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It has been a little over 23 years since I smoked my last cigarette, and I am glad to be rid of that nasty habit, but lately there have been several instances that I have been aware of that make me feel empathy for those who do decide to smoke. First of all, I stood behind a man at a gas station recently, who did not look to be very well off financially, yet he handed over the greater part of a five dollar bill to the attendant, for a pack of cigarettes. It seems that every time the state budget here in Michigan is out of whack, someone decides to raise taxes on the darn things, putting even greater financial pressure on people like this. Secondly, I am aware, that there are fewer places where people can actually light up anymore. Most workplaces have gone smoke free, or make very little accomodation for those who do smoke. There was a company in Lansing, MI, who fired employees for smoking at home. A teacher friend of mine, has to get in her car and drive off school property before she can light up. A local trucking firm has banned it's drivers from smoking in their rigs. Even the area bars are getting into the act. The pilgrims who came to these shores to get away from religious persecuation and grow a little tabacco, would be apalled.
The other day a friend and co worker, was waxing nostalgic about smoker friendly car options of the past. These included, an automatic cigarette dispenser in the center of the steering wheel, and vacuum operated cigarette lighters of mid 40's Lincoln's and a device (also vacuum operated) from early 50's Chevy's which would dispose of your cigarette butt, sending it to an out of sight Mason jar, located under the dash. I say, Smoke 'em if you got 'em!
Poorgie
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