An Original Rambling: Selfish Smokers

Originally posted on my old goofiness.com website on September 4th, 2001 (updated in 2009 to reflect current prices for cigarettes):

Some smokers are really selfish. I support their right to smoke -- I'd smoke if it weren't so unhealthy; I think it's cool and fun and just what I need now and then -- but they are still selfish. They smoke their whole life, forever defending their right to smoke. They smoke in their car, their home, in front of their kids, friends and family. They'll never quit, either. Oh, they try, but they don't get there. It's just too tough...

Unless it's their life on the line.

How many smokers have tried quitting dozens of times, only to fail each time until they are giving the ultimatum: stop or die in six months. Guess what!

So, they don't care enough about the people around them that have to breath the second-hand smoke, they don't care enough to save the $5 per day ($35 per week, $150 per month, $1800 per year), but they do care enough when it comes to ole Number One and his desire to live!

I think that if you aren't willing to give up smoking for your loved ones, you shouldn't be allowed to give it up for yourself.  You should be required to continue smoking.