Larian Studios Forums General Chat Chat (Anything) A Smoke-Free Exeter.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> Yes, there's no doubt that often the most dogmatic people of all are the reformed alcoholic, the ex-smoker, the 'born again' Christian, or whatever! And I admit to being an argumentative git too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

However, I don't believe that I've said anything on this thread that would brand me "impossible to argue with" - unless of course you just mean that I won't just lie down and concede that smoking is fine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I've said that I would support the provision of adequately ventilated 'smoking lounges' or similar concepts. I've said that I believe that the non-smoker's desire for a smoke free environment is a wish not a right. I've stated that I believe that outright bans don't solve problems. I also agree with your point above that a great deal of medical expense goes on treatment for conditions that are basically self inflicted. Here in West Australia a whopping 25% of the entire State budget is spent on our Health system! You could also say that smokers contribute towards that with some very hefty taxes. What more can I say?

But none of this takes away from the basic issues surrounding smoking. Maybe you're still young and 'immortal', or perhaps you're older and believe in your heart that you'll never manage to kick the habit, but I'm sure that you must be aware of what it does to you?

I don't wish to seem like I'm being unfairly melodramatic, but I could take you round to see my very good friend (in his 50s) who is currently suffering from emphysema caused by years of smoking. It's distressing to see a man who used to be the sort of guy who could tackle anything, now shuffling round his house fighting for breath. It won't kill him as quickly as cancer, but it has ruined his quality of life, and considerably shortened how long he has left. He gave up last year, he just did it 24 years after I did. (And BTW, if we did go and see him, we could take the 'yellow rocket' and you could drive - everybody from 17 to 70 gets to have a go behind the wheel - it might just motivate you... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devil.gif" alt="" /> )

I still have a few friends who smoke, and I don't nag them to stop (apparently I only nag total strangers on the net - odd eh! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> ). As I said, we just provide an ashtray outside, and leave it at that. At some time they've all tried to quit, sometimes several times, but didn't succeed. But if they did ask me for help to stop I would be delighted if anything that I said or did could help motivate them to do so.

Let's start another thread and argue about something else eh? Software piracy? Speed limits? 'Politic correctness'? Anything - I've rather enjoyed this!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />