The Worst Freedom is OK

As a retail tobacconist I have paid half a dozen floor taxes and tax increases this year alone. The campaign against all smokers is in full effect around the globe while smoking bans (both indoor and outdoor), de-normalization, perpetual and unreasonable tax increases, continue to usurp our freedoms. But the hallmark of 2009 is the prohibitions that have been put into place by the FDA (banning flavored cigarettes) and now NYC banning ALL flavored tobacco; again, under the intellectually bankrupt logic that these products are 'attractive to children' - even though it is illegal to sell these products to children.

Today Dr. Michael Siegel, a famous anti-smoking advocate, wrote in his blog "the anti-smoking movement is very much a religious-like one and that it is based largely on ideology rather than science." Now we should be able to see things clearly; smokerism and the relentless taxation is not based on science, but rather bigotry. And smokers, along with other freedom loving people, have been saying for years that the health police/nanny state will come after soda pop, obese people, and alcohol soon enough. Well, soon enough is already here!!! Taxes and bans on fatty foods are becoming prevalent while European cities have started to ban happy hours!

Behaviour and pleasure control has never been about health, because happiness cannot be measured in years or numbers. As a society we must accept that cigarette smoking is the absolute worst personal freedom and then move on. It's OK; there will always be a WORST Freedom. But, the key to living in free and democratic societies is to preserve freedoms, not constantly whittle away at them. Today, smokers pay more than their fair share of the 'societal' (health care) costs associated with smoking; they are not a burden to non-smokers. So it must be time to leave them alone. Otherwise, our government is just punishing people who they do not like and that is reprehensible. At this point, it will be up to non-smokers to stand up and say "Enough Is Enough". Even the worst freedom is OK, now lets get on with our lives!

"You can only be free if I am free."
- Clarence Darrow

Tobacco Prohibition 2.0: Banning Flavor

Today, the New York City city council voted 46 to 1 to ban/prohibit flavored tobacco products. The ban does not include Menthol or Mint, like the FDA 'Protect Your Family from Smokers' bill, and it does not ban flavored pipe tobaccos - yet.

All of this is happening in the same city where the nanny-minded mayor changed the law so he could stay for a third term in office, banned indoor smoking, and is now trying to ban outdoor smoking in parks and beaches - because 'children should not have to see smokers'.

Where are all of the infuriated people? Where are Americans who value freedom? Individual Rights? And not just the rights you use, but all individuals' rights?

Within thirty minutes of this news breaking, I have witnessed emails, facebook, and twitter messages from industry members and not one of those messages had anything to do with the usurpation of our freedoms. Topics did include: tonight's featured bottle of wine to drink at home; something about farmville; a note about splurging on a ribeye steak because it's 'hump day'; a bejeweled score; what you are watching on TV or the internet; what you are smoking; what you are wearing for Halloween; what game you are watching tonight; who you are rooting for; and something about a golf tournament.

Sadly, many NYC tobacconists did not find out about the vote until the day before; so some of us are being rail-roaded and disenfranchised by the system. But, the real problem is our own apathy and lethargy. Where is the anger? The vote was 46 to 1!

These prohibitions started with the FDA justifying a ban of cigarettes that have a 'characterizing' flavor that 'can be attractive to children'. Yet this is the most bankrupt and illogical justification because IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL TOBACCO TO CHILDREN. So that should be the focus - stop sales of tobacco to underage children! It's not rocket science; you don't have to be a genius to figure it out. The prohibition of products that are 'attractive to children' is the most insipid legislative trend I have ever seen in my lifetime; it is as bad as McCarthyism, Racism, anti-Semitism, and any other 'ism' which is based on an ideology of hatred and bigotry.

One hundred years ago men congregated in bars, pubs, and clubs to discuss matters of the day... at the time, most of them smoked. Yet today, we are not allowed to congregate, smoke, and talk in the same place - except for the rare retail tobacconist. And now the walls are crumbling around us.... The guiding principle behind the founding of America was 'the individual pursuit of happiness'.... so it was. What is the guiding principle behind America today?

Unfortunately, the path to freedom is wrought with challenges and sacrifice. For starters, sign The Tobacconist Preservation Act, join the CRA, get Certified, and finally, get your head out of your arse and take half of the time you spend watching TV, sports, or shopping for crap, and start fighting for your freedoms. Otherwise, all that is worth living for, the simple human pleasures, will be lost.

F-D-Absurdity: Electronic Cigarettes

On Wednesday July, 22 the FDA held a press conference which essentially banned e-cigarettes (definition) and tried to spin the information (as opposed to scientific data) so it seems like they are as bad as cigarettes. Dr. Michael Siegel does a great job of outlining the lunacy of the FDA's position in his article: FDA Lunacy: Product We Know Will Kill 400,000 People This Year - Approved; Product that May Well Help Prevent Many of Those People from Dying: Banned.

