[TL]

For anyone who reads this, most of you will say so what. Who cares? Don't smoke - you can just quit, but that's besides the point. I've always been a considerate smoker. Didn't smoke in my car with non-smokers or other people's homes for that matter.

While I fully acknowledge the health hazards of second hand smoke, etc., etc., etc., it's sometimes tough to be told where you can and can't smoke, especially in public places. I agree with these regulations, don't get me wrong. But, here's are the problems I have. (1) Any time taxes are raised, it's raised on cigarettes. Why not on alcohol? Our state would solve its budget crises if they did that, especially since there are more drinkers than smokers. (2) My husband and I do a lot of cruising. While cruise lines have significantly reduced the "smoking areas" on board ships (I can even live with that), I've always been able to smoke out on my balcony (with the balcony door closed of course to keep the smoke out). But now, the cruise we're about to take does not even allow that! Give me a break. Do I have to jump overboard to have a cigarette?

This was just for the purpose of venting. I do not want/need any feedback that is going to give me grief about smoking. I'm too old to change now. Thanks for listening (or I mean reading).

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Hello TL,

Welcome to PC. I agree with you 100%. I'm a nonsmoker gave up 3 years ago. But the one thing that still gets me is the fact that Govts raise taxes on smokes because people are addicted and will still smoke. Also there are people who really enjoy it and want to continue. So they keep putting their hand in their pockets to pay up for their one enjoyment.

Alcohol is repsonsible for 3 times the deaths through domestic violence, group violence, drunk driving and binge drinking.

Don't get me wrong smoking isn't good for you and can cause lots of illnesses, but my grandmother smoked 50 a day for 86 years and died in her sleep of old age. My other grandmother never smoked a stick in her life and died of cancer at 22.

Those who are against it just don't shut up about it. So maybe now if those of us who are against drinking don't shut up we may be heard?...WON'T HAPPEN! WHY?

The governments make billions a year in taxes and the alcohol/wine industry is worth billions a year to the economy. It's worth billions a year in tourism so they won't hobble that horsie.

This I believe is totally wrong and is adding to the death toll daily. It is obvious that the govt care much, much more about money and trade than they do domestic violence and child beatings/deaths...what to do?

Rhiannon

[50guy]

I'm a non-smoker...quit 29 years ago, cold turkey. I don't have any problem with smokers in any privately owned bar, restuarant, home or, vehical. If an owner of a business wants people to be able to smoke, fine, I don't have to patronise that place. I live in TN. where they allow bars to make their own decision about smoking. I go to clubs and places to eat that don't allow smoking inside. I still feel like we all should make our own choices, if they smoke there and you don't like it, don't go there. It a mostly free country and I don't like the government telling me how to live.
Next thing ya know they'll be charging you more for medical service if you smoke...hmmm, it's a slippery slope, then obese, drink, take certain meds, prone to cancer, heart attack, stroke, or any other health problem.
Think about it......

[Naturefreak]

I quit about 4 years ago also because of my high blood pressure. It doesn't bother me if someone smokes next to me outside . But if I were to go into a smoke filled room it does , which it never did when I smoked. Hard to understand I know but you would have to quit to get an idea of what it smells like then. I don't know if there are any places left around here where you can smoke inside , if any.

[KathyM]

Well, HELLO fellow scumbag! I was once told I'm the lowest form of human being because of my "nasty smoking habit."

I feel the same as you. I'm always courteous around non-smokers too. I'll admit I'm a little tempted to blow smoke in their face if they really get in mine about smoking though. Sometimes I'll get a long-drawn out lecture about the personal health hazards, but it makes me chuckle. I'm already permanently, totally, and terminally disabled from a debilitating incurable disease - already on my way out. I've lived a good life - why should I prolong my suffering? I have no intention to ask "taxpayers" to dip into their wallets and perform any heroics to keep me alive.

When I was a little girl and my beloved sister a teenager, she used to smoke heavily in the car and it made me sick. She quit years ago - now the smell of smoke makes her sick.

My sister is very concerned about my illness and health status - I'm all she has left. She took me on an autumn vacation several years ago to a place called Washington Island - off the tip of Wisconsin. It was just us, and we stayed in a cabin. It was pretty cold outside, but I knew better than to smoke in the cabin.

Trouble was, she wouldn't even let me smoke on the porch because of the lingering smell. After she fell asleep, I stepped out one night into the darkness, cold and rain to have a smoke before going to bed. I sat down on a nearby chair that had gathered a puddle and smoked my cigarette. Cold and drenched, I laughed at the irony - knowing my sister was so concerned about my health and welfare.

I've never tried them and I'm not sure if they are allowed, but would those E-cigarettes be helpful to you on your cruise?