Smokers are the scum of the Earth

Boston Globe | 02-26-05 | Letter to the Editor

[Mears]

February 26, 2005

IT IS NOT surprising that dictatorial employers would fire workers for smoking even off the job (''Smoke screens," editorial, Feb. 20).

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During the last 20 years punitive and regressive taxes have been imposed on tobacco. Smoking, which is legal in the United States, has been outlawed in private businesses, and institutionalized scorn has been directed at smokers.

I attended a meeting at the Harvard School of Public Health where Howard Koh, then health commissioner, said he had considered asking that every pack of cigarettes sold in Massachusetts bear the phrase, ''You are the scum of the earth."

Society has always found cause to scapegoat particular groups based on race, religious, or political ideolology. In this case, it's public health.

S.H. Cambridge

[Mears]

Unbelievable---and they say it's about health!

[Mears]

Of course this is from the wonderful state of Massachusetts where I am unfortunate enough to live.

[rellimpank]

--I'd like to see that phrase branded on the forehead of every government employee who gets to stay home when the weather is bad--the "non-essential" ones--

[ml/nj]

I wonder if public servant Koh would have had the courage to say this to the face of Winston Churchill or FDR.

ML/NJ

[TexasCowboy]

"I wonder if public servant Koh would have had the courage to say this to the face of Winston Churchill or FDR."

I don't care about them.

I want him to say it to ME!

[Gabz]

Amazingly, there are many right here on FR that have said the exact same thing.

[Gabz]

You and me both.

[Radix]

I have never smoked in my life, but the demonization of smokers in this country is out of control. The notion that a restaurant owner cannot allow smoking in a private establishment is insane.

Drinkers, and obese persons will probably be next. Already drivers of SUVs are targets for those who espouse "choice."

Massachusetts makes a lot of money from cigarette taxes, and the media including the Boston Globe are in on this scam. Advertising agencies do quite well also with their silly incessant commercials.

Oh, and by the way, I do not condone smoking and I have lost 2 very close relatives because of smoking related illnesses. Still, IMO, the current anti-smoking frenzy is more about mind control and $$$ than it is anything else.

[Publius6961]

I attended a meeting at the Harvard School of Public Health where Howard Koh, then health commissioner, said he had considered asking that every pack of cigarettes sold in Massachusetts bear the phrase, ''You are the scum of the earth."

A man demonstrably an academic idiot. In my experience, that is not an oxymoron.

Instead of name calling, he could have made a logically consistent positive suggestion: ban tobacco products.
What a tiny tiny man!

[derllak]

Are they implying that we are worse than baby killers, child molesters and wife beaters? I always thought THEY were the scum of the earth! Sounds like us evil smokers should be lined up and shot if we are that bad!

[Mears]

Are they implying that we are worse than baby killers, child molesters and wife beaters?

---

We aren't condered worse,yet,but give it some time.

[HarleyLady27]

I stopped smoking 2 years ago, health reasons decided that for me, and I can tell you, if it wasn't for my health, I'd be lighting up right now....when this smoking/non smoking crap started back in the 60's (in Utah anyways) I had no idea it would lead to name calling, but just remember smokers...there is an old Telephone Company (MA Bell to be exact) that says:

"When you feel your that important to life and everyone around you, put your hand in a bucket of water and pull it out and see the hole you left behind"

I think this is very fitting for this JERK!!!

[Rokke]

I don't think they are the scum of the earth, but they do tick me off when they throw their cigerette butts out of car windows. I guess they just assume it is someone else's job in life to pick up their spit soaked, tar filled, lipstick covered pacifiers.

[JoJo Gunn]

....spit soaked, tar filled, lipstick covered pacifiers.

You have quite the dramatic flair. Is that you, Boortz?

[cgbg]

It sounds like Mr. Koh has a little problem with hating people.

Perhaps some sensitivity training where he can get to know loving smokers is in order. ;-)

[Mears]

"but they do tick me off when they throw their cigerette butts out of car windows"

---

A slob is a slob,smoker or not, The ones that put them out in their ashtrays can't be seen by you.It's not nice to generalize.

[teenyelliott]

Hey, I smoke, but that doesn't mean I litter. There is no difference between someone who throws a cigarette out the window or leaves an empty cup in a parking lot. That's just stupid.

As to the smoking issue, everyone has health issues. Whether you don't wear your seatbelt, eat crappy food, don't exercise, are fat, drink alcohol, don't wear a helmet on a motorcycle, or skydive, everyone takes risks. Anyone who lives a pristine life is free to cast the first stone. I know smoking is stupid, but it is legal. So if I choose to do it, leave me alone.

[Rokke]

Have you ever looked at a fresh cigerette butt? They aren't hard to find. Apparently there is some kind of prestige in tossing them around because it is done very openly. Most people would think twice about dropping a gum wrapper on the street, but smokers seem to have no problem with throwing a burning cigerette butt anywhere they please. Walk three feet along any public sidewalk and you'll find several. Chances are, they will look exactly as I described.

[Rokke]

"It's not nice to generalize."

Then it is fortunate I didn't say "All smokers." But the only people throwing cigerette butts around also happen to be smokers. And unfortunately, the millions of cigerette butts decorating our countryside caste a poor light on all smokers.

[Joe.E.Sixpack]

Are they implying that we are worse than baby killers, child molesters and wife beaters? I always thought THEY were the scum of the earth! Sounds like us evil smokers should be lined up and shot if we are that bad!

Rent the movie, "Soyent Green". That is what they want to do with smokers, in time.