Clearly, the FDA, lung and cancer associations, pharmaceutical industry, and anti-smoking groups hate the thought of e-cigarettes. It seems they abhor the thought and/or act of smoking more than the negative health effects. Perhaps the thought that people actually enjoy nicotine or sensory pleasures is unbearable to the nanny state and pleasure police so they must vilify any act that resembles smoking anything.

The horrible irony is that there are nicotine replacement therapies (nrt) whose side effects are SUICIDE, yet they are just fine by the FDA and the pharmaceutical companies that sell them; as well as the lung and cancer lobbies/associations (there are too many to name them all so please allow the generalization).

We all know that cigarette smoking is the most unhealthy of all our freedoms... and it will remain that way... unless they make them illegal or allow a product that will shorten the lives of 500,000 people per year (as opposed to the supposed 400k who die prematurely from cigarette smoking). But, in a free and healthy society people must be able to take educated risks and live their lives as they please without infringing on the freedoms of others.

There will always be a "WORST" or "MOST UNHEALTHY" freedom/lifestyle choice/personal preference/activity/taste. And that should be OK. Society does not need to continually beat up and/or prohibit 'the worst' freedoms; a healthy society will just accept them and educate the population. Otherwise, the most dangerous threat to freedom is the continual legislation and pursuit of health and safety.

In the end, I don't believe that 'Greed Is Good' (to quote Wall Street's Gordon Gecko)... But RISK IS GOOD - as determined by the individual, for the individual. Risk is necessary to move civilization, technology, and individuals forward. Risk is the foundation of the pursuit of happiness - the fundamental premise behind The United States of America. Risk is good.

PS:

Dear FDA,

Please relax, smoke a cigar, and remember that WITHOUT FREEDOM OF CHOICE AND RISK THERE IS NO REWARD OR PROGRESS. Clearly you understand that when allowing the sale of pharmaceuticals whose side effects include suicide, depression, heart attacks, etc... FREE TOBACCO. LET THE FARMERS LET THE PLANTS CONTROL THE NICOTINE. And leave my coffee, alcohol, and chocolate alone too.

Einstein Smoked!

Yes, it's true, Einstein smoked: pipes and cigars.

Albert Einstein's contributions to modern science are so extraordinary that it may take generations and hundreds of years for science to catch up with his theories on space, time, gravity, light, physics, etc... Ironically, Einstein had speech problems as a child and was probably missing portions of his brain, while other parts seem to have 'compensated' and given him extraordinary thinking, visualization, and conceptualization abilities. In fact, we are all a little bit like Albert Einstein in that our brains have different strengths and weaknesses and there are many different ways to be 'smart'. Intelligence takes on many different forms and varietals.

Albert Einstein, Berlin, Germany 1931. Photo from Fortune Magazine March 6, 2000.

Albert Einstein claimed that he thought through images, rather than verbally. That is why he spent much of his time ruminating, meditating, thinking, and walking the grounds of the Institute for Advanced Study and Princeton University, with a pipe or cigar in hand, of course.

As the proprietor of the retail tobacconist in Princeton, NJ, I like to think that Albert Einstein would be a customer if he were around today. After all, many of Princeton's esteemed intellectuals and luminaries are my customers, and they love their luxury tobacco. But this is not just a 'puff' piece about smart people smoking tobacco. Luxury tobacco is something we use out of choice, not addiction. Furthermore, we smoke great cigars and pipe tobaccos to savor our time, ruminate, decompress, gather our thoughts and emotions, and revitalize ourselves, among other reasons.

Just as our 'brains' are different, so are the things that bring us pleasure, happiness, joy, and peace. America's founding fathers recognized the inherent importance of individualism and freedom, so they anchored our country's constitution and values on the 'individual pursuit of happiness' and human freedom. For better or worse, good, bad or indifferent, human beings must be free to choose their own destiny and guide their own lives.

What would Albert Einstein think about S-CHIP, FDA tobacco regulation, extreme tobacco taxation, smoker demonization, smoking bans, and tobacco denormalization? Where would civilization be without Albert Einstein's genius? Who or what power has the legitimate authority to tell him (or us) how to think? What to enjoy? After all, we hold the truth of human freedom and equality to be self-evident.

The greatest tragedy to result from smokerism and anti-smoking laws will never be known. The greatest cost from impeding human freedom is the opportunity cost: those things, ideas, moments, realizations, and appreciations that will never exist, because the opportunity was lost. But these losses, while intangible, are as real as light, gravity, and time. Ultimately, every law that restricts individual freedom and choice retards our culture and undermines real progress and quality of life.

Voice of Freedom

# 53
2009-05-20 15:00:42
Tomasch, Nathan

"As a proud member of a nation founded upon freedoms that once were the envy of all other nations, I am distraught over the over-reach of current tobacco laws. Regulation of the sale and use of a legal product should be minimal and logical and it is my perception that the current taxation and penalty conducted in regards to tobacco usage is skewed and unevenly discriminatory towards the tobacco smoker. The details can be discussed later. At hand now is the final bastion of tobacco use that isn't marred by a false sense of shame and guilt; the tobacconist's. Surely consumption of tobacco at an establishment catering to such would seem self-evident! Any attempt to cease the legal and adult consumption of tobacco at a tobacconist's will be met by fierce protest and resistance. Even us smokers, self-apologetic and crippled by law, will not tolerate this final offense to our civil liberties and legal choice."

