Smoking - I know, very controversial
 

Sorry for the long post, but I need to vent . . .

I know that a lot of people don’t like to share space with a smoker, just as I am sensitive to perfume, cologne, and other strong smelling scents. But that’s life . . . and we generally just put up with each other, don’t we?

Smoking has become socially unacceptable though, and the radicals are pursuing a smoking ban, even in OPEN air space. Over the years, in my province they have implemented new laws that ban smoking from most private enterprise establishments, like bars, pubs, and restaurants. These establishments set up areas where people who don’t want to smoke, don’t have to go, and vice-versa. Everyone is happy, right? Nope, apparently not.

Now there are new laws that are more stringent, and include OPEN air. Effective last month, people are not allowed to smoke for up to 30 ft from any doorway to a structure or building, which means smoking is basically banned from any downtown area. They are currently implementing more laws where people can no longer smoke on beaches, parks, on school grounds (even if in their own car), if a person has a child in the car, in rest home smoking areas, in prisons . . . basically no where. Most of these laws come into effect this summer, or by the first of the new year.

I don’t believe in the stated second hand smoke health risks, and even the World Health Organization's data proved there was nothing to that hype. In fact, they discovered that 22% LESS people, who were raised in a smoking home vs. a non-smoking home, ended up with lung cancer.

While smoking has dropped more then 50% in the last 20 – 30 yrs in the US, and certainly many more people refrained from smoking in enclosed areas over that time, asthma rates have doubled.

Fifty-nine percent of Japanese men smoked in the mid-1990’s (imagine all the second hand smoke there :eek:). Japan had 3 times LESS the lung cancer rate as Americans, and had a longer average life span by about 3 yrs.

Here, we pay $6.50 per pack, JUST in taxes. With 25% of the population still smoking about a pack a day, the total revenue the government collects pays for the ENTIRE health care costs of all Canadians. Who’s going to pay that once that revenue is cut off because people can’t smoke . . . ?

None of that matters to the non-smoking activists though, and they are he!! bent on making our country a “smoke-free” place to live cause IT STINKS.

I have tried to quit smoking, and am respectful not to stand close to non-smokers, even though many of them reek of booze (even in the parks or at the beach, where it has always been illegal to drink), perfume, body odor, etc.. I am an awesome parent; I don’t drink, don’t abuse or neglect my kids, I feed them well, make sure they are involved in sports and healthy activities, guide them regularly on the evils of “taking that first puff” of a cigarette, smoking pot, etc. Smoking is my only vice.

Why don’t people see that if the government is stepping into our personal lives/parenting decisions, and if people are pitted against each other this way, it is a very slippery slope? What group is next; the obese will pay more taxes or be denied health insurance?; children will be taken away because parents start smoking in their homes again (because they are forced to stay indoors)?

Well . . . if these new laws pass, and they probably will, I have no choice but to find a way to quit. I know I won’t be turning a blind eye to people who play with their dogs off their leash in the park any more, or whose dogs are barking and ruin my opportunity for quiet enjoyment. I also won’t ignore the people who bring booze in their coffee cups, or who litter by spitting sunflower seeds in the baseball stands any more . . . what kind of example are they setting for our kids?

I'm angry and frustrated.:mad:

Cherie

If it's any consolation, Cherie, in CA, one has only to use a sidewalk near a bar to see the wonderful results of this pig-headed legislation. Add to that, it's now official, the leading health concern in the U.S. is morbid obesity. If they want to legislate health behaviors, they should start by taxing fat.

I'm a smoker too, Cherie, so I understand, only too well..:mad: It 's like prohibition all over again. Booze kills too and it's still going strong.

I was raised in a smoke filled house and so were most of my friends and we're all still here to tell about it. There are carcinigins in the air we breath, due to many emmissions from factories, cats, etc... Do we close all the factories, do we junk all the cars.:rolleyes:

This whole smoking ban thing has been carried too far, I think. We as free americans, do things every day, that may kill us or, at least, shorten our lives. Smoking being only one of them.

