Smokin’
Like many people I like alcohol far too much.
I’m not alone in this, of course.
On the other hand I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life.
I’ve never been tempted.
And it’s kinda surprising because I grew up in an extended family with people who drank and smoked quite a bit.
Thus, I wax and wane between finding smoking really objectionable and not caring so much.
Sometimes I find cigarettes really objectionable. Visiting Copenhagen a few weeks ago, for example, where they still allow smoking in bars was quite a wake up call. It was quite a reminder about how much I actually really dislike smoking.
Other times I don’t worry so much. Usually at parties, for example, I hang out with the smokers. They get to stand outside, they get to hang around in groups. I like that.
I also wax and wane between feeling sorry for the modern stigma associated with people who smoke, and feeling they should all just come to their senses and give up.
I think many other people share these mixed feelings I have.
When I watched the news tonight – sorry, I mean the 7pm Project – they talked about the price increase and the new “world-leading” decision for generic packaging.
They also mentioned the smoking rate is now down to 19%, and that a further price increase is likely to force about 10% of smokers to give up.
I know how difficult I would find to give up alcohol, so I wish all of my friends who are now thinking about giving up smoking all the best.
A 10% in smokers will take the overall rate from 19% down to 17%.
Sadly, studies over the world show that the gay+lesbian community smokers figure at twice the community average or more. In Australia, I would say it’s more like triple. For me that means I can’t hang out at gay venues as it makes me physically sick.
Although smoking in bars and restaurants is illegal in Australia, the reality is that our mild-to-warm climate has smokers standing around the open windows and doors, fouling up the interior air as much as if they were inside.
I really disagree with this tax increase and the way it has been brought in. It will only hurt the poor people who can least afford it.
I wonder how many kids will go without proper food and clothes because Mum and Dad are paying $20 a packet on fags. Not to mention the potential black market issues.
I am so angry I could end up joining a pro-smoking group despite not having ever smoked and being nasally hyper-sensitive to cigarette smoke.