So, I started saying that my blog was about night life, dining, bars etc. Well, after a certain encounter this week at the dog run in Riverside Park - I am stepping away slightly from my subject matter.
Smoking. Well, actually, smoking is probably a large part of partying in New York, and a Cosmopolitan and a Malboro Light are a popular combination - I AM NOT condoning smoking, nor am I promoting it, I am just discussing something that is just as enjoyable as drinking alcohol that has just as bad health affects.
BUT - I am promoting people's right to live their lives as they wish. An example of this --->
I take my two dogs out for their afternoon walk this week, and as usual, as I have done for the past 2 years, I take them to the Dog Run in Riverside Park so they run around and burn off some energy. As I always do, I sit on my bench away from the rest of the dog walkers and light up my cigarette to enjoy with my Lady Grey Tea. Now on this particular day it is surprisingly quiet and there are only 2 other women with their dogs in the run. (Please note, they are standing on the other side of the dog run to me when I choose my bench). I have only enjoyed a couple of drags when they both storm up to me and bollock me about how disgusting smoking is and how they cannot wait for Bloomberg's ban of smoking in public places starting May 23rd. See here
Let me first make something clear - Yes, I am a smoker but I am a polite smoker! I will never smoke near children, I clean up my cigarette butts and if I can see people are bothered by the smell I will move away from them. It's common courtesy. BUT, just because I smoke does not mean I should be judged, discriminated against or punished. I AM TALKING TO YOU MAYOR BLOOMBERG. If the general public are going to walk around the streets, the parks and SPIT on the side of the road, drunkenly pee on the sidewalk, drop trash, leave dog poop around, then I think it is more than fair for us to continue smoking as long as we are respectful, curteous and clean.
It is a disgusting habit, I will be the first to admit that, it's unhealthy yes - so is not exercising, eating fast food, drinking exsessively and having a lack of sleep - but they are all LIFE CHOICES and if I CHOOSE to smoke I should be able to do so without being fined or discriminated against.
I am sure there are many of you that agree or disagree with me and I would love to hear what you think.
As a mother of two wonderful young adults who smoke, much against my wishes, I may add! I must admit to finding this article very balanced and well written.
ReplyDeleteAs a non-smoker all my life, I thoroughly dislike seeing people smoking (especially beautiful young women in the fresh air) and also being around people smoking. BUT I understand what you saying and admire your comments!
I'm afraid people are too quick to stick their noses in to other people's business (as per the Riverside Dog Run episode) and I bet if you had been a middle aged man (or woman) rather than an attractive young lady, they wouldn't have had the courage (or "balls" as we Brits say) of approaching you!
However, I am in agreement with the ban on smoking in public places, it has
been proven that even being near a smoker and inhaling the air, can cause health risks - something I would not wish for my future grandchildren!
Yes, people drink and take illegal drugs and all the other things you mention, the only difference is that it harms only themselves and not those around them!
I live in daily hope that my two beautiful children will one day see the light and stub this dreadful habit out for good......