Jump to full article: The Maine Campus (University of Maine), 2009-09-21
Author: Rhiannon Sawtelle
Intro: I’m young, in college and hang out at a trendy bar on Wednesday nights to see local live music — three qualifications that would seem to make my smoking habit an expected one. But I, like many other smokers, still face the social stigma of enjoying a cigarette after a stressful day or a heavy meal.
I understand the health hazards. I’ve seen the surgeon general’s warning on the side of my Camel Lights box. I fully accept my habit may someday kill me.
My quit date is graduation this year, but the slew of regulations that have been in the news lately make me want to revert back to my 16-year-old self that says, “Spite the authorities. Keep smoking on the principle of personal freedom.” . . .
I understand the precautions legislators are trying to take — reducing health problems, preventing children from smoking, etc. But with proper education, I firmly believe the final decision to smoke or not is a personal issue.
The prohibition of alcohol didn’t work in this country; education on responsible use and practices did. So let’s let the people decide their own fate. Don’t force the choice. Give people the tools to make it for themselves.
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