Let me preface this paragraph by stating I do not condone or encourage underage smoking of any kind. I also think people should not smoke near children or in the immediate proximity of an eating establishment.

As far as I know, this is still America. Land of the free. Generations of men and women have fought to the death to defend our rights and privileges as a free people. Tobacco use goes way back to the very first days of our nation. In fact, it was tobacco as the first cash crop which gave this nation the power of trade in the early days. Before printed money, it was also used as currency. At one time the lawmakers of this country tried to outlaw the use of alcohol. History shows this was a failure. Now there is a movement by private organizations and some in our very own government to outlaw tobacco use. There are some cities here in California which make smoking a crime in certain places. You cannot smoke at the beach or at the park in some towns. In the city of Calabasas, California they passed a law in the last year. It outlaws smoking within 25 feet of any public place. Now I just got the news, that lighting up in your own apartment building will soon be forbidden in that city. No more can you sit and relax with a good smoke on your balcony or porch in the city of Belmont near San Francisco, nor will you be allowed to light up in your own apartment! That ordinance was just passed and will take effect in the next year. What will be next? No more smoking in your own car? No more smoking in your own house? And let us not forget the absurd amount of tax that is added to every tobacco product under the guise of funding for healthcare. It only lines the pockets of the politicians and administrators. Little if any actually helps anyone in need! I think it is time to counter organizations like "The Truth" and others by standing our ground. We must let the lawmakers know that we are a huge constituency. I am not sure of the actual number, but I have heard that at least 23% of Americans smoke. Why then are these ball-busters getting away with taking our freedoms away? That, in my opinion is Soviet style communism! What if they tried prohibition of alcohol again? You would see a great multitude descending on the capitol to stop it. Smokers need to unite so we can keep one of the last freedoms we have. And I am still waiting for the clinical proof that second-hand smoke really affects the health of non-smokers. So far, it seems only propaganda on behalf of the "freedom killers". If all smokers would do what I do by boycotting cities which prohibit smoking, we could make a huge difference in the way we are treated. We have the economic power to get things done. So, smokers stand with me and make your voice heard. Do not spend money in any city or town outlawing our right to smoke. Once they get the message, you will see change for the better! They think they know what is good for us. Let us decide for ourselves.

For those of you who do not smoke, but see this as another attempt by Big Brother to own your life, thank you for your support. Let us not forget that there are other things people like to do that will one day be illegal. What is it that you enjoy? It just might be next in the crosshairs waiting for some group or politician to take it from you as well. Non-smokers, please stand with us in the effort to keep this a free America. Boycott any City or Town standing in the way of your freedom. America, of the people, for the people, by the people. We are the people, not the politicians!

Thanks for allowing me this opportunity to tell you the real truth, GM