Should Smokers be exiled to Siberia?
@whiteheather39 (24403)
United States
April 3, 2008 4:20am CST
I just had to post this article which is on today's health news. I have maintained that a gene is the factor as to why some people get lung cancer from smoking and some do not. I am not disputing the fact that smoking can cause many other health factors. My doctor has said that with my 40 odd years of smoking yet having perfect lung and breathing health is due to the fact that I do not have this gene. BTW animals do not have this gene that is why pets do not suffer when living with a smoker.
I have posted this information to various anti smoking discussions here on myLot. Unfortunately most of my fellow myLotters are so fanatic in their hatred of all smokers they will not believe me. Imagine my amazement when I saw the following information on this morning's news,
Scientists have found important genetic differences between people that may help explain why some smokers get lung cancer and others do not.
Smoking causes nine out of 10 cases of lung cancer. Yet only about 15 percent of smokers actually develop the condition and doctors have long suspected that a genetic element is involved.
The new research confirms some smokers are indeed more vulnerable because of their DNA profile. Smokers with two copies of the genetic variations stand around a 23 percent risk of lung cancer, according to Brennan
Other researchers also warned personalized testing could weaken the public health message that everyone should quit smoking.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23920847/
For further information you can read "In Defense of Smokers"
http://www.lcolby.com/index.html
Will this information at all influence your hatred of smokers or should we all still be treated as lepers, shunned, be stripped of our rights and exiled to Siberia?
12 people like this
14 responses
@mrtimharry (1180)
•
3 Apr 08
As a non-smoker I don't mind those who do as long as I am not stuck in a confined space with twenty of them and the smoke lingering in front of my face.
I had no problem people smoking in bars although I used to dislike going to restaurants and smelling smoke when I tried to eat. For me it is more to do with the smell rather than dangers of cancer.
Personally in the case of pubs I would have said each pub to make their own decision as to whether ban smoking or not. Even before the ban their were pubs who had banned it, so people had a choice to go to a pub with smoking or no smoking
4 people like this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
3 Apr 08
Smoking is banned inside all areas of all Pubs on my State now.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
3 Apr 08
I am always very considerate of non smokers and would never infringe on their rights or personal space but I have recently noticed here on myLot and life in general that there are people who are fanatical in their dislike of smokers and blame us for each and every one of their individual aches and pains.
1 person likes this
@emeraldisle (13138)
• United States
4 Apr 08
I'm not at all surprised by this study. I always thought it was more genetic then anything else. Ive known many, many smokers throughout my life and none of them had lung cancer. Now I do smoke and yes I do have some lung issues but they are not due to the smoking. They are due to allergies to other things that are in the air especially this time of year. I think they are going to find more and more problems they labeled as being caused by smoke or smoking has more to the other pollution we pump out everyday.
Smoking has gone on for centuries but it has only been within the last hundred years that lung cancer, along with the other multitude of problems they blame on smoking, have climbed to such record heights. Could it be something else is causing the problem? Something that has become more and more popular with people in the last 100 years? Gee could it be the automobile is actually responsible? Maybe that is why when you consider the fact that according to numbers there are less and less smokers each year the cases of smoking related issues are still going up? Could it be that smoking isn't the cause for it?
Instead of exiling smokers to Siberia, why don't we send those who demand to be able to breathe "Clean Air" there? (Something that really is a myth when you think of the air outside) The air there would probably be the cleanest around at this point since pollution would be down there right? At least until all the non-smokers got there with their cars.
2 people like this
@emeraldisle (13138)
• United States
5 Apr 08
You are most welcome. It's one problem I have. Smoke never did bother me but get me around some perfumes I get an instant migraine and then my lungs start to shut down. It's miserable.
Something else to think about. Many non-smokers complain about smokers having an area near the entrance to a place like a mall. That they have to go by them to enter. Have you ever noticed though like at a mall most beauty shops are right near the entrances, so when you enter you are hit with the odors and fumes from perms, hair dyes, nail polish or artificial nails. I never hear worry, concerns or complaints on this. To me those odors are far more offensive to the nostrils and probably more dangerous.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
3 Apr 08
nope as we do live in America I think! we do have a right to persue our happiness and if smoking makes us happy so be it.
maybe the non smoking fanatices shouel be the ones to be moved to Sieberia and get lung frost.
I saw part of that on the news this morning too.
