs wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:06 PM:

" For those people that said the smoking ban 'didn't pertain to them' b/c they didn't smoke. This is why more attention should have been paid. The smoking ban was just the beginning of these whiners who want to control what everyone does and most times they get the ear of the legislature, which turns these idiots simple pet peeves into law. Can't you see the signs? The signs of what this country is becoming? "

To Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:58 PM:

" Cigarettes are not a common source of heating a home, fireplaces are. Fireplaces don't have nicotine in them, Cigarette do. Fireplaces have been in home and used for many things like cooking since the days of cave men. Cigarette were made just to make people "Look Cool" Their is no purpose for cigarettes except some lame excuse to get a buzz. Don't argue that point, everyone know the only reason you smoke is because you wanted to look cool back in high school.
This ban will go into your home a dictate to you what you can and can't have in your own home. Be thankful the cigarette ban didn't go there as well. "

amazed wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:34 PM:

" Sounds like a retired guy that has nothing better to do than find things to complain about. I can picture his house already. Sidewalks and curbs lined with "No Trespassing" signs, all the blinds in the house pulled shut but one. Under that one blind you can see the head of someone peering outside watching your every move, phone in hand, waiting to call the cops. haha. Don't worry, winter's almost over. When summer hits he'll forget all about it and start complaining of the lawn mowers making too much noise and the exhaust polluting the air. He'll be wanting everyone to use electric mowers. "

Education is key wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:19 PM:

" There are ove 100 chemicals in a cigarette. Wood is composed of mostly of cellulose and lignin. Less than 15% is resins and gums. I don't see why wood burning has to be banned. "

bjb wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:16 PM:

" does this jerk work for ameren cause it sure sounds like something they would do, you cant afford natural gas prices as it is so those who can cut some of the cost of heating their homes are supposed to suffer at the hands of some jerk who dont like smoke,heres a suggestion move to the hills of some mountian and live alone and leave us alone who enjoy cooking out on charcoal grills ,enjoy camp fires,and pit fires. "

Formerly From Normal wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:15 PM:

" I would have to say residents from small time Bloomington Normal really have no idea what it is like to live in different areas of the US. The area I live in now is very yuppy and they don't have just fire pits here they have outside fireplaces as big as an entire room and when the neighbors fire it up, my house reaks of smoke. The homes in some cities are built very close together so it makes this situation even worse. You must consider the intellect of the person with the huge outside fireplace or pit, my neighbor burns treated wood, so we have in addition to the smoke, toxic waste blowing in to my house. There is more to this situation than a simple small firepit. There are a lot of stupid inconsiderate people out there that ruin for other people. "

Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:14 PM:

" All of you people asking if this guy is going to pay your gas bill....Are you paying the casinos and bar owners for their losses? Kind of the same thing when you think about it. "

See a doctor wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:10 PM:

" I have never heard of anyone getting a headache over smoke from a neighbors burning fireplace in my life??? lol. This guy has some other condition going on and blaming it on this. Nice try Ken. "

country boy wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:04 PM:

" when they pry the fireplace poker from my cold, dead hands... "

TO: A Normal Mom wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:57 AM:

" They want to ban guns "

Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:52 AM:

" How can you say smoking is one thing, but a ban on wood burning is different? Second hand smoke is second hand smoke. This was the point that all of the anti-ban people were trying to make and no one would listen. Did you know that they are also trying to ban leaf burning? You people opened a very dangerous can of worms. "

So.. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:39 AM:

" If for some pure luck, this guy gets his way, is he going to pay my natural gas bill? Also, if you ban fireplaces and outside campfires/grills/firepits, then people shouldn't smoke outside either!! So where are they going to smoke? "

Maybe wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:04 AM:

" everyone that lives around this dork should buy a wood-burning stove, fire'em up if he gets a headache off one burning maybe his head would explode with many burning and we would not have to deal with this slug anymore!!! "

This is stupidity at its best wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:39 AM:

" Okay ban on smoking is one thing. Ban on fireplaces and wood burning furncaces is just plain dumb. People use these things to fulfill a basic human need, aka WARMTH!!! What is next, ban on fire all together. Good luck getting people to obey that law. This could also be mistaken as hate crime against the Amish. It would infringe on their religious beliefs. Sad thing is this would actually become a serious issue if this ban passed. People are so fixated on what everyone else is doing that they never take the time to put themself in the limelight. I would bet real money that the people who want this ban all drive around their fancy SUVs that polute 10x the amount a wood burning furnace. Heck, your typical econo-box sedan polutes more than a fire place. If this Dubinski guy really cared about the air he would stop blabing so much, he waste valuable oxygen that could be use to power more important conversations. "