I think this comment says it best... posted here with permission from Mr. Tomasch. Sign the TPA.

Smoking Bans: A Moment of Truth

The most definitive study to date concludes that smoking bans in all fifty states of America have had no impact on heart attack admissions and mortality rates. The study, conducted by researchers from the RAND Corp., Congressional Budget Office, University or Wisconsin, and Stanford University, concludes that workplace smoking bans have had no effect on heart attack rates and there are as many areas showing decreases in heart attacks as there are showing increases! So much for the junk science and fear tactics our legislators and public policy makers use to justify usurping our freedoms. You can read of the The Rest of the Story by Dr. Michael Siegel.

The Tobacconist Alamo

The most frightening thought in the world to any Tobacconist is that smoking bans will be instituted inside retail Tobacconist shops. It has already happened in Delaware and other parts of the country. In addition, many Tobacconists are going to court to preserve their right to smoke and sometimes just to prove they are Tobacconists - because the laws are so poorly and/or maliciously written. No other profession in the world suffers under such draconian laws. Sadly, the hostility of legislators and our society are making it more difficult to survive. Yet we persevere, not because the financial rewards are great, not for the prestige, but because we love our products and customers.

Obviously, Tobacconists must taste their products daily just to be able to communicate their value to customers; and customers need to sample products in order to make informed decisions. Not to neglect the fact that smoking in a smokeshop is akin to eating in a restaurant.

Yet logic alone is not enough to preserve our professional rights. Ultimately, the health zealots and nanny state will try to ban smoking everywhere; and retail Tobacconists will be the final frontier - the Tobacconist Alamo. Here at TU, we are preparing for that last stand. It is our commitment to prove our professional credibility and legitimacy through our curriculum and standards. Through Certifications we are building an army of Certified Tobacconists who are substantive and credentialed enough to fight for our rights. We are not just individuals who feel we have the right to smoke 'just because' or 'just because we like it'; clearly that tactic has not worked. We are professionals who have invested time and money, our lives, into an honorable existence and we will be here to fight when the rest of the industry needs us.

Stay tuned to hear about and participate in The Tobacconist Preservation Act....

Certified Tobacconist Impressions (CTI)

The first step towards acceptance and credibility is to build awareness. A decade ago I had people laugh at me when I told them I was a 'Tobacconist'. And, the society we live in barely recognizes us as a legitimate profession - most days they treat us like criminals. So, awareness is the first step towards carving out a respectable niche in our society.

Tobacconist University exists largely to build awareness and credibility for the luxury tobacco industry. While many more consumers visit TU than Tobacconists, we consider every impression we make a positive Certified Tobacconist Impression (CTI). CTI are created every time a consumer visits TU, thinks about TU, mentions TU to a friend, or says the words 'Tobacconist University'. CTI are created every time TU helps somebody refill their lighter, learn how to cut their cigar, season their humidor, and enhances their appreciation of luxury tobacco: always educating and enhancing appreciation under the umbrella of "Tobacconist University".

Ultimately, if you had to distill down the priceless value of TU into something quantifiable, you could think in terms of Certified Tobacconist Impressions (CTI). After all, you need something to measure and strive for when you are trying to change the culture and fighting for your freedoms. Knowing this, TU regards every Tobacconist Certification with extreme reverence. Every TU Certified Tobacconist goes into the world creating thousands of Certified Tobacconist Impressions per year; by showing customers and civilians that we are legitimate, valuable professionals. Every time a Certified Tobacconist mentions Certification, or shows their lapel pin, or posts their Certified Logo, an impression is made. Every time a human being thinks about Tobacconists as professionals a positive impression is made. In fact, every Certified Tobacconist creates between 15,000 (lazy Tobacconist) and 50,000 (not lazy) Certified Tobacconist Impressions (CTI) a year (conservatively estimated). At this rate just one thousand Certified Tobacconists can create 50 MILLION positive impressions per year. Ultimately, this simple notion of projecting and leveraging our credibility through Certified Tobacconist Impressions (CTI) is a big part of how we will "preserve luxury tobacco for generations to come": one Tobacconist at a time, one impression at a time.

