Smokers...

I want to kick all smokers in the face. I know that is harsh, and I apologize if you are a smoker and were offended by that statement, but I really do want to kick them all.

 

People in New York really like to smoke. It isn’t just the old people, I see more young, white kids smoking than anyone else- every time I see this I wonder where we have failed as health educators- don’t these kids know the risks? I have come to the conclusion that these people are just dumb.  Not only do people like to smoke here, but they like to do it really close to people that are NOT smoking. I really want to smack someone and tell them that just because I am walking on the street does not mean I want you to blow your cigarette smoke in my face! Why do smokers act like they own the outdoors- yeah you cant smoke inside- but smoking right by the door is the same thing.

So I have decided if I were brave this is the letter I would like to hand out to all the smokers I see on the street.

Dear Smoker,

I respect your choice to smoke, I think it is ridiculous, but still that is your choice, however I would appreciate if you would respect my right to breathe clean smoke free air.

 Don’t give me an angry look when I cough after you light up in my face, don’t look annoyed when I give you an angry look after having to inhale your toxic fumes- get over it. Don’t act like you own the sidewalk just because you smoke- you smoking doesn’t give you more of a right to be in the park, on the sidewalk, or outside than the rest of humanity. Don’t light up in no smoking areas, it is no smoking for a reason. Don’t run out of meetings just to smoke- we aren’t going to hurry things along just because you need a nicotine fix, sit quietly and wait- if it bothers you don’t come to the meeting.

Don’t complain that a pack of cigarettes is $10, if the price is too high stop smoking.

Please stay out of my way as I walk down the sidewalk- you don’t need to stand in the middle of the crowded sidewalk during rush hour smoking one cigarette after another- move over 6 inches and we can be friends. Don’t look annoyed when I don’t want to sit next to you on the train- you smell like smoke, the smell bothers me, I would rather stand than inhale more smoke particles.

If you are pregnant woman or have small children expect dirty looks when you smoke- you are endangering the lives of children- people shouldn’t approve of your actions.

If you are a homeless person begging for money and smoking, don’t expect people to feel bad for you and give you money- if you can afford cigarettes you can afford food.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Ashley