IMHO...
There are many people who smoke and they form a large group that has a comraderie. They all have had their freedom trampled on by a disgusting political display which purported to be about the dangers of tobacco use but it obviously was not or tobacco would have been banned altogether. Especially if it was indeed as bad as many politicians say it is. Smokers are villified, treated as outcasts. For doing something that has been done for hundreds of years.
In truth, the whole anti-smoking campaign is a ruse employed by politicians to usurp more political power while increasing revenue to the government. The last thing politicians and the medical industry want is for people to stop smoking. And in a disgusting display of the worst of human nature, they all join in the villification like some adult version of Lord of the Flies.
The smoker video simply expressed solidarity with those who want a corner of their life that the government is not in.
That was a handrolled cigarette. Mr. Block is a rugged dude.
Women and minorities are hit hardest by smoking.
More people DON'T smoke. In fact smoking is a liberal trait in that 30% of liberals smoke but only about 20% of conservatives. Driving a wedge between the libertarian wing of the GOP versus the cultural conservatives seems to be a poor choice.
I believe that smoking is a major health hazard. It is one of the most addictive drugs. I think society should do everything it can to help young people never start smoking and adults to quit smoking.
Having said that, I don’t believe it should be illegal ( although illegal to sell it to minors ). I don’t think smokers should be villified or treated as outcasts. I think the government should be involved only in educational efforts and if someone is receiving medical insurance (Medicare) any smoking cessation programs should be offered to them as part of their health care.
As for the video, well, some people smoke and adults have that choice.
I agree...
As an example here in New York city where I live we have a lunatic as Mayor named Michael Bloomberg. Being a billionaire is not enough for this guy. He wants to the rule the masses like his own little ant farm. He bans smoking in every conceivable place possible, even in parks even on the street(Times square). He also has banned what he has deemed as unhealthy foods such as foods with trans fat.
Yet at the same time he is constantly demanding people ride bicycles in the street, building bike lanes that is costing the city millions even though the city is broke and firehouses are being closed and next year cops will be laid off.
And what is the result? Almost everyday someone is killed riding a bicycle. The most famous being the sister of Alan Dershowitz who was hit by a postal truck last year. Yet he continues to demand people ride bikes, even going so far as to say he will build rental stations across the city. Yes, let's give kids the impression it"s OK to ride their bike in the street around speeding trucks and taxis, but smoking a freakin' cigarette in a bar or eating french fries is the end of the world.
The same can be said about those who drive gas hogs or cars that run on gasoline.