Kris:
Come on smokers - instead of trying to shoot the messenger, can't even one of you admit that the message has some truth. The message, from my viewpoint is that smoking wastes your money and impairs your health. Do you really think that's wrong??
In Germany we have a saying that smokers ensure pensions of non-smokers, cause we die earlier (one old less to be taken care of and costing money - your other thread... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> ) - and as our government has increased cig-taxes to finance motherhood wages => I consider it a "patriotic" task to smoke. Same as for car drivers (gas taxes increase) racing for another social task (sort of medi care for the old). Cynical? True - but from whom?
Sure, it wastes money and impairs my health. I ask if I may smoke if I'm together with non-smokers - and obey if they dislike it. I have my own smoking office. I don't smoke on the road or throw down the rest. I don't smoke in front of kids or give them a cig if they ask. Been smoking for 27 yrs now. It's a bad habit, true. I stopped 2x, for a year each - but missed it, so I started again. I might stop one day - or not.
I tolerate it that not all are vegetarians (though I loathe mass breeding) - I tolerate that people drive (I have no driver's licence by purpose) - I don't lecture about alcoholism (though I avoid those liking to get drunk regularly) - I don't stick up my nose at overweight people (being as uncontrolled as I am with my drug? And costing health care a whale of money as well?). I use public transport, so I'm used to non-smoking areas - and if I have the choice, I take non-smoking seats in the plane.
Yes, I think, it's a good idea if smokers/non-smokers are seperated in restaurants. I think, both parties should be able to enjoy.
If you ask me what I would do with the money I wasted on cigs? I have no idea, Kris - as my wishes are not large. I need no house, car, furs, jewels, journeys. I don't feel I missed something.
And if I get cancer, would I wail? Or try to sue the cig industry? Nope. I started it as an adult (with 20) and knew. I take my responsibility for my choice.
Kiya