I respect those people who simply cannot be around smoke, because it makes them ill andI do not smoke in their presence, whether at home or out.... I do not smoke when my Grands are here, out of respect for my DD's wishes.

These Ban Wars are usually not started by the truly effected people, but, rather by rable rousers...people who always need a cause-de-jour, to rant about..:rolleyes:

I always hated rules. I am usually pretty kind and rewind but this anti smoking thing has went to far. It's gone so far that I almost double dog dare myself when I am out, to smoke on purpose. lol :o

Actually Jim and I have weened down to four cigs a day and you know what? I am good right where I am. OK, maybe five a day for me, Jim's stronger than I am. And, I don't want to quit completely because I really enjoy a cig like one might enjoy a glass of wine.

Yet, everyday, some people can go into a non-smoking bar, drink and still drive. No one cares right? Until they kill someone you love. I have yet to ever lose my control smoking and driving. I have yet to see a club called MASD. But we all know what MADD is.

Ok, off my :Soapbox: now. Carry on.

This is one of my soap boxes.

I hear you loud and clear, beautiful. Seems the nicotine nazis just won't be happy until a smoker like me comes unglued and starts shooting people.

My argument may seem sophmoric, but is Canada pedophile free? Rapist or drunk driver free? Illegal drug free? You know... REAL problems??!!

And the same is happening to the U.S. as well. :mad:

And the taxes we smokers pay... Where do you think our goverments are going to get that lost revenue if we all quit?

Everyone. Smoker or not will have to chip in on that one.

"It's not a war on drugs, it's a war on personal freedoms". -Bill Hicks

warning me to stop smoking may be hazardous (sp?)to your health,

I agree about going too far. I didnt have any trouble with the way it was smoking or non smoking. I have always smoked outside never in the house, but when i dine i rather non smoking i dont care for it while I dine. I never ever smelled a smoker while dinning out. As it was there were already non smoking bars, so if ya wanted a non smoking bar they were not hard to find to make it mandatory, shows how govt can go to far, they are to be a mediator for the people and not a dictatorship

I am a former smoker.

Quitting was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life but it was a PERSONAL decision and what was right for ME.

I would never tell another person they couldn't smoke around me because most of my friends still are smoking anyhow.

BTW; after I quit smoking I gained 40 pounds so if you need a reason to smoke....there it is!!
:D

I still miss my Salems... :(

Im with you guys!!! Here the teachers seem to pound it into the kids heads that they need to go to their parents and explain to them that smoking WILL kill them and that they are going to DIE and that they do not want their parent to die.....:eek:
I was so ticked:mad: the first(of so many) times they put that into my kids' heads'! How dare they! My son was always a worry wart and for quite a while it really affected him thinking I was gonna drop dead at any time!!!
I could rant and rave:hissyfit: about some much more about it but it ticks me off so bad!!

Well, it’s only a matter of time before they ban smoking on the sidewalk too. That’s what’s happened here with our new ‘progressive’ smoking laws . . . we have to be up to 30 ft from any doorway or window.

We could always become radicals in the fight against obesity? Some of those people sweat more, and tend to have more gas . . . . banish them to their homes, I say!! Not funny, but how far will this nonsense go?


It hasn’t been carried far enough as far as some people and our governments are concerned. Just wait . . .

... assuming that smoking does kill, Sally. Why are the Japanese and many other countries with very smoking per capita rates living longer then Americans and Canadians? Why don’t they have anywhere near the lung cancer rates we do?


I hate rules too, Sandy, especially stupid ones. This lady, who is a major anti-smoker, has been hassling me in the park for the last 3 yrs. This year she approached everyone that was smoking (even from other communities) to tell them that smoking had been banned in our community’s parks, so they all slithered 2 blocks away to have their fags all weekend during the tournament. She was lying, it is not banned in any parks YET.

