Let me say at the outside, no intent to offend anyone from the great State of MA, but just returned after spending 10 days there. Folks, if you are a smoker you are a second class citizen there. Not only do they allow no smoking in restaurants and bars, public places (including motels/hotels), but in some cases, bar smoking OUTSIDE!!! What really brought it home to me was that I heard on radio news today that there is a movement in Huntsville, AL, to ban smoking in ALL public places.
I consider myself a very tolerant individual and absolutely respect the right of a non-smoking person not to be exposed to the smoke from my cigar. However, with the taxes levied on tobacco, I pay dearly for the privilege of excercising my right to indulge in a perfectly legal, harmless (other than possibly to myself) behavior that is pleasurable to me. I am not asking for inclusion/acceptance from non-smokers; just acknowledgement that I have the right to exercise my choice, and the opportunity to do so.
The "kicker" in all this is that the people who have zero tolerance (and very militantly so) for smoking are, generally speaking, the same people who espouse tolerance and inclusion for some of the most extreme, outer fringe, elements/groups in our society.
To me the apex of hippocracy is to verbally espouse one thing, and behaviorally engage in its antithesis. I am finally damn mad and will do everything I can to advocate for the right of choice, not at the expense of the rights of others, but to preserve my own rights.
Whew....Thanks for letting me vent. Think my blood pressure has just gone down 20 points, systolic and diastolic! My rant is just that; a rant, but it feels good to have a forum where I feel like I can express an opinion that, if not shared, is at least given a nod to. Thanks.
P.S. Visited two cigar bars in Boston (the only public place I could smoke a cigar and have a glass of Port) and people there were extremely friendly and connivial. Reported that in order to provide a smoking area they had to pay a surcharge from Hell and were not allowed to sell spirits as well (only wine and beer). Situation really "jacks my jaws." Consider this a warning and watch for efforts to sweep away your smoking rights in your area of the country.