AIBU to dislike David Hockney for opposing the smoking ban?

[Bertiebiscuit]

I always disliked David Hockney for his campaign against the Smoking indoors in public places ban, probably the best thing the then sensible Labour government did for public health and predictably the Guardian supported him - that rag is always on the wrong side of history. No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense. That legislation brought in stop smoking clinics, trained smoking cessation counsellors and inspired stop smoking aids like nicotine replacement therapy. Probably the biggest positive change in public health since sewers and soap. One selfish old man with no children did his level best to interfere, we should not deify him.

Do we have a smoking ban?

Get a grip.

He was a great man and artist - disagreeing with you on one thing doesn't change that. I don't like the new trend for writing someone off entirely on the basis that they disagree with you on something - it's very childish.

'One selfish old man with no children did his level best to interfere, we should not deify him.'

His head should be put on a pike facing away from London for not having sired any offspring.

Good grief ! The man's just died one month short of his 89th birthday. One of the most prolific, influential artists of the 20th century and very much a maverick his whole life. I don't know who rattled your cage today (presumably DH not dying of lung cancer / The Guardian) but you should pick your battles 🤣

Yabu. Its unthinkable now to go back to smoking indoors but at the time there was a huge amount of criticism for the ban.

🙄

I’m very anti-smoking and very pleased it was banned, but I do feel some respect for someone who has strong beliefs, can articulate why he holds them and stands up for them vociferously in public in the face of great opposition.

YABVU. Also, he died at 88, so I don't know what you mean by 'he could have lived longer'.

He made no impact on the smoking ban since we have a ban, and was entitled to his views,

He made an immense impact on the development of art, a huge contribution to cultural life, has earned us millions in tourist income and given many of us hours and hours of pleasure.

So my admiration of him and gratitude for his work is total.

What have you achieved OP?

And why do you feel the need to be nasty about someone who has not actually harmed you, within hours of his death?

I also agreed with him at the time and part of me still does.

What a horrible post on the day his death is announced. Have some respect.

Sounds like you've been holding on to these feelings for a long time OP. What a blessed relief this day must be, for you.

'No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense'.

Hmm, the man was 88 and lived a very full and accomplished life. Get back to me when you can make that claim.

As an aside, isn't Maggie Hamblin a massive smoker?

Isn't he dead yet?

Another aside, I once saw Gilbert and George in M and S

Certainly is. Always got a tab on the go.

What a deeply unpleasant post !

Were they smoking?

There's that

But mainly, the poor man died yesterday and this is all you have to say @Bertiebiscuit

Are you doing that thing where you just have to bring down someone who leaves a massive legacy? Would you be leaving a massive legacy? Are there exhibitions of your work going on all over the world?

He was entitled to his opinion and he was entitled to do whatever campaigning he wanted to do.

Shame on you.

Interested to know if they were buying ready-made lasagnes.

Odd time to start spouting about this

Indeed, I feel there are more things to twist one's knickers about.