To Smokers Everywhere

An Open Letter to Smokers:

Dear smoker,

I would like to thank you for supporting one of the major cash crops of the homeland. Tobacco farms were how my dad helped his family get by during the tough years. Cheap tobacco products still attract lots of tourism dollars to the state and the science of curing and storing leaves has been a motivator for FFA students for years.

That said, I can not condone your choice to inhale smoke into your lungs.

But that's not really the issue I'd like to discuss at this juncture. The issue at hand is the locations in which you choose to smoke.

Washington passed a law a few years ago outlawing smoking indoors. Restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. are smoke-free now. Which is cool and all, as I can now visit restaurants or bars without coming home smelling smoky and gross.

Except that there are so many of you who choose to walk down the sidewalk while you enjoy your cigarette. When you do this, those of us who are walking down the sidewalk and find ourselves behind you have to inhale your second-hand smoke for the duration of our walk. We're trapped behind you, where our options are 1) run to get ahead of you, 2) stop and wait for you to get a block ahead or 3) proceed at our normal pace, with face full of smoke. None is desirable.

So, Smokie Smokerson, next time you want to light up, find a place to perch and park it. Let's bring back the "smoke break" as a form of bonding! Grab a friend and use your time between puffs to catch up on celebrity gossip...or stock tips or fashion themes or sports teams or whatever.

Just don't walk down the sidewalk puffing clouds of smoke, like a locomotive, for the rest of us to get trapped in.

Thanks!
Me