by Carol Gustke

Created on: July 01, 2007   Last Updated: March 19, 2009

"Smoke, smoke smoke that cigarette, puff, puff puff it 'til you smoke yourself to death. Tell Peter at the Golden Gate that he'll just have to wait, 'cause you just gotta have another cigarette."

How many of you remember that little ditty? I'm not going to debate the yea and nay reasons for smoking. We all know it's bad for us. What I am going to stress is, consideration.

Yes, I am a smoker. I smoke at home or in my car. I do not smoke in restaurants, or any other public places. I do not smoke when I am with my non-smoking friends. And if they visit me at home, I do not smoke. Why? consideration.

It's a well known fact that second hand smoke is harmful. Would you deliberately give your friends or family poison? If I want to inhale poison that's my decision. I have to pay the consequences. But my bad choice shouldn't be visited on others just because....I have my rights! That's a very selfish reason in my opinion. Our highest obligation as travelers through this world is to love others as we would have them love us.

In former days, you used to be able to smoke in hospitals, restaurants, or any public place. When the law finally band this practice, many business' lost customers. Most smokers were offended and demanded their "rights." Still, the ruling remained in place.

I have a friend who works as a guard in a men's prison. Even there, prisoners are not allowed to smoke. Who knows? That may be a great deterrent for not committing a crime.

I may be the rare exception, but as a smoker I heartily agree with the no smoking ban. Nothing is more irritating to a non-smoker than to be assaulted by the unpleasant odor of smoke when in a public area like a restaurant.

Parents who smoke in their home, or while transporting their children in a car, risk their family's health. Parents should be a role model for their children. My brother and sister smoke. I think this is due in part to the example of my parents; they both smoked. I remember ice fishing with my Dad. Sitting there in that ice shanty, the smoke from his cigarette would drift into my nostrils. I liked it. It smelled good to me.

Today, smokers have resigned themselves to the ban and have found ways to feed their habit without breaking the law. I maintain that it is a positive law and one that is best for all of us.

Perhaps one day, I will be among the non-smokers who are irritated when someone close by lights up. Until that time, I continue to be sensitive toward others who desire a clean and safe environment. That's the best I can do right now.

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