Devil's Advocate wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:31 AM:

" The Pantagraph will start running full page ads to ban your fireplace when the Health Nazis start paying them big bucks to do it. One whiner in Chicago equals the end of your freedom! "

Neener wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:28 AM:

" All those cows out there are producing Methane gas. Maybe Kenneth should run around putting corks in them to stop it. "

Catgt wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:21 AM:

" This guy needs to get a life. If he doesnt like the smell of smoke, move. I for one love the smell of a fireplace burning, besides the benefits of lowering a persons heating bills. This is where the line should be drawn, nobody is coming into my house and tell me if I can have a wood burning stove or fireplace, and I mean nobody. "

JD to: To Rolling Eyes wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:11 AM:

" The fact that anyone is even thinking of this proves the slippery slope. Eventually someone will figure out a way to tag this to the smoking ban..say by scream "think about the kids" loud enough, and it may just pass. 10 years ago, one would have thought a smoking ban would never pass either, but eventually the wheels squeaked enough that it got oiled. "

A Normal Mom wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:02 AM:

" Are you kidding me!! Please! If I want to burn my fireplace NO ONE can tell me that I cannot. What next all guns are band? What is this country coming to? Why don't you guys go to the farmers that put pesticides out, or inject the animals with hormones to make them bigger? You talk about pollution what about Wal-mart? There is so much garbage floating around our area because of Wal-Marts garbage. Why don't you guys go after them? There are many other things these people could do with there time and they want to go after people because of something they don't like! "

Pants wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:56 AM:

" All of you non-smokers brought this on. First cigarettes, then leaf burning, and now this. You don't even know the can of worms that you opened. After the numbers came out for the casinos, it's only a matter of time for them to become exempt. Money talks. "

Moon Mullins wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:54 AM:

" We in Bloomington-Normal have little idea of what is going on in the Chicago suburbs with the firepits. People, after finding a loophole in the outdoor burning ban are using them to not only have marshmallow roasts but to burn landscape waste. On a small scale I don't see much of a problem. However in older areas with small yards many homes have smoke drifting through open windows as a result. Heating homes with wood is another story. It is winter and windows are closed. This is a local not a statewide matter. Let Elk Grove Village deal with it! "

Re: Next wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:48 AM:

" "The liberals:.... oh God.. sigh. Here we go. Of course someone had to make this a liberal/conservative battle. There are so many one trick ponies on these boards. I'm a dreaded Liberal.. and I think this is wood burning ban is stupid. I also thought the smoking ban was crap. Why don't you just take a look at the real demographic breakdown of people who support the smoking ban. I think you find your conservatives make up a healthy majority. Need a link to that info? "

Opie wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:45 AM:

" I often wondered what happened to Dobber after "Coach" was cancelled. "

typical wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:29 AM:

" Typical Left Wing Democrats hogwash.
Whats next??
Ban on placing trash at the curb??
Ban all dogs because some smell ??
Kenneth Dubinski and Obama have GOT too go !!!! "

FED UP TOTALLY wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:21 AM:

" This is just the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. You might as well shut down all factorys and get rid of all cars while you are at it. Do you not have a life that you have to find something to complain about to put yourself in the lime light. The fact is we breathe and eat things that cause cancer. No one will have a life at all if we take all that away. "

Dead Eye Dick wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:03 AM:

" "wow": This is the proverbial slippery slope of which the Hysterics have never heard. "

Just Me wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:57 AM:

" Ok Mr. Dubinski.....With the continual rising costs of our electric & gas bills, now you are saying nobody should be able to bring them down by other resources? So, I guess that means when their gas bills go up, you will gladly give them your address so they can send you their bills! People like you are dividing this country more & more each day! Get a life, or at least a clue about having a life!!! "

Dr. Feelgood wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:52 AM:

" Of course Kenny D is spot on. We must ban everything. Ban the Coal that fires the power plant, ban the natural gas that fires the power plant, ban the nuke fired power plants, no more outdoor grilling, no more cars...pretty soon we can ban Kenny D! "

thank you wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:52 AM:

" I've been saying this all along. You give them an inch and they try to take a mile. Great job, Ban lovers. "

To Rolling Eyes wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:51 AM:

" Apparently you did not read the part about no lawmaking willing to take up the issue. Now if they do and they get close to passing a bill, then you can say the slippery slop argument again. But when something gets brought up and then totally shot down, well that completely destroys the slippery slope argument. "

Conspiracy Theory wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:44 AM:

