Comments from Patchland: Put This in Your Body and Smoke It

We haven't heard Prohibition brought up in decades. And for the first time in weeks, we have resisted the urge to put in a comment about red-light cameras. But, alas, in this week's edition of “Comments from Patchland,” we couldn't escape without two of our favorite hot-button issues: smoking bans and guns. Put these in your pipe and shoot 'em. And if you're inclined to join the discussion, click the headline and head for the comments section.

Let us know if you're not sure about his opinion

"It's funny how people go on an on about the government taking away our rights, and then they turn around and support bans on marijuana and even this K2 herb stuff. Grow up and get real. Products like K2 incense are a result of the complete and utter failure that is Prohibition."
— anewday23, Lake Saint Louis Patch

Commending those who are in for the long haul

"As the mother of a brain-injured child (auto accident), I know all too well that people are great to help immediately after a trauma, but all too often there is no one to help with the long-term needs. Our veterans, more than anyone, deserve our ongoing help and admiration for their sacrifice."
— Diane Parker, Chesterfield Patch

Know anyone who needs to be silenced on this issue? Anyone?

"President Dillon did ask the speakers to not say the same thing over and over. He asked that they not bring up the same issue. The fact is that the speakers were teachers, students, parents and support staff all with a unique outlook. Asking any one of those speakers to silence themselves would be asking not to be shown the extent and nuance of the situation."
— Chris Wimmer, Maryland Heights Patch

"I wish I had known about this beforehand so I could have gone down and argued the pitfalls of handing our schools over to sexual deviants. Fortunately, our board had the wisdom to table the issue in order to give time for opposition viewpoints."
— Integr8er, also of Maryland Heights Patch

Old enough to know what to do…?

"Special themes and music help them relive their youth, share special memories and make new ones. It is so refreshing to know there are other groups, particularly school-agers, who care about our community elders! Keep up the great work!"
— Pamela Guest, Mehlville Patch

…But too young to know how to do it?

"The problems that many of our youth are causing and having are our fault. I mean that there are adults, parents, teachers, school employees, and even neighbors that have not ‘raised’ and ‘mentored’ many of these youth. Not all youth are bad."
— Rod Jennings, University City Patch

He wants more bang for his buck

"I do a lot of business over the course of a year in Maplewood. I often eat at restaurants and make purchases at many retail stores. Due to this affront to constitutional rights, I shall make a conscious effort to no longer spend any of my dollars within the boundaries of Maplewood."
— Terje bolef, Maplewood-Brentwood Patch

Honestly, we just wanted a chance to use this headline again

"Wow, very impressive! Congratulations Ross and Evan! I can't wait to hear how the school money will be used. What an accomplishment!"
— Jenny Shaffer, Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch

The silence was golden as students watched

"What a wonderful educational and creative performance by high schoolers in our town. This is a great production for many reasons. Education is best when it's entertainment. In this case, the education will save lives,  too!"
— Sonny Saggar, Eureka-Wildwood Patch

The answer: Because people don't always do what's good for them

"Every time I turn around, that is all I hear—something about smoking. The fact is, tobacco is allowed to be sold, and people are going to do it. If you don't want smoking to be done anywhere, then why is it being allowed to be sold?"
— Denise, O'Fallon Patch

"The people have spoken. We don't want smoking in public establishments. Plenty of states have already passed such laws. Their businesses were not hurt by banning indoor smoking. These groups that gave money were well within their rights to do so. You are barking up the wrong tree with them…I'm now going to go get a cheeseburger and throw my water bottle in the regular trash."
— just liven the life, also from O'Fallon Patch

Too many chiefs?

"What I find interesting is that no principals were cut. With seven principals at (Eureka High), teachers, coaches, counselors and security staff are eliminated. The three voters in our family will not begin to consider a property tax increase until there are fewer principals and assistant superintendents in the (Rockwood) system."
— Eileen Tyrrell, Fenton-High Ridge Patch