[Mpls] Tobacco injuries

[Laura Waterman Wittstock]

On Friday, June 4, 2004, at 09:37 AM, mpls-issues at andsoforth.com wrote:

> No. There is a question. Fact is, unless someone pokes you with the 
> cigarette, you are hardly injured and certainly not dead as a result 
> of smoking.
> I've already told you how I was exposed to prodigious quantities of 
> this secondhand smoke on several occasions with no ill effects to be 
> found. Normally toxins make people sick or die. It is only by abusing 
> the definition of toxic that we can arrive at the conclusion that 
> secondhand smoke is "toxic".

The science on the effects of tobacco is sound and has been replicated 
in laboratory studies as well as being demonstrated in statistical 
research. But that would make no difference in situations like this 
where people, such as this writer, claims no ill effect from smoke 
exposure. Citing more studies does not bring more clarity or 
understanding. I call this "listening to tobacco." The science on the 
one hand always has a weaker voice when the other hand is holding a 
cigarette. I think the best we can hope for is cognitive recognition at 
some point.

> You have no right to tell consenting adults what they may do behind 
> closed doors when you're not around, as far as I'm concerned.

Here however, we should all agree that consenting adults will be able 
to smoke to their hearts content behind closed doors. Tobacco is legal. 
Anyone over 18 can buy it.

But what some smokers want is something in addition. They want others 
to involuntarily smoke with them. My question is, why do you want to do 
that? What is it about smoking that you have to have others inhale when 
they are in proximity to your activity?

Got an answer for this?

Best wishes,

Laura
Southeast

Laura Waterman Wittstock
MIGIZI Communications, Inc.
3123 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612.721.6631 ext 219
wittstock at migizi.org
http://www.migizi.org
http://laurawatermanwittstock.blogspot.com/