They always check my lungs and they are always clear! So when something else pops up like my cancer or this last thing heart attack they blame it on my smokeing. as tho there is nothing else I have done could build plaque in my veins.
wpuldnt it be great if they could put the money to use to find away to wash the plaque away that builds up from colestrol and other things
2 people like this
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
3 Apr 08
Even if that is the case there are other reasons that make smoking bad for us no smokers. I mean the smell for starters smokers are used to it but it is bad and also the smoke turns everything yellow. I dont think smokers should be exiled to Siberia lol.....I just beleive that smokers should not be allowed to smoke everywhere. In your own home go right ahead I dont care but out in public where I bring my kids no thank you its not fair to us non smokers.
1 person likes this
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
3 Apr 08
Well I think some outdoor places should be smoke free like parks and around schools. Most smokers are respectful but there are a few that will blow the smoke right into somebodys face and not care one bit. And they ruin it for the rest of the respectful people. I think its more about having respect for people who are non smokers.
1 person likes this
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
3 Apr 08
Well youre not gonna change my mind and im not gonna change yours lol. I think this world is falling apart around us and we all need to change something to help it. Me I know I need to start using my feet more and well im doing what I can. I think each and everyone of us has taken advantage of our so called fresh air. And well im sorry you as a smoker feel picked on since we all need to make changes. I dont like to argue so im gonna just say thanks for the good discussion I will definatly keep your opinions somewhere back in my head but its just not something I beleive in sorry. But I will say you have thought this out and done your research good work.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
3 Apr 08
I agree but only if you are referring to public buildings NOT just public meaning anyplace if I step outside my home. Am I therefor to be condemned to live inside my home for the rest of my life?
2 people like this
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
3 Apr 08
I'm a former smoker and I hope it is genetic and I do't have the gene because, frankly, I smoked a lot once and it can take years to find out what damage may have been done.
It's amazing how your perceptions of smoking change after you quit. At first I didn't mind other smokers at all and I couldn't smell the smokiness etc. Now after 15 years as a nonsmoker, I can't stand being in close proximity to a heavy smoker even if they are not actively smoking. I can almost choke on it.
Sorry, but your information doesn't change how I feel about smokers. You should all quit. I know how hard it can be but you could do it if you kept trying.
I will say one thing though, I think everybody should be allowed to smoke in their own homes and cars. I've actually seen where some people want laws passed that driver's can't smoke. That's ridiculous. Grudgingly, I might even give in a little and tolerate a little second hand smoke for the sake of building immunity. So, I won't say anything if I smell smoke in your home but just don't try to do it in mine. LOL
2 people like this
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
3 Apr 08
No, smokers should not be discriminated against because of a lifestyle choice that they have made.
Smoking has gotten a bad rap because of junk science and public opinion that was driven by an anti-smoking lobby with and agenda.
While smoking does have it's risks, there are things that are much more dangerous... such as riding in cars.
Despite all of the research to the contrary, the debate about the hazards of smoking has been declared over... which tels me that there was no real research at all, it was just a propaganda campaign in order to achieve a desired end, namely the resulting smoking bans.
The same thing is occurring over junk food and now Global Warming... junk science trying to drive public perception and political policy. Neither are the problems that the propaganda claims, but people are sure in a panic.
How long is it going to be before everything enjoyable is going to become illegal?
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
4 Apr 08
Great response! It reminds me of a sign that one of my bosses had in his office:
Everything I like is either
Illegal
Immoral
or
Fattening.
1 person likes this
@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
4 Apr 08
I have asthma, allergies, and skin conditions all from people who smoking and the smoke and ashes from large fires. So from the point-of-view of a person who has health issue, I dare say that people who smoke should be sent to another country. Why should I have to suffer for your bad habits? I recognize that you have your right to smoke, but recognize that I have my right to live.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
4 Apr 08
Heather I will take a look at it now
I think the main problem is that smoking is the easiest thing to blame all the time and what they don't say is that when you stop your Body will miss it for a long long time which causes a lot of Health Problems to and that it can harm People to stop more then do them good not all People but a lot of People
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
3 Apr 08
I am a smoker so is my husband. We try to be considerate of others when we smoke. If we have friends over that don't smoke we hang out outside instead.
I feel like smokers get the short end of the stick. We have to stop smoking in some areas becasue non-smokers don't like it, its not fair to them. Well its not fair that I have to stop smoking in a bar because I like to smoke!
I think the government is stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the "laws" of smoking. If the banded smoking all together they would lose a TON of tax money. If they say you can only smoke at home and in your car (which is basicaly whats left) then its not fair to the smokers, but allowing them to smoke any where is not fair to the non-smokers.
Either way someone gets screwed. Most likely it will be smokers. - Exiled to Siberia! LOL
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
3 Apr 08
I have heard this before and believe it. Not only cancer but obesity is linked to genes too which is why some people find it easy to maintain a good weight and eat pretty much what they want and others can eat very little and gain weight.
