California Town Installs Stockades for Smokers
A new California anti-smoking law puts smokers in public stockades for up to 30 days. Critics say the shaming technique is Draconian.
by George Wolfe
CALABASAS, Calif. – Thinking of lighting up in California? Think again. A new shaming law here takes effect this month will put smokers in publicly placed stockades for up to 30 days as part of legislation intended to shame smokers and cut health care costs.
"When we told the truth of how we lied to people about the potential effects of smoking, we assumed that you people would cut us some slack. But [this] just make us want to lie all over again."
— Jim Druthers, spokesman, Smith/Bennings Tobacco
Tobacco companies immediately cried foul and vowed to fight the Draconian legislation. Smith/Bennings Tobacco spokesman Jim Druthers said, "When we told the truth of how we lied to people about the potential effects of smoking, we assumed that you people would cut us some slack. But these measures just make us want to lie all over again."
But advocates of the new anti-smoking law praised the state legislature for its brave new action. Megan MacIntyre, of the Los Angeles-based lobbyist group Fuming Mad Californians said, "This is a great day for the people of Calabasas. Smoking is shameful, so smokers may need to be shamed in order to finally get the message. If it's for the greater good then we don't mind resorting to any tactics that will get the last few holdouts to embrace our values."
Only one smoker so far has been put in the stockade. Andy Rybyzynski, of Calabasas, was placed in a stockade outside the main entrance of a downtown shopping mall. A dozen or so local residents pelted Rybyzynski with tomatoes and usde tampons when he tried to light up with a cigarette he'd hidden in the lining of his jacket.
"I don't do nothing wrong," said Rybyzinski. "I only smoke. How come all these cars can smoke, but I can't? This is America... it is my right, my freedom, no?! Please, let me out… I must pee now!"
Local residents were overwhelmingly in agreement with the new anti-smoking shaming laws, though many quietly conceded that not allowing the guilty party out for bathroom breaks was too much.
Still, a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous breathed deeply and peacefully as she spoke about Rybyzinsky and the no-smoking ordinance. "With that Euro-trash off the streets, I already feel better. I was really worried that my grandchildren and great grandchildren would acquire third- or fourth-hand smoke. Maybe he'll think twice now before he lights up."
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