"We Are Better Than Them" Bigotry

"We are better than them" is a notion that anti-smokers and the anti-smoking movement hold close to their hearts and minds. But they do not have a monopoly on that sentiment, as I just heard a cigar salesman tell me that "we are better than them" when referring to cigarette smokers.

We know that cigars and pipe smokers enjoy tobacco very differently from cigarette smokers and the products themselves are very different. But, dependency and patterns of use does not make anyone better than another.

Are you better than me because you work out four days a week and I only work out three? Are you better because you eat more vegetables? Are you better because you are thinner? better looking? have more hair? etc..... The notion that one person is better than another for the pleasures they choose, their tastes, and/or preferences is absurd, divisive, and it is the reason all smokers are losing their rights. The anti-smoking/nanny-state/pleasure-police movement capitalizes on the notion that 'they know better' and that 'they are better'. But, this is a fraud and it is the essence of their bigotry. The only qualitative measure of a person should derive from how they treat other people.

Ultimately, we must all respect each others' rights and freedoms in order preserve our own. Tobacco users are not "dirty", "filthy", or "disgusting" people any more than non-smokers, fat, or ugly people are. In fact, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and taste is subjective, so who are we to judge?

Tobacconists and tobacco lovers are clearly the besmirched underdog in this society and we are going to have to change the way we view the world in order to make significant progress. We must change our perspective, become less divisive, build more coalitions, and teach others to respect our freedoms and choices as much as we respect theirs. If every cigar lover, as 5% of the population, convinced 12 people to respect our freedoms, then we could have a chance at surviving the tyranny of the majority.

"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

- Benjamin Franklin

The Tobacco Smokescreen: Distracting Bigotry

In NYC we are now fighting the prohibition of all flavored tobaccos; plus the threat of banning smoking outdoors in parks and beaches so 'children won't have to see smokers'. Meanwhile, taxation, smoking bans, and de-normalization of smokers continues to increase. Yet, we learned this year that the use of anti-depressants has doubled over the last decade and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, you can walk into any convenience store, supermarket, or 'nutritional center' and buy yourself amphetamine-like drinks and diet pills, erectile aids, and five hour energy shots. Plus, I just read that the new 'hot' product on the market is caffeine laced meat!

Politicians and legislators are beating up on the tobacco industry and the people and businesses suffering the most are retail tobacconists and luxury tobacco aficionados. Yet, 'feel-good' prohibitions, taxation, and restrictions continue to be passed by local, state, and federal agencies. Meanwhile, the substantive problems of the world seem to go unaddressed. At this point, even cigarette smokers are more than paying for any societal costs associated with their pleasures, yet the government is milking them to pay for childrens' health-care - this is happening because the societal perception that cigarette smokers (or all smokers) are "filthy" or "dirty" people with a "disgusting" habit. Well, as long as our government chooses to stigmatize and punish unpopular people, I can guarantee that nothing positive or substantive will ever get done. Consumers of alcohol and fat people beware! This will not stop until we stand up and help minorities protect their choices/pleasures/freedoms, even if they are not the freedoms that we choose to exercise.

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

Looking Forward

I have been thinking about those heady days in the 90's after Cigar Aficionado (CA) was released, the cigar boom, cigar dinners all the time, and a seemingly endless stream of sophisticated new customers. I remember when big fancy corporations and executives would come in and buy oodles of gifts for their clients and co-workers: they were conspicuous and passionate cigar smokers. I remember black-tie dinners, events at restaurants, and hotels between NYC and Philly; all the time! It was busy and fun.

Honestly though, I did not appreciate it enough. I was young and capricious... and resentful of the trendy and superficial smokers; customers which do not exist today. But a mere 10 years later we are living in the opposite world. Politicians use all smoke issues to placate their constituents, the captains of industry still come in but they are now on the 'down-low', and the customers that remain are persecuted everywhere they go. What the F&^%$ happened?!? (sorry for the language) The world, science, facts, and people have not changed; politics have!

Perhaps my thoughts are prompted by the recent announcement that the CA Big Smoke has been cancelled in Chicago, due to the new anti-smoking laws. Obviously this is another preposterous defeat. But I do not hear about any lawsuits, protest campaigns, or marching in the streets. I feel like we continue to lay down and take the beating while the world goes up in smoke.

