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.