I had it out with her the other night and said “it’s not banned, but do you know what is against the law? . . . harassment”. I also said “drinking in the park is illegal too”, as she is an alcoholic who brings her booze in her coffee mug to the park. I can tell you, I don’t like breathing her air either!

She hates me now, BTW.:D


I guess you are gonna have to find a way to release that pent up stress from not smoking . . . so I'll be sure to wear a badge that says “I would smoke if I could”.

I'm hoping the pedophiles and rapists are in jail . . . but certainly those who aren’t, aren’t leaving a trail of smoke behind them anyway. Gotta love those sneaky bad habits.

The funny part about this whole law is that our premier, who is driving this “smoke-free BC” mandate, got caught drunk driving in Hawaii a couple of years ago. Lucky for him that his dirty habits are not so obvious . . .

I don't involve myself in other people's business, and I just don't want them to in mine.


I think I'll wear that badge around you too then, Frank. ;)

Most non-smokers don’t care that much about smoking, it is only a radical few that are pushing this . . . well, them and the government. The non-smoking movement is worth a lot of money to the Lung and Heart Associations, pharma companies (selling useless quit smoking drugs), and governments (at least while they can charge so much for taxes).


Oh, oh . . . better not start harping on the obese people until I see what happens to me when I am forced to quit.:eek: I'll stick with harassing the drinkers for now. :p

I quit smoking about 19 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child.:)

I dont crave it anymore but still enjoy the smell of a "fresh" cig.:)

I really think in this day they'd be able to invent ventillation systems
that would allow smoking sections or smoking rooms in buildings that
would allow smokers to smoke so that would elliminate that burst of
smoke you get when you walk out of a building:)

just my two cents.......

Smokers have become second class citizens. Parents pull their children away and we receive those looks that kill. My own nephews pronounce to me that I am bad and educate me on the sins of cigarettes.

I've spoken about this before Cherie, but an update locally. We have the typical $1 tax for the Feds (I think its $1). We have a State tax now of $3. The City of Anchorage liked it so much that they imposed a $2 tax. This is PER PACK. My Cig's are over $8 American Dollars here in Alaska.

I have never had an illness due to smoking. I have health care and don't need State or Federal aid. The Taxes were SUPPOSED to go to education of raising a non-smoking society locally. HUMPFH!!! Haven't seen a dime spent that way. Instead it pays for local roads and projects.

Therefore I OWN THE ROAD and everybody better get out of my way :D;):rolleyes::p

We have to smoke 50 feet from any public building. No smoking in ALL public places including bars and restaurants. (Local bars here have build outdoor smoking houses to keep people out of the cold).

I get ID'ed every time I buy. I look older than 19 I assure you. This is harrassment. One lady ID's me every day....its a power trip she has. I want to slap her every time...for heavens sake, MY BIRTHDATE HAS NOT CHANGED since yesterday!!

I have a love hate relationship with smoking. I hate the smell, I hate the addiction....but I ENJOY smoking. I like to do it.

There are no freedoms for smokers and if this kind of treatment were perpetuated on ANY other group....it would end up in the Supreme Court. I have more rights on gun ownership and possession than than I do as a smoker.

I may quit someday, but being forced out of the market justs "PEAS" (:p) me off...and like a defiant child....I refuse to be bullied ;)

Former Smoker
 

I quit smoking 23 or so years ago, not that I was much of one to begin with, only had an occasional one and it was to mess with my now late husband who was a non-smoker. If I didn't want him "bothering" me, I lit one up, he couldn't stand the smell of smoke and it worked, kept him in another room and away from me. He was the victim of a drunk driver and died a few days after his 35th birthday.

If the smell from someone smoking bothers me, I don't say anything, I leave. I don't have to sit there and let someone blow smoke on me. My present hubby quit on Nov. 14, 2006 and it probably saved his life. and he'd go outside and smoke not wanting to bother me with it in the house....but he'd chain smoke when we were in the van going someplace...makes no sense!

