Smoke Um If You Got Um!

OK things are getting out of hand, no take that back they have been out of hand and it's time to start fighting back. The Pentagon is considering a ban on smoking in the military a complete ban over a 5 year period. So what they are saying is our young men and women can place themselves in harms way for the benefit of those of us at home and we would deny them the right to smoke if they chose to do so?

Sure I am aware of the dangers of smoking, second hand smoke etc. but how does that compare with IED's (roadside bombs) live rounds flying over your head and finally friendly fire? I think the risks from smoking are minimal when you consider the danger these men and women already face. If smoking provides them some relief then leave them alone.

The whole argument is ridiculous anyway. We keep saying how dangerous smoking is so then why don't we just stop making Cigarettes. I'll tell you why MONEY. Everytime we need to raise revenue for any project or a deficit we raise the tax on Cigarettes, they are one of the most heavily taxed items you can purchase which is unfair and it takes advantage of those who choose to smoke. Some say no big deal because it doesn't affect them personally but what you have to realize if they can do this to smokers where does it end alcohol? canned sodas? fruit where? Government needs to understand that we need solutions to problems and the fix can't continue to be increasing taxes on consumer goods.

Getting back to the original topic of this piece I say leave the Men and Women of our military alone they have already given up enough for our benefit so get off their backs.

Othello