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From: sml@luke.UUCP (Steven List)
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: Re: Re: Thank you for your flames
Message-ID: <191@luke.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 6-Jun-85 02:29:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: luke.191
Posted: Thu Jun  6 02:29:05 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 10-Jun-85 21:08:02 EDT
References: <1002@ames.UUCP> <5700017@faust.UUCP> <843@ccice5.UUCP>
Reply-To: sml@luke.UUCP (Steven List)
Distribution: net.flame
Organization: Benetics Corp, Mt.View, CA
Lines: 32
Keywords: smoke humane
Summary: 

First - josepi, wherever and whoever you are, you are definitely among
the dregs.

> 	I remain resolute in my belief that smoking is a disgusting,
> useless and selfish habit, and that smoker's should reconsider their
> responsibilty, or lack thereof, before the next time they light up.

I agree with your resolution.  Being a former 2-pack-a-day smoker, I
remember the unconscious assumption that I had the right to pollute
anywhere and anywhen.  I didn't begin to be aware of how unpleasant I
could be making others' environment until I got into the computer
business and moved to this area (Silicon Valley).

It seems that there are more non- and ex-smokers in this area than
anywhere else I've been.  I have a close friend (I'm pleased to say that
we're still friends in spite of my having blown smoke in his face once -
exactly ONCE) who has never smoked who has known me since I did.  I have
seen a change through his and others' eyes of their perception of me.

I now find myself in the vehement anti-smokers camp.  Not because
smokers don't have the right to damage themselves.  Not because they are
the only ones inflicting unpleasantness on me.  But because I JUST DON'T
LIKE IT.  I don't like the smell, the way it makes my mouth and throat
taste, and the smell it leaves on me.  I know this is not original, but
it's the truth.  Would you like it if I dumped my garbage in your living
room or work place?  How do you feel about women (particularly older
ones with very little sense of smell) doused with excessive perfume?
Just love them, don't you?

All in all, smoking is really an unhealthy and filthy habit.  Don't
teach it to my kids and don't inflict it on me.  Take a walk and pollute
yourself where there's some room for the pollution to be shared.