When we brought the dogs home from the vet, from getting them fixed, was the last time he smoked, he went to a hypnosis seminar and for him, it worked! It was the same evening of the day the pups came home....the dogs can't stand to be around smokers....they make it real obvious!

The justification for people’s right to not have to be exposed to smoke is never-ending. Do you remember how it got started though?

68% of the population in the US smoked in the early 1960’s. When our governments (in EVERY country) started this “war against smoking”, they said it was because it was costing the health care system a lot of money. That is certainly untrue now, because of the amount of taxes that are collected from smokers. In the meantime, the number of people smoking has been reduced to about 25% - 30%. We are definitely the minority now.

The next argument used against smoking was the dangers of second hand smoke, especially for our “children of the world”. I don’t believe most of that, but I am still respectful of the perception and don’t smoke in indoor areas where children frequent. I smoke in my own car with my own children occasionally, but unless I am going a long distance, I don’t smoke with other people’s children in there. I have never had a parent say that their child could not take a trip or holiday with me because I smoke though.

The recent argument, now that we are all smoking outside or in our personal confined spaces (where non-smokers do not have to frequent), is ridiculous and prejudiced. This is no longer about “health issues”, as clearly people can not be DAMAGED or HARMED by smoking that occurs in wide open air in such places as a park or beach. The complaint now is that people don’t like the smell.

There are plenty of smells I don’t like, or am allergic to, but I don’t wave my hand in front of my face, nor would I have ever endorsed a law that persecutes people for smelling offensive or because of my personal allergies to their smell. Where is this level of intolerance leading to? Are we going to start banishing people to their homes because of bad breath, body odor, ethnic food smells oozing from their pours, perfumes, fabric softeners, etc? Shall we start being as rude and condescending to less then perfect non-smoking “stinkers” as we are to smokers?

Now that the gears are in full motion to banish smoking virtually everywhere, and it is deemed socially unacceptable in most environments . . . the government and health associations are changing their focus. The talk now is starting to focus more on the number one health cost in the US which is OBESITY . . .

While MOST people with an obesity problem do not have it because of genetics or a thyroid problem (some do, but not the majority), MOST people with a smoking habit do so because they are addicted. Addictive predisposition is also genetic.

Smokers have been prejudiced for a long time, including often paying double the healthcare premiums. We also pay for our health care costs, as well as the cost of many non-smokers, due to amount that is paid on taxes for cigarettes. We ARE paying for the right to smoke. Obese people are not currently paying for their right to be unhealthy.

People have to eat, but not to the point of "unfit obesity”. They can control their behavior just as easily as smokers can control theirs. Even if they do have a genetic problem, there are ways to stay reasonably fit and healthy, by exercising, etc. Look at those people on The Biggest Loser. Some of them are still over 200 lbs by the end of the show (obese, by most standards) . . . but they are fit and can hike up a mountain or climb a retaining wall. Fitness, not fatness, is the issue . . . and anyone can choose to be that way, except maybe those who are disabled, like yourself.

I am disabled too (not from cigarettes, from MS), and I can’t walk 2 blocks to have a cigarette every time I want one OUTSIDE, where it is causing no harm to anyone. I pay higher insurance premiums, and am shunned from society for my lifestyle choice. What about when we start making the obese people walk 2 blocks to eat their french fries and burgers, because that is “repulsive” behavior and an unhealthy example for our kids? Most of them have no excuse for their habits either.

Obese people cost our health care system more money, so should they be paying double premiums. They also cost employers more money to have on staff, because they are usually unhealthy in other ways too (lacking vitamins, sick/hurt more often, etc.). Quite often, due to their weight, they are more prone to accidents and they are not as physically capable as fit people. Is it fair to discriminate against them because of that?

Be careful what you wish for, and welcome to our world, obese, perfumed, laundry-sheet users . . . etc!

