ILLUSTRATION BY KATE BIZER WASHTENAW VOICE
News Editor
We all know that tobacco products cause cancer. You would have to be shunned from all media outlets to try and argue that smoking a pack a day will have no negative effects — and find someone who will believe you. Nicotine’s negative effects are why everywhere I turn there seems to be a no smoking sign or a commercial for a new smoking cessation wonder-drug. And, of course, my personal favorite, the billboard depicting a crack-addict mother holding her infant son, coming off her high and chain smoking in a dirty living room. I get it. Smoking is bad. When I took my mandatory health class in middle school I saw the grotesque pictures of black lungs and rotten gums from cigarettes. I understand that people who smoke for 50 years will probably die of lung cancer or a blocked artery. I’m no physician, but logic tells me that the sure fire way to avoid tobacco related diseases — and death — would be to… not smoke. But those who choose to smoke have a right to do so. And this new smoking ban gives me the nearly uncontrollable desire to blow smoke in the face of every whiny 24-year-old boy who claims to be allergic to it. Go back to your apple-tini and quit crying, because I can guarantee the smoke from my cigarette will not be the cause of your untimely death. I’d put my money on your Crocs and too-tight Abercrombie sweater bringing immense amounts of future pain your way. It is absolutely ridiculous that people won’t be allowed to smoke in bars in Michigan. If you don’t want to be around it, go home. Or at least go to a different bar so I can enjoy my beer, and nicotine too.