" Now that public places can't rely on the heat generated from burning cigarettes to help keep them warm, they will obviously need to burn more fuel of some type to provide that heat. And since proposal would prevent that heat from coming from burning wood, it will require us to import more oil. Very interesting. Could all of this public health stuff really just be a cover for the oil companies to increase demand and improve upon their record profits? I'm starting to wonder. "

to rolling eyes wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:42 AM:

" oh we are way beyond the slippery slope. it has now turned into a cliff and we are falling. remember its not the fall that kills, its that sudden stop at the bottom "

We should wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:40 AM:

" Find out his neighborhood and buy every neighbor he has with one of those outdoor fire pits and a load of wood for the summer. "

Look wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:34 AM:

" Where he lives. Elk Grove Village right next to Ohare. Guy's been sniffing too many jet engine fumes. Not surprised. He's from the Chicago area where the streets are crooked and so are the politicians.
"

BILLY BOB wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:31 AM:

" The lost revenue from casinos and bars due to the smoking ban is in the millions. Soon the state legislature will start passing exception rules for gambling boats. Our government lives by the golden rule. The people with the most gold rule!!!! In this case the gambling tax revenue that is down 35% or more. This will lead to the relaxing of the smoking ban on bars. Then special rules for restaurants. Cigarettes and liquor generate millions in tax money yearly that can not be replaced. "

Next wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:28 AM:

" The liberals will want us to ration air,have no fa*ting zones and make you recycle your toilet paper! "

Too LOL wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:14 AM:

" your right he needs to get a life, or better yet -Stay out of ours. "

wow wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:13 AM:

" its one thing that you dont wanna smell like the nasty scent of cigarettes and its chemicales but wood burning stoves and fireplaces? are you kidding me? "

Sigh wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:06 AM:

" re: "So - what's the big": Exactly, I mean its not like you can just avoid going into buildings with wood burning stoves or anything. We wouldn't want to inconvenience you. "

Hate to tell you.. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:04 AM:

" but wood smoke is totally different than tobacco smoke. Many of the carcinogens in tobacco are there because of incomplete combustion, where a fireplace doesn't slowly smolder "

Slope wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:56 AM:

" I tried telling people about the slippery slope this ban started. No one wanted to listen. The left will take your rights one at a time to accomplish their nanny state. Remember, they know whats best for us. We voted them in remember? "

MRS. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:54 AM:

" How did we ever survive back in the day? I somewhat agree with the smoking ban but even I think they went to far. People don't like to eat the same thing all the time so I can see restaurants but I am assuming people drink the same kind of beer all the time and smoke the same brand of cigarettes so bars should have been left alone. This is coming from someone that believes Jesus is the only way to Heaven. Burning wood is a little different. Although I couldn’t be around it I can shut my windows. If it were still a problem I would talk to my DR. about solutions. I grew up with burning wood, coal and cobs. There wasn't as much asthma as there is today either. Asthma is real and can be deadly. COPD is real and can be deadly but it usually is a result of smoking. "

you gotta be kidding wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:52 AM:

" Kenneth Dubinski: I'm assuming he doesn't go out to eat (all the grease, fat, and fumes from the kitchen), go to parks or public places (germs or the slight chance of getting a disease), considering the price of gas these days to use his fireplace and run his car (I'm sure he bikes where he wants to go and his fireplace is natural gas right). Definately don't burn those fall leaves because of a likely emergency room visit, Driving behind other vehicles or city buses, burning leaves and the good ole fall time bond fires. He doesnt need to get a life he needs to get a good consultation with a professional in the emotional medical field! "

Bluegrass American wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:46 AM:

" Let them ban it. They will never be able to get a real hickory smoked piece of meat again. "

Rolling Eyes wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:36 AM:

" I don't want to hear anyone ever doubting the slipperly-slope argument again. "

You have to wonder wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:29 AM:

" what sad route Kenneth Dubinski took to come to this point. "

Beavis wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:23 AM:

" Fire was here first! Deal with it. "

Dumbinski wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:21 AM:

" I wonder if we looked up that name circa 1939-1945 in Europe if we would find that it was prevelent for Nazi informers? I'll bet Elk Grove PD has his name on several crimestopper tips for smoking violations since the ban took effect. He has probably turned in several neighbors for having their lawns not cut low enough and reports them for not having sidewalks shoveled within 24 hours after the snow stops. He probably also drives a big Escalade V-8, drives 90 MPH down I-55, and buys back his carbon foot prints. "

Pay My Gas Bill? wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:16 AM:

" They can have my wood stove with the agreement to pay my gas bill. Is this going to turn into to an electrical deal where you conserve so we charge more? Does Mr. Smokewhackski work for the gas company? Being a dual infringer I am hoping to have global warming on my block first, it should do my mental anguish some good! "

