I smoked cigarettes for about 12 years. I was addicted. I was able to quit after several tries. I did used to sneak one every once in a while, but I haven't now for a good 3 years.
I have no doubt that if I would not have quit smoking that I would have contracted emphysema or cancer, my blood pressure would have continued to rise, and who knows what other health problems would have ensued. Thousands of dollars in health care costs most likely would follow. You know the story. Who knows how many others I harmed with my 2nd hand smoke. How many others I annoyed by lighting up in a restaurant. How many others went home reeking of smoke because of me.
I realize that in our nation we have freedom to do as we wish in most cases.
With freedom comes responsibility. To me, part of being a decent, contributing member of society is to do what I can to make the world a better place, through my actions, how I treat others, the life I lead and the examples I give to my family. I'm so proud that I don't have to explain a tobacco habit to my kids, I can proudly tell them "I'm done with that." When they ask why people smoke, I tell them the reasons I smoked. To look cool. Because it's what everyone around me did. It was difficult to stop.
Given that so many people struggle with it, so many millions of dollars are wasted on heath issues that didn't have to happen, not to mention personal income lost, any glorification or rationalization of tobacco use leaves me with a very sour feeling in my gut.
I don't see it as "gentlemanly" - I don't see it as "one of the finer things of life." If a behavior is disgusting to the people around you, If you have to hide to do it, any justification rings hollow. You nonsmokers know how nice it is to be able to go in a restaurant or club without leaving smelling like an ashtray.
I see it as a crutch. I see it as a habit that's irresponsible to the greater community. That's just my opinion. I don't think any amount of rationalization that take away that fact that it's a non-essential and addictive behavior that wastes billions of dollars.
That being said, again, we have freedom. For the most part, we can spend our money as we wish. We can buy and smoke a pack of Lucky Strikes, suck down a Budweiser or bottle of Jack, chomp on a couple Whoppers or Big Macs, eat a bag of Doritos, maybe a box of donuts before passing out on the couch. And I know a large part of our economy is based on making sure people keep on doing just those things. "Greater good" be damned.
But where is the line between personal freedom and responsibility? Sure, maybe your pipe or cigar or snus is fine and dandy. Maybe you won't have any health repercussions. Or maybe you will. I realize that among the crowd on this board, legistating behavior would be as popular as a can of Edge and a Fusion. Do we outlaw all "risky" behaviors? I'm not for that. We'd end up living in boxes, fed through tubes with no freedom at all.
I don't want your choices taken away. But just consider how your choices resonate beyond the realm of your "personal luxury."
I have no doubt that if I would not have quit smoking that I would have contracted emphysema or cancer, my blood pressure would have continued to rise, and who knows what other health problems would have ensued. Thousands of dollars in health care costs most likely would follow. You know the story. Who knows how many others I harmed with my 2nd hand smoke. How many others I annoyed by lighting up in a restaurant. How many others went home reeking of smoke because of me.
I realize that in our nation we have freedom to do as we wish in most cases.
With freedom comes responsibility. To me, part of being a decent, contributing member of society is to do what I can to make the world a better place, through my actions, how I treat others, the life I lead and the examples I give to my family. I'm so proud that I don't have to explain a tobacco habit to my kids, I can proudly tell them "I'm done with that." When they ask why people smoke, I tell them the reasons I smoked. To look cool. Because it's what everyone around me did. It was difficult to stop.
Given that so many people struggle with it, so many millions of dollars are wasted on heath issues that didn't have to happen, not to mention personal income lost, any glorification or rationalization of tobacco use leaves me with a very sour feeling in my gut.
I don't see it as "gentlemanly" - I don't see it as "one of the finer things of life." If a behavior is disgusting to the people around you, If you have to hide to do it, any justification rings hollow. You nonsmokers know how nice it is to be able to go in a restaurant or club without leaving smelling like an ashtray.
I see it as a crutch. I see it as a habit that's irresponsible to the greater community. That's just my opinion. I don't think any amount of rationalization that take away that fact that it's a non-essential and addictive behavior that wastes billions of dollars.
That being said, again, we have freedom. For the most part, we can spend our money as we wish. We can buy and smoke a pack of Lucky Strikes, suck down a Budweiser or bottle of Jack, chomp on a couple Whoppers or Big Macs, eat a bag of Doritos, maybe a box of donuts before passing out on the couch. And I know a large part of our economy is based on making sure people keep on doing just those things. "Greater good" be damned.
But where is the line between personal freedom and responsibility? Sure, maybe your pipe or cigar or snus is fine and dandy. Maybe you won't have any health repercussions. Or maybe you will. I realize that among the crowd on this board, legistating behavior would be as popular as a can of Edge and a Fusion. Do we outlaw all "risky" behaviors? I'm not for that. We'd end up living in boxes, fed through tubes with no freedom at all.
I don't want your choices taken away. But just consider how your choices resonate beyond the realm of your "personal luxury."