Thread: What the Heck...For Real?!?!

Originally Posted by Jimbo

How exactly do you allow the individual to deal with smoke in a restaurant or bar? It's a nice thought, but completely unrealistic.

I do agree, however, that the long term outcome can sometimes prove worse than the original problem - mankind seem to wear a curiously selective set of blinkers when it comes to foresight in certain (economic) matters: fossil fuels, sub-prime mortgages, environmental disasters....

In any event, I am all for the individual stepping up and taking personal responsibility. I genuinely am. But some things are, by their nature, group-based (like the dynamics of cigarette smoke as it disperses into enclosed spaces). Others are not applicable: school children shouldn't have to be responsible for their own safety in this way while at school IMO.

What if the article that had been posted was the opposite? "7 Year old asphyxiates in panic and agony in front of classmates. School had ignored peanut allergy warnings from parents"? Would we be sitting around talking about how the parents should have been more responsible for their child's safety in that case? Would people be claiming there's an acceptable proportion of these kinds of deaths, too bad so sad?

I don't think so. Perhaps you are right Scott. There is a herd effect here, but perhaps not where you meant it was...

James.

Individual: "Gosh, this place allows smokers. I think I will choose another establishment that caters to non-smokers."

Individual: "Damn it, there are no establishments that cater to non-smokers in this community. I think I will open my own business that DOES cater to non-smokers."

Individual: "Now I have a choice, I can choose smoking, or non-smoking establishments."

I must say I'm surprised at the number of responses on this topic. Gives me an idea for another thread...favourite flavour jelly or jam!

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

I must say I'm surprised at the number of responses on this topic. Gives me an idea for another thread...favourite flavour jelly or jam!

Apricot! Wooooo!

Originally Posted by honedright

Apricot! Wooooo!

Sorry, should have waited for the new thread. But I love Apricot jam!

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I know someone who carries injections with him because his allergy to peanuts is so bad. He can't fly on a plane that serves them. A good strong whiff of them starts a reaction..

I have been reading up on this subject tonight and this idea of getting a reaction from the smell is not supported anywhere.
The reaction is caused by protein and there is no protein in an odor.

The protein has to be ingested to get a deadly reaction. Touching the proverbial doorknob even if it has been smeared with peanut butter isn't going to kill even a highly allergic person.

Originally Posted by Yochatman

This is reasonable. You are just asking for reasonable accommodations. I have students with different allergies that could cause anaphylaxis from peanuts, to milk, to bee stings, and even soy. We all have to watch a video on how to use an epi-pen every year, as well as refreshing our knowledge on dealing with blood borne pathogens, asthma, and the Heimlich maneuver! You never know when it will become necessary.

I know a teacher that had a student have a major reaction to Kiwi fruit. No previous history. They had to call an ambulance.

Kids with peanut allergies only need to be exposed to a microscopic amount of peanut oil to have a life threatening reaction.

Are school age kids really responsible enough to avoid something they can't even see?
Tell them not to ingest cold or flu viruses too.

In fact, the next time I see a parent with a kid who has the flu I am going to inform them that it's their fault for not teaching their kid personal responsibility.

Kids, wash your frikin' hands!!

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

I must say I'm surprised at the number of responses on this topic. Gives me an idea for another thread...favourite flavour jelly or jam!

ELDERBERRY!

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Apparently, the lunchtime favourite PB & J sandwich is verboten in one corner of Arkansas.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich sparks controversy: Can we really ban nut products from schools? | Team Mom - Yahoo! Shine
Now, that's just un-American!!!

Draconian rules and a school board with zero common sense and blind adherency to policy?
Since when is that un-American?