Guns, Tobacco, Fear & Control

"Where the rights of men are equal, every man must finally see the necessity of protecting the rights of others as the most effectual security for his own."
- Thomas Paine
Dissertation on First Principles of Government -1795

On a personal note.... I have one sister, twenty one years younger than me. This picture was taken two years ago in the D.R. - right about the time she told me a policeman came to her class, wearing his uniform, badge, and gun, to lecture the students about the dangers of tobacco. Of course the lesson was not un-biased or purely factual. Rather, it was about fear. They did not tell her 'cigarettes can shorten your life or lead to illnesses'; they told her 'tobacco and smoke are disgusting, immoral, and kill'. While I know that life kills, and fear can be an effective motivation for children, and teachers can exaggerate to make a point, to this day, I cannot fathom why a man with a gun is sent to schools to 'teach' and threaten children. Frankly, it has taken me two years to calm down enough just to write this piece.... In fact, a big part of the reason I started this blog two years ago was because I was so infuriated by my sister's story and needed a place to voice my opinion and tell these tales. And, someone has to question how the anti-smoke people have influenced legislators to the point that they are employing our police to promote their agenda ... WTF is happening?

I remember in high school a policeman came and lectured us about the dangers of drinking and driving: at least that made sense since the crime takes place on our roadways where innocent people can be hurt. But where is the crime in smoking? And why are the police talking to children about it? And why the gun?

On a positive note, my sister comes to my house and walks into my humidor just because she loves the smell. Thankfully, she is smart and free enough to think for herself; but, for how long? In Cuba they have signs everywhere insulting 'capitalist pigs' and the only people with guns are the cops and military; I suppose that is why my family came to this country. But, in America there are already advertisements insulting smokers (of all kinds), disparaging fat people, and basically equating anybody who is not 'healthy' or 'normal' as immoral or inadequate. Yet, I can't watch TV for half an hour without seeing erectile pill commercials or advertisements for pharmaceuticals to make us all happy and fill us with 'energy'.

Meanwhile, the hypocrisy of our legislators/government and the degradation of our rights is only getting worse.... Today I read an AP article about an Alabama Botanist who was arrested because the wildflowers on her property were a nuisance. People actually complained about the annoyance of flower aromas!!!

As the son of refugees, I cannot forget the value of freedom, and the need to defend it: that is why I am a Certified Tobacconist. And, I have put every resource at my disposal towards defending my profession and helping others do the same. Ironically, at this rate, I will end up a Certified 'drug dealer' in the nanny state's eyes.... and so will my plant, coffee, alcohol, and food loving friends. That cop who terrorized my 10 year old sister may very well arrest me for smoking a cigar on the sidewalk one day. In the meantime, real drug dealers who peddle anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, 5-hour energy drinks, and erection pills continue to live down the road from me in mansions I can't even afford the taxes on. The America I love seems to exist only in my mind and heart now.... and within the four walls of every retail Tobacconist who is still allowed to smoke in their business and home. As I write this very personal blog, my last living grandparent lies on her death bed, incoherent and unaware that the America that embraced her inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness is not so different than the country she fled; in this rare case I think that ignorance is bliss. But, the rest of us have no excuse.

My point is not simply to vent here... it is two-fold:

1. to compel you, my fellow Tobacconists and citizens, to get Certified and project your credibility. Be Proactive! Don't be apathetic. Don't ever give up. First we must educate ourselves, and then we go about teaching others (Tobacconists Are Teachers).

2. to remind everyone else that real freedom involves protecting others' rights, not just the rights you like and/or use.

Disclaimers: I have cop friends and customers who I love; I think guns are awesome - when they are not killing or intimidating people; I love plants and flowers and their aromas; I love my sister and family, no matter what they think or feel; I have lots of friends who take the legal drugs mentioned in this article; I believe smoking is a human archetype and delicacy which will always be and should be enjoyed by a significant percentage of the population; I don't like the use of chemicals or additives in tobacco or food; I eat meat and fish; however you define 'health', it is useless without freedom - and legislating 'health' is simply a way to control people; I drive like an old lady, have never had a dui/dwi, and have not had a moving violation in my adult life ('knock on wood'); I am only superstitious, 'just in case'; I think people who sky dive and bungee jump are crazy and I fully support their right to do it - just like I support any person's right to think, say, and do anything they want as long as they do not infringe on another person's ability to do the same - that's American!

Outlawing Tobacco 2.0

This morning I awoke to find out that TU is the cover story for October's Smokeshop Magazine: this was a thrill and a privilege. Then, I had to put my retail Tobacconist 'hat' back on and do exactly two things for my stores. First, I had to fill out fourteen pages of information for the state of PA, print another 12, make copies and then drive all the way to Pennsylvania to use a notary, then mail these documents to the Department of Health to get permission to smoke in my PA store - even though we are clearly exempted from the law. The state was kind enough to notify us of the paperwork requirement over a month after it was due. The second retail task I did today was to print and frame this (pictured) sign for my Princeton, New Jersey store. It will go in the space where we used to display flavored cigarettes, which have now been outlawed.

