Verified scientific facts prove that puffing cigarettes damages health and floating smoke harms those nearby. Yet the Republican-led House of Representatives has voted to once again allow smoking in the U.S. Capitol. Why would they do that?
I understand that it is difficult to stop puffing away. Smoking is an addiction and not necessarily a character flaw.
Years ago, I was a smoker.
Later I relinquished my habit reluctantly because of the rotten kids who lived with me. They said it was wrong for me to yell at them when they ate junk food because they’d only get cavities, but I could lose my life. Hmm. Really!
How can you argue with such childish logic?
Though I was never a heavy smoker – heavy came later – quitting was difficult. I adored smoking. I went to bed hoping I’d awaken to find it was healthier than jogging. (Hey, it happened to wine and chocolate, and if dreams really come true, crispy bacon will be declared the healthiest.)
Then I ate everything. This is more than psychological. A cigarette is like the period at the end of a sentence. Without it, the sentence would ramble.
Similarly, a meal without a cigarette to punctuate it continues eternally.
I became a researcher – not for me, mind you, but the rest of humanity. I learned that Baskin Robbins truly did have 31 flavors in all their branches.
The next detective work was never conclusive. I never found out whether M&Ms melted in my hands, whatever their color, love life or political views, or in my mouth or my pocket, since they were gone quick as a flash. I just knew I loved them.
The only foods I was partial to at that juncture were sweet, sour, spicy or bland, though I did learn to enjoy solidly frozen as well.
I ate tons of mints, chewed gum and chomped on anything not moving. Eventually, the craving subsided because it was more of a habit than a compulsion for me.
Therefore, posting grotesque photos of very ill patients on a cigarette pack or on a TV screen will not deter people,…
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