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We've been pariahs for years. The difference now is the feeling that everyone else has the right to tell us what pariahs we are. I find this in many areas-virtual strangers forcing their POV, their morals on others with the intent of changing that which they don't like.
We know cigs, pipes, cigars, etc., don't smell like Chanel.
We're well aware that our walls, our upper lips, our car interiors will, in time, acquire a yellow tinge and, unless we're complete slobs, we take care of it.
We know smoking is bad for our own health-it's a crap shoot. Some smokers live well into their 80's, some might keel over before 50.
We know it's addictive; nicotine is harder to kick than heroin-that's been 'proven' over and over. We weren't worldly 30 year olds when we started, we were, more than likely, invincible, ignorant 15 year olds.
I don't know any smoker that hasn't tried to quit, wished to quit or doesn't need to quit. I've quit twice and have been trying for 10 months to quit again. My voice is changing, my sinuses, shot.
Smoking is a form of adult thumbsucking. It's a crutch, a security blanket. It's calming, it's something that takes a few minutes in which we relax, an ironic 'breather' from stress or thinking.
I do steal from my family to support smoking-it costs the two of us over $100 a week, money that could cover our credit cards. Anyone who smokes steals from themselves or their family because the fridge might go empty, the Visa bill might be late, but bet there's a few butts sitting in the ashtray.....
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Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.
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