We are now transitioning from Outlawing Tobacco 1.0 to 2.0. As cigar and pipe smokers, we are only about 5% of the population.... so our rights can be taken away quickly! Sadly, I do not think a democracy based on the value of human freedoms should so easily take away human freedoms. So, I continue to believe that all retail Tobacconists are great American freedom fighters... underdogs on the front lines of a great battle for justice. Not just smokers' rights, but all individuals' rights, in our pursuit of happiness. Smoking is the 'gateway' civil right, and it has been demonized and beaten into submission.

Ultimately, the only way to win back our freedom is to EARN CREDIBILITY. At TU we are proactively doing that through Certification .... and more: if we want a positive future, we will have to work hard for it.

If It Saves One Life....

"If It Saves One Life, It's Worth It" - this is a quote from a 15 year old high school student in California whose class was notified by state troopers and the administration that several students were killed in drunk driving accidents (Allison Hoffman, AP). Apparently, most of the children were crying, screaming and understandably traumatized. Several hours after being told this the officials notified them it was not true: they were just trying to teach them a lesson! What a sick, sick world we are living in now. And I am not surprised that this is happening in California, land of usurped freedoms, health zealots, and all-knowing government.

Abraham Lincoln said "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves". Thank you Mr. Lincoln, but what in the world are our small-minded leaders doing?

The notion of "If it saves one life..." is the most intellectually bankrupt idea of our modern age. Aged cheese, meat, peanuts, driving, and life in general can be deadly. Human life is cheap and priceless all at once. In places like Darfur it seems like people have no value, yet we all know life is precious. But the value of one life cannot be exchanged for another's. Preserving freedom and the right to pursue happiness is what makes life precious; without that, we are all just someone else's sheep. Government should focus on empowering our lives, not saving, shaping, limiting, or scaring us into submission. Empower us through Education....

* The painting shown here is insane, just like the "if it saves one life" notion.

Freedom = Risk

I just heard that in France they are trying to outlaw happy hour.... their reasoning has something to do with curbing excessive drinking. (what is excessive? is there an outbreak?) Obviously, this is completely absurd. But this is what the world health zealots and nanny governments are moving us towards. Frankly, I'm surprised that the French are even considering this: they have long been renown for their 'joie de vivre', revolutionary spirit, love of wine, food, and cheese, etc... I thought the next stage of nanny-state-health-zealotry would have come from America, perhaps California. Our legislators have been doing such a good job of banning smoking and demonizing smokers; and overweight people are clearly in their sites next. I thought increased alcohol control was decades away... but I was wrong.

I often say that Tobacconists are modern day FREEDOM FIGHTERS. In the tradition of our founding fathers; living their values in the hopes of defining their lives and happiness. Remember, we are supposed to have an 'inalienable right to pursue happiness', as defined by the individual!!! not governments, peer groups, politicians, etc...

Sadly, somewhere along the line we have forgotten that real Freedom involves Risk. Freedom is not a 'safe' concept. Life is not 'safe'. The Freedom to drive, eat, walk, smoke, love, and even think comes wrought with Risk. America was founded by Risk-Takers! And nothing great is ever accomplished without taking a Risk.

So how has the world devolved to the point where Risk is anathema to our culture? I think the nanny state is empowered by making smokers out to be 'dirty' and 'unhealthy' people. Yet the National Cancer Institute says there are no known negative health consequences from smoking less than one cigar a day - which sums up the overwhelming majority of cigar and pipe smokers. And there are studies that show that between 1 to 3 cigars a day (consumers) live longer than non-smokers. While cigar and pipe smokers and Tobacconists have been struggling for our rights, non-smokers have been sitting back thinking they are above the fray. But, what they did not realize while basking in their sense of superiority is that smoking is the last line of defense for our civil rights. Ultimately, people choose to smoke, and employees in smoking environments choose to work there. People make choices and we do not need the government to limit them. I am accountable for my choices, and I don't need the government to make decisions for me. I just want the government to do their job: take my tax money and build roads, protect me, and empower me to create my own life - Remember the concept that politicians work for us?

Ok, I could probably keep writing.... but i will try to wrap this up. I have been travelling the country Certifying Tobacconists and I continue to be impressed with their passion and resilience. Great Tobacconists seem indefatigable in light of current repression and taxation. Tobacconists continue to be great American FREEDOM FIGHTERS: fighting for their rights and passions. Today, I am more proud than ever to service and support them. As always, I continue to believe that the path to Freedom is through Education. And while ignorance may be bliss to some, I am willing to take the Risk... Get Educated. Be Free.

Delusional Lawmakers: NJ Senate Bill 613

This bill promises to make any flavored (except menthol) cigarette in New Jersey illegal, next week. I can only assume that cigars are next. The absurd justification for this law is quoted here:;"

“7 1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. There has been a proliferation of flavored cigarettes 1
8 [and other tobacco products]1 “

"PROLIFERATION"? Could this be divisive fear mongering? Sales of cloves and flavored cigarettes are less than 1% of overall sales.