None of us are perfect, so why not let people be? The war on smoking/non-smoking is two-sided, and there will be a fight by smokers to retain the rights they pay for. That is where I'm headed, I assure you. I am a very tolerant person of others, so long as they are tolerant of my imperfections too. If I am forced out of wide open air space to smoke, or have to quit because of the laws, I will start getting in other people’s faces about their unhealthy, offensive, and/or “bad example” behaviour.

And, rest assured, once the government is done with smokers, they will be moving onto obesity.

Cherie

Take it easy on the chubby people, Cherie.:mad: . You see that chubby little Grandma in my Avatar. I earned every pound and didn't have to overeat to get them.

I'm not morbidly obese, and I actually feel healthier than I did when I was skinny..(my formar Avatar...LOL)

I know you don't mean us, who are slightly overweight..... or too short, whichever fits. But we are very touchy, so back off, ya little twitt.:p

:Thats-Funneh: SALLY SAID: "I know you don't mean us, who are slightly overweight..... or too short, whichever fits. But we are very touchy, so back off, ya little twitt.:p"

I was "obese" for a few years too. ;)

I really don't mean to single out anybody, or any group of people. It just happens to be the obesity is the number one health cost in the US . . . so it's easy to pick that group to make an example of.

Some people are following along like sheep on this smoking issue, because they believe everything thing they are told, they feel smokers can do something about their bad habit, and/or they feel justified (cause smoking STINKS!). THIS smoking issue is not their problem to contend with, so these prejudicial laws are really of no consequence to them . . . at the moment.

I am just trying to make a point . . . It's a sad commentary on our cultural mindset, when the government starts pitting people against each other, like what's happened with smokers/non-smokers. When the tables turn though, and the government starts honing in on the costs associated to other unhealthy habits, then many people will start to feel what it is like to be in the hot seat, like smokers have been for years.

I really didn't think it would ever to the point that smoking wouldn't be permitted OUTSIDE, just as obese people probably don't YET know what they are headed for either. They ARE the next target of the government (and perhaps society).

Yes, it's definitely rude and prejudicial to single people or groups of do-badders out.

Cherie

I am not a smoker but I do agree with you. I think common sense should be used when smoking like not smoking while in the car with children. But I think these types of bans are crazy.

I think alcohol, drunk driving, is a MUCH bigger problem. Much more dangerous than smoking when some one is drunk and driving...or who is drunk and beating his wife and children. I have two sisters who are married to men with alcohol problems.

Hey Cherie, I guess you don't need me. You are doing much better over here, lol. :winky:

Dang girl, I am so jealous. I only wish I could do it this way, tried many times but wasn't ever successful. Easier for me just to quit, sigh.

Awww, Jules, it wasn't easy believe me. Jim and I had to be very disciplined. For us it all boiled down to do you want to quit completely and be miserable or be able to at least smoke something, if only four a day? Someday we plan to quit completely, just not right now. Trust me, four is great when I look at the alternative. It makes me appreciate my cigs so much more! haha

Some say we're in denial and just scared and blah blah blah. Maybe. So what if we are? lol

Wow Cherie tell us how you really feel! :) You go girl!!! LOL!!!

I totally agree. The thing with smoking is that it CAN cause cancer, but so can pesticides, food and the air we breath. How many old farts have you seen smoking like a chiminey? George Burns comes to mind. He didn't get cancer. I believe in the theory that people are predisposed to cancers, others heart disease, etc. Sure, smokes MAY contribute...but are all people going to quit eating and breathing the air to avoid cancer? I don't think so :cool:

Your arugument gets me thinking on the obese issue. Sure, sure...some people have a miswired gene that makes them fat. But as you pointed out, The Biggest Loser has PROVEN beyond doubt, that all, young and old, can lose the weight. It's about WHAT we choose to eat and how much. You can't consume 5000 calories a day and then wonder why you are fat, why you BECOME Diabetic (Study in Austrailia found when weight was lost, Diabetes went into remission) Why you need knee replacements....oh....the list goes on from obesity.