But there is an ebb and flow to everything, yin and yang, two sides to every coin, ... and TU is working diligently towards improving our world. Currently there are almost 20 new CST Apprenticing and on their way to being Certified. Those CST will be out Certifying Retail Tobacconists who will in turn Certify Consumers; by this summer. We are building Credibility one Tobacconist, one person, at a time. While I like to take the long-term view, things are starting to change positively now.

I know this century will see more:

• empowered, educated, & credible Tobacconists


• passionate, committed, & substantive Consumers


• proactive & enlightened Cigar & Pipe makers

... because we are starting to value and prioritize Education.

Obviously, I believe we can build a better industry. By investing in people (i.e. Tobacconists & Consumers), using technology in a proactive way, and embracing change, we absolutely can make a healthful place for luxury tobacco and Tobacconists in our modern age.

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...

Up In Smoke? part 2

I spent a couple of hours on the phone today talking to retailers, Tobacconists (both Certified & Not), and some high profile industry fellows. It was both enlightening and invigorating. This new federal tobacco tax ambush has rallied the industry in an unprecedented way. For the first time ever, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all get on one page. This is a fight for our survival and no one can disagree with that.

My hope is that professional Tobacconists will unite under the umbrella of our shared profession. While manufacturers and distributors must lead the fight against the draconian tax laws and repression, Tobacconists are the backbone and infantry of this business. Tobacconists are the public face of the luxury tobacco industry and we must be ready and willing to project our credibility. We are honorable professionals selling exquisite luxury products which enhance the value and quality of human life. We are honorable professionals selling exquisite luxury products which enhance the value and quality of human life. (Yes I wrote that twice.) Keep saying it and maybe it will start to sink in.

I think that this is just the beginning of the long road back to the America I love and cherish. You can only kick a puppy so many times before it fights back. Perhaps we have hit our breaking point.

Up In Smoke? part 1

Today was a strange Monday, to say the least. We made the front page of the world renowned Trenton Times, for all of the wrong reasons, as usual. Once again, A Little Taste of Cuba is the poster-child for beleaguered Tobacconists. Why can't someone do an article on Tobacconists for being world-class retailers or bastions of freedom in a shrinking landscape? Frankly, I am grateful that someone has taken notice that the newly proposed federal tobacco tax increase will do more damage than good. I hope this is just the beginning.

Some highlights in our manager's own words:

- "The tax can be so severe that it will backfire"

- 'It is unfair to tie the federal program to a particular group'

And one of our customers put it best:

- "I love the children", but "They can do that because there's not a lot of people who smoke cigars" - obviously he opposes...

And another retailer said:

- "It's a free country, why do they focus on just smokers?"

More Cigar Taxes

There was a flurry of activity in the cigar industry this week with the announcement of a 20,000% tax hike which just passed the Senate Finance Committee. The President said he will veto this bill so we may survive in the short-term; but what happens next time they try?

I was amazed at how many cigar companies were mobilized and sent out emails. I have never seen such an impressive effort by so many producers and distributors in the industry. I certainly did not see it on the state level when taxes went to 48% in New Jersey, nor do I think any Tobacconist has ever seen our vendors react so proactively. It's a shame. If they had supported and defended retailers when our taxes went up, maybe our Congressman and Senators would know better than to continue to punish this great industry. Instead, our elected officials in Washington think it is reasonable to punish the cigar industry in the same way they do cigarettes.

Retail Tobacconists are the infantry of the luxury tobacco business and they must be supplied and reinforced. The only way to preserve the luxury tobacco industry is to support Retail Tobacconists. The only way to preserve the luxury tobacco industry is to support Retail Tobacconists. The only way to preserve the luxury tobacco industry is to support Retail Tobacconists. Yes, I actually wrote that 3 times; it is worth repeating.

BUTT OUT

Well,,,,, the New Hope, PA Smoking Ban has been pseudo-repealed since the state court determined that it violated the Clean Indoor Air Act and municipalities, other than Philadelphia, have no right to enact laws that supersede the reach of state laws. Blah, Blah, Blah... But the New Hope Borough Council knew this when they passed it. Of course they wanted, and got, all of the feel-good publicity that seems to go along with "protecting the health and welfare of the population".

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-05252007-1352619.html

“There's still the threat of the smoking ban,” said Jorge Armenteros, the president of A Little Taste of Cuba cigar store on South Main Street. “There's still the momentum for that among politicians who want to enact oppressive laws.”