“9 in recent years, and many of these
10 products have fruit, chocolate or other flavors that are particularly
11 attractive to children;”

"ATTRACTIVE TO CHILDREN"? That’s like saying Daiquiris are attractive to children!!! Will they be outlawing Rum & Cokes, Screwdrivers, Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, and Piňa Coladas? Or how about vanilla extract, tira misu, and bananas foster? Many things are "attractive to children", but not necessarily for children. Not to mention that all of these things are fattening…

“12 b. According to public health experts, the existence of these
13 products increases the incidence of tobacco use among children;”

Food "increases the incidence" of eating; Alcohol "increases the incidence" of drunks; The Sun "increases the incidence" of cancer; Water "increases the incidence" of drowning; Life "increases the incidence" of death; etc...

And, WE ALREADY HAVE LAWS AGAINST CHILDREN BUYING TOBACCO! So why would you pass a law to protect those that are already protected? Would you make cars illegal because drunks drive?

Sadly, this and many other modern laws exist only to "make a point" - a political point, made only by politicians. But it is un-American, senseless, and regressive to restrict freedoms to make a point - Obviously, nobody wants children to smoke or drink.

“14 c The earlier a person begins using tobacco, the more likely the
15 person will become addicted to tobacco products and continue to
16 smoke throughout that person's life;
d. As a result, flavored 1[tobacco products] cigarettes1
17 lead to
18 increased tobacco use and addiction, higher health care costs, and a…”

AS A RESULT, this is how they weave all of that ‘special logic’ together…. Children are good, tobacco is bad, and this trumps any other value or right.

But in the process, menthol cigarettes** will remain legal, and the rights of other businesses and citizens have been curtailed to MAKE A POINT.

Are cigars next? ABSOLUTELY, my fellow lovers of the leaf!

And, I believe overweight people are next too. Eventually those that are not within the ‘normal’ weight range will have to be segregated from children. It would be tragic to have children exposed to such an atrocity. After all, the earlier a person begins eating, the more likely they continue to eat more, and eating leads to weight gain and fat people are bad for children. I can’t wait to see the creative use of language in that law…

The upside of being a Tobacconist today is that at least we are on the right side of morality, history, and the value of human freedom. After all, we are all ‘endowed with the inalienable right to pursue happiness’ – as defined by the individual, not our hypocritical nanny state.

* Personal Disclaimer: I do not enjoy or consume any of the products our legislators are trying to outlaw, but I do support your right to.

** Additional Disclaimer: In an effort to keep this blog short I have omitted many absurdities, including, but not limited to, any analysis of why menthol flavored cigarettes are protected from this new law: Don't kids love mint and menthol flavored things?

*** Further Opinionation: This is, by far, one of the most dangerous and absurd laws I have ever read. Unfortunately, it will probably pass. Laws should preserve freedoms and protect our society; they should not be self-serving instruments of manipulation and propaganda.

Banning Fast Food?

If I had a therapist I think they would force me to write this particular blog so my head would not explode.

Some intellectually bankrupt and misguided politicians in Los Angeles are trying to ban any new fast food establishments from opening in south Los Angeles, since the "obesity" rate is 6% higher there than in the rest of the city/county. I contend that AMERICAN legislators have gone completely mad and lost all sense of what AMERICA is. And of course, there are marginal "authorities" popping up all over the area praising this ridiculous act because they believe it will help people be "healthier". All of this with no regard to free market, capitalist, or democratic principles, much less the value of FREEDOM and the Individual Pursuit of Happiness. Of course I don't believe fast food leads to happiness, but I also don't think this is the right approach: Masking symptoms does Not cure the disease. And I would imagine that the so-called "disease" of obesity in this area is probably linked more to lower incomes and failing educational systems. We should be helping people empower themselves instead of taking away their choices and freedoms! (good, bad or indifferent)

Where are today's Big Thinkers? Leaders with long term vision? And Legislators with an appreciation for our Constitution? I suspect the only ones left are sitting around at their retail Tobacconists lamenting the sad state of our nation's small minded legislators.

When will we learn that legislating "HEALTH" is not the job of government? Nor can a society be managed by health statistics, or its success be determined by individual longevity!!!

It is the job of our government to protect our FREEDOMS and our Inalienable Pursuit of HAPPINESS... as defined by the individual.

There........ the pressure in my head has been relieved a little... now it is time to smoke a cigar...

T.J.

"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it."

Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 1791.
born April 13, 1743

Freedom Reigns in the Land of Jefferson

Last week, the Virginia General Assembly voted (59 to 40) to continue to allow smoking in restaurants. While the Governor may still veto the bill, this small victory leaves hope for freedom loving Americans (smoking or non) around the country. The Assembly was sensible enough to create a rule where restaurants would display a sign that informs patrons that smoking is allowed on the premises. BRAVO!!! This makes perfect sense since asthmatics and smoke-sensitive people should be aware of the business practices of establishments that allow smoking. Making businesses announce their policies to sensitive customers is the responsible approach to protect uninformed individuals. Legislators throughout the country should take note. Instead of taking away freedoms to "protect" every segment of the population, they should be informing and educating and letting consumers vote with their wallets: that is the American way.

