SMOKE - AND FIRED

TheNewYorkPost ^ | 2 October 2002 | DAVID SEIFMAN

[SheLion]

A top Housing Authority official has smoked himself out of an $80,000-a-year job.

After consulting with the mayor's office, Housing chairman Tino Hernandez yesterday ordered the immediate firing of Robert Swinton, the deputy director of the Office of Facility Planning, one of five employees spotted by a Post reporter last week in extended smoking sessions outside the agency's headquarters at 250 Broadway.

[SheLion]

One piece of gum is equal to about three cigarettes for many people.

For THAT much money, I would rather just smoke a cigarette.! They can KEEP their Nicorette!!!

[SheLion]

Still at it, eh? Can't imagine any way to relax without drugs, can you?

Yes I'm still at it! Get USED to it! We Conservative smokers in here will be around for a long time. Rub your fur, do we? hahaha

[SheLion]

How would I know unless I gave it a try?

GOOD ONE, metesky.

[SheLion]

m???????

[SheLion]

What's this I hear about Bloomin'Idiot and his desire to make NY a silent city? With all of his new laws, I am so glad I don't live there.

Me TOO! However, I live in Maine and I am so afriad that stink will rub off on MY state.

[Just another Joe]

I hate to say it, She, but these people brought it on themselves.
This one has nothing to do with smoking or private property rights. This one is about abuse of privelege. At least that's the way I see it now.
I DO think that if this is the first time they have ever been observed doing this, the punishments might be too harsh. But with Bloominidiot pushing, I think the envelope for city employees just tore.

[SheLion]

There really is NO reason for a smoker to take that many smoke breaks, Joe! I always said: If a smoker can be outside smoking all the time, then they are not BUSY enough!"

When I worked, I could go for hours without even THINKING of a cigarette because I was busy! The minute things slowed down, that's when I went out to have a smoke.

But if these people are out sucking on a cigarette so much, then they don't have enough to keep them busy.

HOWEVER, it's just another nail in the coffin of smokers. Especially in New York City. This will add more fuel to BloomingIdiots fire.

[Red Jones]

I agree with you SheLion. The managerial class has gone crazy, as is demonstrated by work-place rules on smoking, they are abusing their power in public sector AND in private sector in many ways. This abuse benefits nobody, their own lack of integrity leads them to do it. Managers should have integrity to serve in a constructive manner, not a lust for power and control to be tyrants. We should all be clear about that.

Also, a lot of the anti-smoking craze is just bigotry. People have to find a scapegoat, it is very sad. Also, Bloomburg is an idiot. I wouldn't vote for him if I lived in NY.

[metesky]

This one is about abuse of privelege. At least that's the way I see it now.

I gotta agree with you, Joe. 69 minutes for two butts is pushing it a bit lot.

[Just another Joe]

But if these people are out sucking on a cigarette so much, then they don't have enough to keep them busy.

When do bereaucrats EVER have enough to do to keep themselves busy. Especially at the city level.

I agree that this will add fuel to Bloominidiots fire but it could also get him burned. Not likely but the chance is there.

[Brytani]

I am a God awful smoker and yes, I do smoke outside at work. What I do is simple, I rarely if ever take lunch, instead I eat at my desk while working. This hour I'm giving back to my job that is technically mine, makes up for the time I'm outside smoking.

I know many smokers who do this so that their company can not come back and say they are taking more breaks then are allowed. Others, work more then 40 hours every week to make up for it.

Of course, this wouldn't even be a concern if the anti-smoking nuts would allow companies to designate a smoking room inside a building or allow smoking at a persons desk and install filtering equipment.

[BADROTOFINGER]

Considering these breaks averaged approx 18 mins apiece and you would consider making love to your wife an acceptable alternative during worktime, I wouldnt be bragging bud...JFK

[SheLion]

You know what, Red Jones? There's a time and place for everything, and smoking included.

Smokers that stand outside all day at work give us decent smokers a bad name! There is no reason for it. If they an can be outside most of the day smoking, they don't have a job worth having! They need to be fired. Hell, who would MISS them at WORK!!! heh!

[Great Dane]

And this is still a legal product....... hey maybe we should take governments to court for not banning this vile weed.

The more fanatic the ANTI's get, the more idiotic they look.

[Great Dane]

This guy evidentally has never heard of Nicorette gum or was too stupid to use it.

Yep, thats excactly what Pharma's wan't, thats why they are anti smoking, there is lots of money in them there products.

[Great Dane]

But for peace of mind, I recommend The Comforter.

Are we talking pacifier or blanket here.

[cinFLA]

Before smoking was banned in private offices, I'm sure Mr. Swinton would have been considered an excellent employee. Now he's a bad one.

Before smoking was banned in the office, non-smokers had to put up with the stench and irritation of the smoker's bad habit. It is amazing how one lambasts the typical "government" worker but if he is a smoker he is defended.

[Great Dane]

Now, what many people may not realize is that one piece of gum contains more nicotine than most people get in a cigarette. The way to use the gum to maximum (and cost efficient) effect, is to bite off about a third of a piece, chew it a little, move it (with your tongue) to the inside of your cheek to absorb the drug most efficiently, and every few minutes, chew it a bit more and move it back to the inside of your cheek.

Looks like you are either talking from experience or you are working for the Pharma's.

[Great Dane]

#22......... love that sign.... says it all, mind if I use it. :-}

[cinFLA]

And this is still a legal product....... hey maybe we should take governments to court for not banning this vile weed.

Alcohol is legal but most companies would fire you if you took 69 minute "drinking" breaks.