Its funny, and TRAGIC, how politicians perceive their repressive laws, actions, and mentalities to be heroic. They believe they are SAVING you, me and the general public. In reality, they should sit down once a week with a great cigar and think about how they can improve their own lives while not ruining ours.

Smoking Bans & Windmills

Well, I'm quite disappointed with myself. I spent the last few months writing, speaking, and acting passionately to help stop the Smoking-Ban in New Hope, PA. In fact, I have been fighting these Bans since before 2000 when they tried to pass one in Princeton, NJ. I have spent thousands of dollars and hours fighting Smoking-Bans on the local and state level, to no avail. Sure, the New Hope Ban is not the worst one that I have seen: it is limited to eating and drinking establishments, for now. But, in my mind, that does not justify the erosion of business owner, customer, and individual rights. I have always felt compelled to fight these restrictive laws. Ironically, Smoking-Bans have never adversely impacted my business, but I contest them on principle.

On this occasion, I prepared no less than 3 different speeches. One of them kept me up till 5am a week ago: they were beautiful, I swear. Yet tonight, when I arrived at the New Hope Borough Council public hearing, there was no wind left in my sails. None of the effected parties were there to voice their discontent; yet they have been complaining and lamenting in private for months. The Borough Council President made a point to say that the only letter in disagreement with the proposed ban came from an "unaffected" party (that is me). Based on the lack of turnout, he must not be kidding. I guess bar and restaurant owners are too busy, apathetic, or resigned to the "feel-good" momentum of these Smoking-Bans.

I quickly, and off the top of my head, delivered the most monotone and dispassionate speech imaginable. Something about liberty, blah, blah, blah, personal choice, blah, blah. It was brutal. I just wanted to leave there and go back to work. I'm sorry. What did I expect? I expected more business owners, customers, and people with opinions as well as support from trade organizations and maybe a libertarian or two. There was no such support. But as usual the "clean air" people and attorneys were there: illustrating the effectiveness of being a well funded health crusading organization.

I must give credit to our local ice cream vendor who has never smoked, yet delivered an eloquent and intelligent argument against all of the so-called "health statistics". He clearly understood the consequences of legislating health and restricting freedoms. I knew there was a reason I love ice cream!

I was miserable all day, but couldn't quite figure out why. Subconsciously, I dreaded going to this meeting. I guess in my heart I know it is like jousting windmills. An uphill, thankless, fruitless endeavor. I feel like there is a moral imperative to fight these restrictive laws: no different than protecting an old lady from a mugger or calling 911 after you see an accident happen. Am I angry? I keep asking myself. Maybe. I'm angry at all of the individuals, companies, and organizations with the resources to fight these things that have chosen not to. It is easy to be short-sighted, stay out of the fray, and simply concern yourself with your profit and loss statement. Or maybe I'm angry at myself for not focusing on my profit and loss enough; and jousting windmills because it seems like the right thing to do.

Tomorrow I will go back to work, focus on my customers, sponsors, students, and leave all of this angst behind me. I will not be angry tomorrow, I will go back to being passionate. I will focus on my little part of the world and try to make that bit better. Fortunately for me, being a Tobacconist is a THANKFUL job.

Not A Vice !!!

Here are two seemingly contradictory definitions of VICE, from Merriam-Webster dictionary:

1. "moral depravity or corruption"

2. "a habitual and usually trivial defect or shortcoming"

I would argue that the word "Vice" is highly over used in modern times. Perhaps because we like to make an enemy out of one thing or another. Many people consider chocolate a vice, yet chocolate can be a healthy and delicious treat. The reality is that almost anything can be a vice in extreme doses. Even drinking too much water kills, but we haven't gotten to the point where we call water a vice, thankfully.

Well, I don't consider moderate consumption of luxury tobacco a vice. It is an organoeleptic delicacy: luxury tobacco is a sensory pleasure, like a great sunset, glass of wine, soak in the tub, or even chocolate. Ultimately, the dose makes the poison, and even the National Cancer Institute says that there are no known negative health consequences from the enjoyment of less than one cigar a day.

So what's the point? ............... Stop calling everything a Vice: unless it is a moral depravity, corruption, or a habitual defect. And stop trying to turn every healthy human indulgence into a Sin or Vice.

Tabloid Politics Exposed

This week the Borough Council of Keyport, New Jersey passed an ordinance that would make smoking in your car, with anyone 17 years or younger, illegal. For now, the ordinance is a secondary offense and will cost violators $75. But this is just the beginning, of course.