At this point, I should consider renaming this blog the Anti-Smoking-Ban Crusade. I would prefer to write about the organoeleptic delights of luxury tobacco, but that would be too self-indulgent in light of the legislative momentum that is usurping our rights. It is refreshing to see a State in America where the citizens and legislators remember the values our founding fathers espoused. I imagine that since Virginia was home to Thomas Jefferson, it is no small coincidence that they continue to preserve the most basic American freedoms. Let's hope that Virginians, and other Americans, continue to rise above the hysteria and fear surrounding Environmental Tobacco Smoke, and preserve our right(s) to define and pursue our own happiness.

Liberty Quoted

"The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion."
- Edmund Burke (1729-1797)
Speech at Country Meeting of Buckinghamshire, 1784


"Real liberty is neither found in despotism or the extremes of democracy, but in moderate governments."
- Alexander Hamilton
Constitutional Convention, June 26, 1787


"But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever."
-John Adams
To Abigail Adams, 1775

Smoking Ban, Politics, & Lies

Things are really heating up on the New Hope, PA Smoking Ban front. In the last week, several articles have been published with varying opinions and positions. As the local Tobacconist in the area, I have accidentally become the voice of the Smoking population. Whenever a reporter needs a "pro-smoker" perspective they call me. I am used to it, but often it seems like the local Tobacconist is the only voice of dissent on the Smoking Bans. In reality, many "non-smokers" are against these bans and many other citizens have just "given up" and accepted that 'this is the way the world/country/state is going'. I have plenty of postings that relate to this issue, so please feel free to read those if you want commentary on the who, what, and why of Smoking Bans and our apparent apathy. Ultimately, much of the Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) hysteria is fear driven feel-good politics and legislation. It is a sad reflection of the world we live in. But today I simply want to outline the un-truths, spin, and potential lies that have emerged in the recent past, with regard to the New Hope Smoking Ban. It is a microcosm of what has happened around the country and the way the public has been manipulated by fear and nonsense.

Here are a few links to our local newspapers in NJ & PA and the articles that were published:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/137-03182007-1316168.html

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/219-03222007-1318335.html

http://pacpub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18101827&BRD=1091&PAG=461&dept_id=425410&rfi=6

There are some other articles and when I reference them I will quote the article with absolute accuracy. I tried to link them, but they have been archived and are not available to the general public.

As I have said before, comprehensive Smoking Bans are feel-good laws intended to make politicians look good and get re-elected. Obviously, I do not think people should be subjected to ETS in enclosed spaces where they do not have a choice to be. So, with that said.... here are some quotes from Richard Hirschfield, President of the New Hope Borough Council.

- "We got two or three responses about it, all of which were positive" (meaning the Smoking Ban Proposal)
In the next line in the article, the reporter, Riley Yates writes "Well, not all of them." And then he proceeds to talk about and quote directly from the letter I wrote Mr. Hirschfield.

- "Its a dirty habit"
What can I say about someone making such disparaging and moral judgements? I must let this statement stand for what it is.

- "I can empathize." "But they don't have the right to smoke in other people's living room so to speak"
PRIVATE BUSINESSES ARE NOT OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVING ROOMS!!! "so to speak" : This is a disgusting example of political, emotional, biased, and distorting language. Unless of course the legislation is going to extend into people's living rooms, which it is not, just yet.

- "Mr. Hirschfield said officials have received complaints about smoking in public places such as restaurants, although he could not say how many."
How Convenient that you cannot say how many. Yet I don't doubt that some very self-involved people feel it is their right to never be exposed to any kind of ETS or odor-annoyance. So rather than patronize establishments that cater to them, they would rather force businesses and their politicians to enact ridiculous rules and laws.

- "He also noted some establishments in town voluntarily went nonsmoking, but were persuaded to revert to smoking by pressure from fellow businesses. He declined to name the businesses, not wanting to add more pressure to what they're already experiencing."
This might be true: I have heard of the marauding bands of smokers going around and strong arming reputable businesses into allowing smoking. Obviously, I jest. This is one of the more absurd, ridiculous, and artificially contrived statements I have ever read. I patronize nonsmoking restaurants when the food is good. I know they exist and I have never heard of this kind of "pressure" being exerted on any establishment to allow smoking!!! Businesses cater to their customers, plain and simple.

- "If we can't depend on the state to protect us, we have to protect ourselves"
How about protecting yourself by not going into smoking environments: that is your prerogative. I wonder what our founding fathers would have thought about Mr. Hirschfield's revolutionary fascism. Or perhaps we are protecting your chances of re-election.

Anyway.... I could go on forever, but I have real work to do. I will be at the New Hope Borough Council meeting to address the issue on May 9; will you? Maybe we can have them add a no-trans-fats measure to this bill.

