Smoke em' if ya got em'!

I am absolutely the last person you want to talk to about smoking. When I was 20, I was involved with an Pro smoking group. How many people do you know that do that? True, I love smoking (I also like smoking cigarettes... hee hee). What I was concerned with, at the time, was the prevalence of smoking prohibition laws and activism. This was before there were any cities that outlawed smoking. The group I belonged to didn't have a militant stance, it was simply asking for an area where smokers could do their thing. It didn't work. Why? Smokers don't vote. Young people don't vote. Partiers don't vote.

It's the new year and I know of scores of people who are quitting smoking. I think that is a good thing in general. However, it seems most people are thinking about their grandparents, the elderly generation and what smoking did to them. You know, the oxygen tank placed squarely next to the coffee table adorned with a nicotene discolored tablecloth littered with ashtrays and coffee stains. True, that is disgusting. But, my grandparents smoked 2 packs a day. I'm sure yours did too. My grandpa smoked non-filters most of his life and certainly did not live a physically active lifestlye. I don't smoke that much and have always been able to be physically active without wheezing. Keep in mind that the past generations lived in and fought in wars. They didn't eat healthy, they didn't relax like we do and they certainly were less aware of their bodies and mind.
I am not advocating smoking and I am not paid by Phillip Morris. (unless you're offering, I'll take payment in Medium 100's) All I am saying is that it is a crapshoot. Reggie White, an athelete his whole life, just died at 43-non smoker. Jack Paar (84), Tony Randall (87), Isabel Sanford (86) and Rodney Dangerfield (82) all smokers. The question is this: what is an acceptable age of death to you? These were all people who worked well into their 80's and lead full lives. Sex, careers, accolades. They weren't in diapers, they weren't carrying around oxygen tanks. Tony Randall walked 4 miles a day. Jack Paar played tennis the week before he died.
Of course, there are people who get sick- cancer, stroke, heart failure etc from smoking. There are also people who get those very ailments who have never smoked.

Someday I will quit. But I do not loathe smoking. I enjoy it. I don't even smoke a pack a day. Maybe 10 or so. And according to Quitnet, if I quit, I would only shave off 1-1/2 years of my impending doom. You know what, I think the world can have that last year of 85 for me. I really won't need it then.

So, to all of you who have gone down the quit road, I wish you well. I will certainly sit in non-smoking with you. I will not smoke in my car while you get a ride. I support your decision, and wish you all the luck in the world.
Anyone got a light?