U.S. Government Wants to Control Cigarette Use

The U.S. Senate has given a thumbs-up to a new bill that gives the powers-that-be power to restrict cigarette use and advertising.  This is not a new idea, but this time it looks like it might work.  If the bill is approved today cigarette smoking will hopefully come to a gradual end. Wishing thinking I know, but it's a start.  In case you haven't guessed, I hate cigarettes.  They stink and they kill.  Most of my friends disagree with me, but lighting up cigs is the new trend in NYC rivaled only with a new appreciation for beer.  I swear to you, everywhere I go people are lighting up and blowing smoke in an already-polluted city.

I often think to myself:  why do I have to share city-space with people who take pride in destroying their lungs and allowing themselves to be susceptible to cancer?  Now I know have some things to work out.  Besides my internal hatred of tobacco and the cancer it causes, whenever I walk by cigarette smokers I give them my signature "how-disgusting-there's-nothing-about-smoking-that's-sexy-swank-or-intelligent" look.  I know, I got issues, but I'm working through them. [And at least I'm subtle].   I just hope the new bill is passed so cigarette use is less harmful and I can walk through the city without fighting through second-hand smoke.

Keith Josef Adkins is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and social commentator.