Within my Health Insurance Carrier (Union/IBEW) we had a big fight a few years ago regarding the Gastric Bypass surgery (HELLO...CUTTING YOUR STOMACH OUT!!) Okay, I know its needed for some...but within our Union it became the goal of many to get this done. Our Insurance covered it for years. After the surgeries, many lost most of the weight, some lost and regained....90% ended up with post-surgery complications that will follow them the rest of their lives....costing millions to those within our plan.

At one point this surgery was so 'IN' that women who could not meet the minimum qualifications (i.e. not fat enough) literally went on eating binges to GAIN the weight to hit the majic number...They got their wish :rolleyes:

About 18 months ago, our carrier dropped ALL Gastric Bypass unless it was life or death. Further, anyone choosing to do it anyway would not be covered for the life long complications that were inevitable. These 'victims' claim we owe it to them to take care of them....the majority stands in union and says too bad so sad.

I gained 20 lbs this winter. I ate my way to it. It's not the drugs I take (I've already researched it) its the fact that I like chocolate, milkshakes and Carbs in mass during the winter. It's my fault, and I can control it. The smokes? I chose to smoke at a young age and I PAY for the right to smoke! In my house, in my truck, outside at work.....If folks don't like it...leave my space! (Note: I am a very considerate smoker, I'm venting here)

To avoid cancer, I'll quit smoking, quit eating, quit breathing the air and stop using chemicals around the house. For extra good measure, I'll never let the sun touch my body...by eliminating the potential hazards...I should be covered :p

You mean like smokers are singled out? ;)

Sally: Please don't take offence to the subject of weight....I've been as high as 187 in my life...I know the struggles....I think the whole point to talking about weight is that many more people are afflicted with this issue than being a smoker, they cause more medical issues than smokers....and hey :) Nobody is defending the smokers rights ;)....its okay to beat up on the smokers (ROB THEM TOO) and not okay to point out others 'sins'....

People get upset when its something THEY battle everyday....see the irony of it all?

I say we reduce the cost of fruits and veggies and have the Gov tax McDonalds Meals by 800% and see how folks like it :confused: See the point? I pay $6 in taxes for every pack of cigs I buy...whats fair about that? It's robbery....I have an addiction to nicotine and the Gov steals my money knowing I'm addicted, knowing that its 25% of the population who is getting the extra tax hit....I say we throu a "Tea Party" like our forefathers did. We are being taxed without representation....and they add more tax every year...

Good post, Jeannie..:cool:

BTW I was just funnin with Cherie. :D Not really offended....and she makes a good point about "obesity could be next on the ban agenda"..:eek:

I gained my weight when I quit smoking. :mad:

Keep smoking it's good for your figure.

Burns the fat right off! :D

This topic hits home for me as well because I'm a smoker. I'm all for restrictions, but all out banning is way too Big Brother for me.

I live in Ohio where we indeed do have a smoking ban. Not only are all of us heathen smokers sent outside in all kinds of weather conditions with no shelter, we are not supposed to stand within 25 feet of a door or window to the building. Well trust me, I stand roughly 10 feet away from the door in bad weather and if people don't like it...well you get the picture. Not only that the law states there are to be no ashtrays within 25 feet of doors. Well, after a few weeks of seeing the mounds of cigarette butts flung everywhere because smokers no longer had an option of where to put them, people slowly started "sneaking" ashtrays back out so people wouldn't be forced to litter.

My favorite part of this whole smoking ban thing was people who owned private clubs *thought* they would be exempt, so these nice people all came out and voted for the smoking ban - basically a do as I say, not as I do. They were soon told that they too would be forced to comply with the ban. :ROTFLMAO:

This whole ban issue has brought out the worst in people. Those who may in the past have just given you a dirty look because you were a smoker now basically feel that the government has given them the OK to mouth off an harrass people.

I can hardly wait to see what's next on the ban list. I too think they will start attacking weight.

Yep, another smoker here. I complained at first when they banned smoking from resturants, but find it kind of nice. I still have issues with bars having the ban, but that's because most of the bars already have an age restriction. So we're all adults and know whether or not we want to be around smoke.

