Hey, look, I'm a smoker!
That must make me unhealthy, lazy, evil, and a drag upon society!
Give me a friggin' break. If you are going to judge somebody simply because they smoke, how about because they drink? Or because of what they eat? Or how about if they come home from work and watch TV?
I smoke. About three packs a week. Yes, I know its bad for me. I don't want anyone to make excuses for me. I won't make any for myself. I know that I should quit, but to be honest, I'm not ready yet.
And one thing I've figured out in life, it is extremely difficult to change your lifestyle/break your habits unless you are ready to, and want to. Changed circumstances can force them upon you, sure, I'm talking about in the normal course of life. How can you motivate yourself to do something you resent? Especially when it is voluntary, like biking, or jogging, or quitting smoking? I recently took up mountain biking because I was ready to. I was at a point where I was frustrated about my lack of activity, and felt a burning need to do something about it. The same with my diet. And now its changing to.
I do plan to quit smoking, but on my own terms, when I decide to, not when I'm told to by society. In the meantime, well, it's like swinging a bat with a donut on it.
And for the record, I'm a libertarian. I think people should be free to smoke, drink, and honestly whatever they care to, AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T HARM ANYBODY ELSE. And I also think people should accept the full responsibility of their actions. So if you smoke and get cancer, eat to much and get heart disease or diabetes, you lie in the bed you made, and the state doesn't pay for you at someone else's expense.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a cigarette.