According to the AP, Mayor Robert Bergen said:

"We're not trying to use the power of the motor vehicle system to punish people into behaving the way we want them to" (then why did you pass the law?)

he continues...

"This ordinance is really intended to be a positive public policy statement about the need to take care of our kids."

This public admission of the true intention of the law is proof of the absurd policies being pursued by our elected politicians. They are passing laws, restricting freedoms and legislating "common sense", in order to make a STATEMENT about how much they care about children.

If you care about children, then do something for Children!!! How about funding education for children? Enlighten us with society's collective wisdom rather than intruding into our lives with repressive laws. Our founding fathers would be disgusted to see the country they founded being manipulated by such short-sighted, narrow-minded, self-serving functionaries. These "laws" are an intellectual and moral failure!

Or, perhaps I am wrong. Maybe we should make candy, fast food, raised voices, television, and all "non-wholesome" or "deviant" thought illegal. Yeah... that's the ticket... Maybe our politicians should extend their hands into our homes with surveillance cameras to ensure that we are parenting according to their standards: obviously they know what is right and wrong.

PS: the legal smoking age in New Jersey is 19, so why should 18 year olds be exposed to second-hand smoke? Does anybody read these laws before they pass them?

Apathy = No More Rights

In our modern society, the average person is overwhelmed with day to day responsibilities: we pay dozens of bills, cook, clean, go to work, run errands, keep up with family and friends, exercise, worry about retirement, yet finding time to relax is a fantastic luxury. In addition, fax machines, jet planes, cell phones, email, and the Internet have accelerated the pace of life to unbelievable extremes. Being a responsible citizen and staying abreast of local, state, federal, and international politics, not to mention financial and cultural news, is daunting, if not impossible. Most of us are doing our best just to keep up with the bare necessities of information and our own existence. Modern life is genuinely challenging.

Just fifty years ago life was significantly different; perhaps there was more time to ponder and value the important things in life. At that time, America had fought evil and won a world war, we were preserving democracy against the growing threat of communism, and a generation was dreaming of going to the moon. In over a century, our Democracy had proven itself as righteous and prudent. While this perspective might be a little nostalgic, contemporary life is definitely much more uncertain and more rapidly evolving than any other period in human history. Our founding fathers could never have imagined the world we live in. Fortunately for us, they based their vision of America on timeless values and principles, on certain “self-evident truths”: “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men …”. These are big ideas, timelessly and eloquently articulated: the idea that individuals should determine their own destiny, so long as that pursuit does not hinder another’s, is the highest American value and ideal. Preserving our Individual Liberty is the greatest challenge of modern times: without Individual Liberty, the promise of America is dead.

Today, the average citizen does not have time to monitor the myriad of local and national laws, rules, and regulations that are passed every week. Not to mention that the complexity of our laws, rules, and regulations grows every day. Consequently, excessive laws, regulations, and taxation are more likely to emerge today than ever before. It is far easier for politicians to create laws and regulations that serve targeted constituencies while not taking into consideration those that are hurt, the long term implications, or the opportunities that are lost. Too often, laws with good intentions are passed only to effect more bureaucracy and unnecessary restrictions: often the short term perceived positive effects of these laws blind our ability to see the long term implications. In the process of just trying to manage our day to day lives, we are not noticing that our rights are being limited or whittled away on every front. While issues like health care, illegal immigration, education, the environment, and social security are ignored, anti-smoking, anti-cursing, anti-fat, anti-freedom laws are being passed with swashbuckling fervor. Yet we remain focused on, if not paralyzed by, preserving our immediate needs: paying our real-estate taxes, food shopping, mowing the lawn, going to the doctor, and taking care of our children are pressing matters. We have little or no time to ponder the big-picture issues of our time, much less fight the onerous legislation that is slowly eroding our civil rights.

On the surface it might seem that Americans are infected with apathy, and have lost the value of liberty and personal freedom that gave birth to this country. But in reality we are just trying to survive in a world that is demanding and changing faster that we can keep up. Our leaders and representatives in government would rather focus on short term solutions or “feel good” issues rather that address the most important challenges we face. Currently, too much corporate influence and selfish motivation is driving our culture forward. What we really need is more non-partisan, non-polarizing, open-minded, level-headed, inspirational, and principled leadership. Leadership that is rooted in the principles of liberty and free and fair markets, based on sound morality, and visionary enough to shape our culture, through education and enlightenment, in order to meet the inevitable challenges of our future.