Health & Morality Are NOT Related

In my view, there are two fundamentally incorrect issues upon which all anti-smoking and clean-air legislation are predicated. The first mistake is for legislators and the public to accept the notion that PRIVATE BUSINESSES are PUBLIC SPACES: they are not! Government buildings, "Public" Transportation, and any non-outdoor space where people do not have a reasonable choice to be are PUBLIC SPACES. Otherwise, Americans, and Citizens of Earth have inalienable rights to CHOOSE where they are or where they are going. If you don't like smoke, don't patronize establishments that allow it, don't seek employment there either if you have a problem with it. But it is not any one's right to determine what legal practices are allowed inside private businesses. I choose not to patronize loud bars and/or nightclubs, and I even avoid boisterous college-like drinking environments. This is my personal preference. For me, these are unhealthy and/or unpleasant environments. I fully support people's rights to go out and behave like idiots and I wouldn't expect my legislative representatives to pass a law against it just because I don't like or approve of it. But with smoking, 75% of the population is determining the rights and freedoms of the unpopular 25%. (This refers specifically to cigarette smokers. While the National Cancer Institute says that there are no known negative health consequences from moderate cigar and pipe consumption (less than one per day), the word "Tobacco" continues to be used when specifically referring to cigarettes. Sadly, this mis-use of the language besmirches the reputation for all tobacco. But this posting is not about luxury tobacco, it is about freedom.)

The second, and biggest fundamental flaw with anti-smoking zealots is the position, whether overt or covert, that smoking is immoral. I just read an article where a PA legislator said that "smoking is dirty" and the obvious extension of the statement is that Smokers Are Dirty. This is the prevailing mentality of the society we live in: Smoking is dirty and unhealthy. The population is convinced that any exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is going to kill you. Legislators often use the argument that "if it save just one life it is worth it". But this mentality is absurd: it is a cancer on our society. I have said it before, but I will reiterate: In the name of the health and welfare of the population, they can take away every right and freedom we have.

We need a society and laws that help educate and enlighten people, not laws that restrict our freedoms. People should have the right to CHOOSE. Choose what you eat, where you live, who you associate with, if you smoke, what to drink, etc... But our legislators enact laws limiting our choices and actions. The right to make personal choices and to define your own life is central to the American philosophy. As long as your freedoms do not hinder another's, there should be no laws standing between me and my choices. But I digress...

Ultimately, what you smoke, eat, drink, think, and do is your own business. It is only immoral if you infringe upon or hurt someone else in the process. Currently, the greatest societal immorality of all is when legislators enact laws that limit our choice and freedom. The tide will turn one day and we will realize that we have whittled away the American dream in an effort to pass feel good laws under the pretense of protecting people. What we really need is protection from those who are taking away our freedoms. I'm waiting for the greatest minds of our generation to step up and fight real injustice............. still waiting....

Here is a link to the article which prompted this posting. While the article was flattering to me, it is sad that the politicians who propose this smoking ban are getting exactly what they want: more feel-good publicity. http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/137-03182007-1316168.html

I Love Tobacconists

I feel remiss in not having written in a couple of weeks..... but I would like to follow up and say that the Tobacconist University Certified Lapel Pins finally arrived and they ARE Spectacular!!!!

But that is not why I am inspired to write today. I just came from a meeting of our State Retailers association. It is a unique group filled with retailers from all walks of life. Our members are Retail Tobacconists with different specialties and stores that serve very different markets. To put it mildly, it is a diverse group. I'm amazed at the diversity of opinions in our meetings. While we are all essentially in the same profession, you would think we weren't. It is amazing to see so much disagreement and lack of consensus. But that is par for the course in the tobacco industry: cigarettes pitted against cigars, retail against mail order, etc.... We are severely fractionalized, divided, and constantly on the defensive: fighting legislators, taxation, oppression, and sometimes ourselves. Even with all of the different opinions floating around in that room, and different agendas, there are some underlying commonalities, which I admire and respect greatly. I didn't start writing this to complain about my fellow Tobacconists. In fact, I leave these regular meetings a little frustrated at the state of our State and Nation, but I also leave rejuvenated. I'm not rejuvenated because we came to any sound conclusions or had any great ideas. I'm invigorated because I'm reminded of why I choose to stay in this industry. Stay and fight for what I believe in; both in terms of freedoms and values. Above all, most Tobacconists I meet are GREAT people. Sometimes I think they are the only people left who actually care about the products they sell. We are Customers, first and foremost. And we are committed to what we love, no matter the challenges, because our passion is undeniable. I can't think of any other profession facing so many obstacles. Yet I have never seen so many fine people so committed to fighting the good fight and doing the right thing. Sure I'm biased, but that doesn't change the fact that I Love Tobacconists... and you should too. Don't let this part of our culture, this venerable profession, die. Support your local Retail Tobacconist, and tell your friends to do so as well. I would argue that nobody works harder to satisfy their customers, than Retail Tobacconists.... and I promise you, they aren't doing it just for the money.