It was a windy Saturday night in New York, and the streets were slick from the rain that had just ended. The big car pulled up before the massive door on a side street. The chauffeur jump out and ran around the car to open the door for the well dressed couple in the back! He then ran ahead to rap loudly on the massive door! Before the smaller door behind the grillwork even opened one could imagine the band playing and the party crowd inside doing the Charleston!
The small door opened and a gruff man with a cigar in the corner of his mouth demanded "Whatta you want?". The young man from the back seat stiffened his spine and replied "Benny sent me!" The gruff man behind the door countered "Benny has no friends here." To which the young man responded "He did yesterday."! "That is right." said the gruff one. "Come on in out of the cold!"
The big door swung open and the young couple steped inside of the classic "Speak Easy"! The air was heavy with smoke! But there was no music! A passing waiter offered the couple a cocktail to enjoy while they placed their order! He paid no attention to the fact that the young lady appeared much to young to be drinking. They were soon escorted to a table where the "Big Fellow" sat, surrounded by heavily armed thugs! "Lets see your money" he demanded. The young man reached into his pocket and pulled out four crisp one hundred dollar bills! "What do you want?" ask the the "Big Fellow"? One carton of Marlboro Lights and a carton of Kool Milds! Laughter erupted all around the table! "You expect me to give you two cartons of cigarettes for 400 lousy dollars! I know, I know, that's what they were last month, by the pressure is on around here. You want two cartons, I am going to need another hundred dollars!" "NO" bellows the young man as he pulls out a large caliber hand gun! "You will not rob me anymore"! The young lady screams............
The end of this story is yet to be written! But the idea that we can legislate away addiction will lead to this, and many other stories like it! High prices forced by excessive taxation is not the answer to decreased smoking rates! The keys are education, support, and while in my mind the jury is still out on this one, medications. This is the three legged stool upon which our future as non-smokers must rest!
To all who wish to quit, Educate yourselves! Learn about your addiction! And yes, you are an addict! Find support! On going support! In my opinion, this site is the best vehicle for on going support you will ever find! If you must, use medical product to help you! But use them as directed! DO NOT devise your own plan for their use! Follow the directions on the package to the letter! You would not try to do brain surgery on yourself. Do not try to re-invent the wheel in pharmicology! You can succeed in your quit! And though the power of "Collateral Kindness" you can help others! You can do this! We will help! Tommy
