Saw a Smart driving in Canton, OH yesterday and pointed it out to my twin sister telling her that's my next car. When we paralleled the Blue Smart's path for a few minutes and played traffic leap frog, I thought about jumping out of my Rav4 at a light where we were both stopped and rushing up to tell the woman driving that "I get it, I'm on the list." But I thought she might consider that a bit threatening. I concluded I should probably make up a bumper sticker that says I'm a future Smart driver.
If you get tired of the attention from non-Smart people I guess I could understand. But finding a fellow "it-getter" should be worth at least a grin if not effusive greetings.
Plate for those who don't want to be bothered - DNT STR
I too am a smoke, (I'm also married to smartiePrincess). I too have always used the ashtrays in my cars, even when I lived in the Northwest where it rains all of the time and fire isn't exactly an issue 90% of the year.
I mourn the days when proper cars actually came with an ashtray, but willingly paid $45 for TWO "smokers kits" for my cabrio. The first I use for the obvious purpose, the second makes a great coin, loose change holder.
Any smokin' smart owners that haven't bought one should be ashamed. Non-smokers should look in to it as well as a great, added cubby hole.
Last, just as we respectful smokers respect the rights of non-smokers, it sure would be nice if the non-smokers would back-off and acknowledge the rights of us smokers do do as we damn well please on our cars, homes and on our property. (We don't storm the castle walls and dictate what flavor of wheatgrass you drink, please leave us alone and respect our rights.)
All said in the spirit of community we share as smarties.
Last, just as we respectful smokers respect the rights of non-smokers, it sure would be nice if the non-smokers would back-off and acknowledge the rights of us smokers do do as we damn well please on our cars, homes and on our property. (We don't storm the castle walls and dictate what flavor of wheatgrass you drink, please leave us alone and respect our rights.)
The only issue I take with non-respectful smokers is they sometimes want to smoke in restaurants while others are eating. Kinda ruins the apatite a bit. Busch Gardens has made smoking areas in the their parks for people to use, I think its a good idea as it keeps down the unwanted smoke in my eyes and face, yet gives the smokers a place to go and enjoy themselves. What makes me angry are the kids that ignore park policy and still smoke anywhere they want. Not to mention the butts that are everywhere, it's gross! It's also a very expensive habit, with gas & food so high, I don't know how anyone can afford it... (on so many levels)
Side note, I have never smoked so I am very sensitive to it, I get sick when I smell it and my eyes water like I am about to cry. My mother was a respectful smoker, actually several people in my family were, they all died of lung cancer... I guess that's why I feel rather strongly about inhaling second hand smoke as well.
I agree with the importance of freedom here, but we all need to remember the meaning of respect too. If what we are doing as free adults causes harm to others we really need to rethink if its the right thing to do... I think we as a society have become a bit selfish with our freedoms and forgot that in order for freedom to work, they have to be OUR freedoms not MY freedoms. (you can apply this to many different topics that are "hot button" issues and it applies the same. I think as Americans we are spoiled.)
Just my thoughts. I expect to take my 20 lashings from the smokers now...
Great idea on the change holders, the one the car has rattles too much from what I have read in previous postings...
Last edited by bradgarbus; 05-30-2008 at 04:39 AM.
Last, just as we respectful smokers respect the rights of non-smokers, it sure would be nice if the non-smokers would back-off and acknowledge the rights of us smokers do do as we damn well please on our cars, homes and on our property. (We don't storm the castle walls and dictate what flavor of wheatgrass you drink, please leave us alone and respect our rights.)
All said in the spirit of community we share as smarties.
Again, in the spirit of community, I think you would darn well want to have a say in the flavor of wheatgrass if someone were dispersing it in a fine enough mist in a public area (indoors or out) that just walking past caused your eyes to sting and your clothes to smell like wheatgrass for the rest of the day. Particularly if you were extremely allergic to wheatgrass.
Only the most militant anti-smoker wants to dictate what you do on your property (home, car, yard, etc). However, sometimes your car can be a public place too, particularly if you have the top down. I was following an SL Mercedes up I-4 a few weeks back that had its top down and the driver smoking a big, fat cigar. Probably an Ybor City Special, coming up from Tampa as he was. I had to set the AC in my car to 'recirculate' to prevent everything in my car from smelling like Mr. SL's cigar. Even though I was running late, I slowed down to give him more and more distance for the smoke to disperse. He was oblivious to the problem he was causing for those traveling at interstate speeds behind him. He was probably a nice guy. But now I'm having to change what I'm doing to accommodate his choices (top down, thumb-thick cigar).
Everyone has bad days. I've had a few since I got my smart. I just don't want to be bothered, and I tend to ignore people. It just happens, maybe she was having a bad day?!?!
I get a mix of good and bad reactions from people who see my car. Most are good and some are not. There are some reactions where I have no idea what they said.
That woman’s behavior is inexcusable, but with that being said, it is quite annoying when people with similar cars (Ferraris, Corvettes, Classis Mustangs, smarts, etc.) think that because of what they drive they are in a special club with other owners of those vehicles. I mean, when (if) I get my smart and I see another on the road, I will not acknowledge them, much less wave and make a fool out of myself.
Why would I think that due to their vehicle choice that we share similar views on the world and should be friends? No offense, but the smart is only a car and there are many good (moral, economical, practical) reasons to buy one, but it doesn’t mean that when I pull up next to another smart, I should act any different than when I drive my Nissan and pull up next to another Nissan. Am I the only one that feels this way?
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