@AD11RGUY (1265)
• United States
5 Apr 08
Thank you for this WONDERFUL post, Whiteheather! It is indeed an extremely rare day that I get to view the actual truth about common subjects! You've got quite the responses going here, so let me just add that it is people like you that make it worth suffering in ignorance for a while. May the truth always be your guide and have your back! EXCELLENT POST!
1 person likes this
@bluemars (952)
• Australia
3 Apr 08
I think that it will still cause you some damage and risks even if that is not cancer. Most smokers suffer and feel the outcomes later in life when their body is more worn and older and can not regenerate as quick. Smoking unfortunately always leaves it marks, on you maybe not now but in time there will be something, it marks your nails, your teeth, your clothes reek of it, if you smoke inside it marks your walls, it always leaves its mark. Even around others they will suffer the health issues too. That is why most places are being banned of smoking but still people want to believe that it is okay and that it will not hurt them and that it does no damage. It is know to age you faster and dry you out too. If you do not smoke your health is by far a lot more better. That is a fact and you are able to run and do more actively. I don't know why anyone would want less of their body, I guess that is why most people don't understand it and what is the purpose of it all anyway, I mean before you got the addiction.
1 person likes this
@bluemars (952)
• Australia
4 Apr 08
I think you are the one deluding yourself talking about smoking like it is some god given vegetable that enhances life and well being. That really makes me laugh and has put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. If you want to believe that it has no side effects and that many people are doing and are fine then you go ahead. It is your right, I was never saying it was not your right to smoke, it is up to you whether you heed the warning signs or not. At the end of the day it is your life and your health you are gambling with. That is the truth of the matter. It is after all a choice and you choose to do it. Whether your addicted to it or not but by the sounds of it you are and are in no rush to quite for any reason let alone your own health, you choose it and so you have to own the consequences of your actions. Believe me for what ever you put in your body even I know when it is bad it is bad and I feel the reaction of that choice. I however can admit it when I know that I have consumed something that is generally not for my well being and good health.
@bluemars (952)
• Australia
4 Apr 08
Like I said, it is your choice dude. However if your fitter and more healthy and strong your chances of living like a lion are greatly amplified. Those that smoke live like lambs because they fall victim to their addiction. Yes there are risks but you can control which ones you wish to take with choice and sound judgement. If there are benefits of a risk, one can see why one would take them but if there are none then I fail to comprehend the purpose of your cause to smoke but perhaps the addiction has already eaten away at your will power and it is far beyond reach that you could never answer that question without hanging on to your nicotine fix.
@Perry123 (363)
•
4 Apr 08
dude everyhing is bad for us life is terminal.
I would rather live a day as a lion than a thousand years as a lamb.
and it is you who are deluded.
I have shown you evidence that its a lie and a scam and you are the one fooled not I.
I never said there were no risks....there are risks ski-ing but I am not going to stop doing that either.
2 people like this
@bluemars (952)
• Australia
7 Apr 08
Due to the ban of smoking in enclosed places and where meals are served there should be no need for smokers to be exiled to siberia. The ban is helping workers who are only trying to make a living, be able to do so without being subjected to all that smoke floating around and having to go home with the stench all over their clothes and hair. Even some smokers don't even smoke in their own cars because they know the stench it leaves behind. Have you ever bought a car from a smoker who smoked continuously in their car? Yes you are able to smell it all over the vehicle if not see the ash and the accidental holes made. I know a friend who does not smoke in her car because she wants to keep it in good condition and also if she decides to sell it it will be in top condition and not appear the car of a smoker. So this concludes that even smokers are aware of the effects of smoking even if they are not directly health related, they still effect their lives in one way or another. Among other things she also whitens her teeth to keep them from yellowing from her smoking. It is her life I don't judge her or have anything against her, she knows that, she herself knows her Habit and does not deny its effects but she makes an effort to not allow it to effect others. This is why she is a good friend whether she smokes or not.
@kulaskulasito (430)
• United States
7 Apr 08
I was trying to tell this stuff to someone who was addicted to smoking here in mylot, because apparently, not only smoking's diseases now explainable by one's genetic susceptibility to it, apparently, smoking addiction is something that we can be explained by this. I believe it, totally. At least by now, we can already explain that not all people are susceptible to the diseases which smoking allegedly causes. At least by now, we can now try to get to the buttom of smoking problems.
And well, at least by now, we can say that smokers does not have to be indiscriminately discriminated against because as far as science is concerned, we do not really cause lung diseases as bad as we were pictured before.
Oh by the way, I was a smoker. But I totally sympathize with the problems and discrimination smokers' are suffering from the general public.
And no, I don't think we should be exiled to Siberia. That is a stiff punishment for something we allgedly were told we created, but actually not.
