The Demonization of Tobacco

[smokering10]

it seems over the years and right now we are hitting this apex of where goverment feels the need to exploit the cigar smoker. With rediculous taxes imposed on us and regualtions and laws. But at the same time, some of the anti-smoking crowd would gladly legalize marijuana. What say you on this subject.

[tzaddi]

Although some would argue as to whether Nicotine is or is not a narcotic… whenever I hear the word "demonized" in reference to restricting access to plants I am reminded of the scene from "Drugstore Cowboy" where William S. Burroughs is speaking to Matt Dillon.

"Narcotics have been systematically scapegoated and demonized. The idea that anyone can use drugs and escape a horrible fate is anathema to these idiots. I predict, in the near future, right wingers will use drug hysteria as a pretext to set up an international police apparatus."

It certainly made the movie more interesting and does add plenty of drama to the national tobacco debate.

[Mad Hatter]

Blame your TV

[strider72]

Yes.. tobacco is bad.
It makes people go out and buy more than they can afford... no wait.. that was the Clinton Administration leftover politics...
It makes people rob and steal.. no wait. that would be the severe narcotics problem we have leftover from the prohibition days. (Yes, that can be argued)
It kills more people in a year than anything.. no wait. that would be heart disease.

I forget... what was the problem with tobacco again? I really need to know because... I love my pipe tobacco, my cigars, and even my chewing tobacco and dip.

[Mad Hatter]

According to my TV it is now known to cause dementia, but I guess you probably forgot that..............