Rural Joe wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:13 AM:

" Fireplaces and wood stoves are using a renewable fuel souce of which natural gas isn't. I have had wood burning furnaces in every home that I have lived in and they put off the best source of heat out there. They warm the floors up , which helps warm the rest of the house up , and provide a constant heat source going through the registers b/c the fire is always burning instead of shutting off and on like gas. The down side is the harvesting and preperation of the wood prior to burning. Wood will warm you up 3 times before you burn it. Besides I would rather drive down the street and smell wood burning than your neighbors trash barrel smoldering. Go home and get a life Ken b/c people are tired of your kind always wanting people to convert to your life as you see fit, not their own. I am proud to be pro wood and pro gun, so get on with it Ken. "

DONCHA KNOW::: wrote on Feb 25, 2008 6:16 AM:

" As AMERICAN citizens you have no rights. They belong to the Aliens, & the foreigners!!!!!!! "

I would.... wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:35 AM:

" hate to see where this is going "

LOL wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:31 AM:

" THIS GUY NEEDS A LIFE!!! OMG, what is wrong with him? You cannot ban these forms of heat and force people to renovate their homes just because the smoke is causing him headaches. Is he going to pay for everyone to make the changes? Sorry dude, but I'm big on wood burning stoves. I was raised in a home where that was our main source of heat. Maybe you ought to try it sometime. "

people, chill wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:30 AM:

" my god this is getting bad! smokers can't even smoke in bars and now you're going for this. Soon i'm sure smokers won't be able to smoke in their cars, then next can't smoke in your home after 9pm, then ..... NUTS "

JD wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:47 AM:

" These bans have nothing what so ever to do with any health concerns. It is people exploiting ignorance for their own agenda of having control over others. It is a slippery slope we started on when people started thinking public places are public property, and that they are someone entitled to rights not granted to them in the Constitution. Politicians need to quit trying to placate these people for votes, and start cleaning the books of all these laws which serve nothing but giving special interest groups even more sway over our lives. "

Friends of friends wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:38 AM:

" Yep, we need to ban all pollutants equally that pose a health risk. This includes your beloved auto as the Earth we live in is enclosed. Burning wood or charcoal needs banned. Laser printers need banned as most do not even realize the danger they pose, cooking red meats, yep all those cause cancer and are pollutants. I think even passing gas has toxic fumes that in concentration pose a health hazard, we must stop those too. Fair and equal treatment under the law is a right as US citizens. Stand up fight for equality, with fair and just laws that equally protect everyones health not just a single group or class of people.(non-smokers) "

So - what's the big wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:28 AM:

" difference from second-hand smoke that comes from people and second-hand smoke that comes from stoves and fireplaces-NOT A BIT. This guy is right. If smokers are polluting the air IN a building, why is it right for EVERYONE to breathe the smoke from someone's fireplace or wood burning stove? This guy has a great point. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces give me a headache and I blow black crap out of my nose after I'm around them and I don't blow black crap out of my nose when I'm around a smoker, so which is worse? Stoves and fireplaces are. "

The Irascible Fachna wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:26 AM:

" I am enthusiastically and foresquare behind this proposal ..... or any proposal that involves giving the common scolds more rope. The more they unspool, the more ridiculous they become, and the quicker the general backlash gets unrolling. Pretty soon they'll be tackling people on the street, holding them down, and cleaning their teeth with belt-sanders. They can't help themselves - excess is in their intrusive genes. "

jellis wrote on Feb 24, 2008 11:58 PM:

" secondhand smoke kills yea and so does all the pollution from major factorys and automobiles so i guess we should just shut the country down ? i say let ppl smoke in bars as long as food is not being served if ppl dont like it they can go outside "

seesr wrote on Feb 24, 2008 11:31 PM:

" See what all these non smokers started. Soon you will have no rights and the charcoal grills will be next. Just watch out all. "

What??? wrote on Feb 24, 2008 11:16 PM:

" Elk Grove resident Kenneth Butinski needs to get a hobby or a dog or something. "

I wonder wrote on Feb 24, 2008 11:15 PM:

" Does Kenneth Dubinski drive an automobile? If he does, the second hand smoke from the exhaust is giving me a headache and infringes upon my right to breathe fresh air. I'm just saying. "

Where do these~~ wrote on Feb 24, 2008 11:05 PM:

" kooks come from? Good Lord, do you want people to stop living? Get over it or leave it. Does he think people are suppose to stop just because he doesn't like it? What will he think of next? I say shut your windows if you don't like it. "

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