If you think there is nothing you can do, think again.
As a 60 something who has watched over the past 40 some odd years while our government at all levels has declared a Cultural War in the name of the "greater good", "to protect our children", or "because we know what's best" I decided the best use of my retirement years would be to raise hell, lend my support, and voice my opinion in the greatest of American Traditions; Freedom of Speech expressed through the use of Freedom of Choice.

I chose Smoking as my issue for two reasons.

First, I smoke. Have for over 40 years. Don't plan on quitting. Don't see any reason that I should.

Second, I believe that groups such as the American Lung Association, The American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association along with the Health Departments at the local, state and national levels have a responsibility to assume that, given facts not propaganda, the majority of adults have the ability to manage their health choices. The truth is for the past 30 years, we have been given very bad advice based on small studies that did not stand up when the research came in. Think about the major revisions in the past year concerning HRT, Heart Health, and Cancer Prevention.
The common thread between those issues and smoking are the choices health organizations made in allocation of funds. Rather than funding research to validate their assumptions based on small insignificant studies, they have spent billions of dollars on a very successful marketing campaign to turn one fourth of the adult population into social outcasts.
No one who hopes to pursue a successful career in any health profession dares question the health taliban.
Think not? Pay attention to what is going on in the Global Warming issue. The press gives little space to the highly qualified scientists who dispute much of the science being used to support Global Warming. 30 years ago, the issue was Global Cooling! Google it and see what you get. Different issue, similar tactics.
Consider a single question. If research can be contaminated or biased when a tobacco company is providing some or all of the funding, wouldn't the same hold true for research that is funded by any association or health organization that has already stated their conclusions.

If "A" is true, then "B" must also be true.

Lita
Webmaster/Owner SmokersTees.com
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