I have to admit it's gotten a little too big brother for me lately. First it was smoking, now health. to take a phrase from the movie Demolition Man, "everything that's bad for you was deemed not good, hence illegal. smoking, contact sports, red meat" I find it kinda creepy personally that the government is trying to tell us how to live.

Also no one seems to talk about the second major cause of lung cancer, which is Radon Gas. Heard about it a lot growing up in upstate ny, where there have been major problems with it.


:Soapbox: Ok, getting down now. ;)

I hear in Calif. they are going to ban smoking in Apartment complexes...since they share the air ducts....but in my car???? Unbelievable!!!!! Also, when I spoke about my nephews...they would do the same thing....taught by, YES, their Mother....who is bi-polar and won't leave her bed. Her youngest child could not talk or walk at age two because of her (lack of social contact).....maybe not a bad habit (its an illness) but still.....THAT effects people too!!! That poor baby...finally got the child help and he's doing well, but not for his age (4).

He without sin cast the first stone.....

Off my soapbox.... :D

In some places they are already telling restraunts what they can/can't cook with. The goverment is really stepping out of their way to tell us what we can and cant do.

Cars must have certin MPG ratings - that's a big control over what you can drive, I wish I could go back and drive some of those Real muscle cars :cool:. Never gonna happen now.
Seat belts was also a big deal when that came into law. Speed limits are good but how many people actually follow them?

How far will it go? :confused: when people stop being offended. That's never going to happen either. The good of the MANY out weigh the good of the one. We need to stop listening to the few people offended by this or that. If you don't like it, leave. If a restraunt wants to ban smoking - fine, but let there be an option for others to allow it. This is not a "one size fits all" world. The Goverment needs to stop making it into one.

ROFL!! OMG I would have needed a diaper if I had been there with you when you said that. :D

Hey! Guess what I did in New Hampshire this weekend?

I bought ten cartons of cigarettes! I saved $30.00 a carton by crossing the state line and purchasing them there! I used coupons and they don't have state taxes either!

My state has decided to ride the backs of smokers and balance their budget on us. I don't have the stamina for that!

I also bought three cases of liquor too! I saved an average of $10.00 a bottle by not allowing my state to rape my pockets by taxing my liquor either.

I bought fireworks! They are illegal here! I even got a bag!! Illegal too!

I'm going to hell.:p

I stopped smoking in !999 because I had made a promise that when I retired I would quit and my mother had just quit at the age of 88 (after smoking since she was 20) - I get just as frustrated and angry by all the laws they're coming out with as you who still smoke - I noticed that on Death Certificates it asks "did smoking lead to this death" - it doesn't ask if alcohol or promiscuity played a part in this death - just smoking - and they keep raising the taxes on cigarettes and trying to increase your health insurance if you smoke - but not liquor - it's a one way street for these people - they can chat about the horrors of smoking while drinking their cocktails - and believe me - stopping does lead to weight gain - doesn't matter if you eat the same as before - the pounds come anyway -

I think I'm just gonna start telling people that I quit smoking.....that should explain the weight gain I've experienced since being dx!!! It's a heck of a lot easier than trying to explain MS!! :D

Do you share? :ROTFLMAO::ROTFLMAO::ROTFLMAO::ROTFLMAO::ROTFLMAO:

thing that bothers me the most are these sin taxes,(for all booze and smoke purchases) that are applied in Illinois, that do not only go for booze rehab or cancer treatment, they go for the roads for the schools to help balance a budget, that to me is taxation without representation, this is discriminative against those who drink or smoke, if these monies are being used for the good of all then all should pay a part of it so then raise the food tax we all must eat this way everyone pulls their share of the taxes instead of a select group, that is the thing that bugs me the most here in Ill, its an unjust tax, used for common good yet only select person pay it, didnt we throw some tea in a harbor years ago because of this and the paper tax?