Monday, November 27, 2006

Real People

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I present the following without regard to politics. While I have a definite opinion on the Springfield smoking ban, this is just about two old-timers and how the ban has affected them.

Old Guy Number 1 happens to be my father. He’s 73 and smokes (a lot). He doesn’t get around real well any more but in recent years he’s enjoyed going to White Oaks Mall and having a meal and several smokes at MCL Cafeteria. He would linger after eating sipping coffee and snuffing butts. He did this almost daily. This was the extent of his social life and he knew most of the workers and many of the regular customers. When the smoking ban went into effect, OGN1 cut back on his time at MCL, opting to just get a meal and then quickly leave. His social world shrank.

Old Guy Number 2 is a 75 year-old retired attorney with emphysema. He used to smoke but hasn’t in years. Because of his condition, he can’t even be around smokers for any length of time. He also doesn’t get out much. Back in his day working in downtown Springfield, he used to stop into Two Brothers almost every evening to hang out and have a few beers. One of the original owners of Two Brothers comes back to the bar every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving to get together with the old gang. OGN2 hasn’t been able to attend in recent years because of his emphysema. This year he did go. There was no smoke. He hung out and had a few beers.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I've known many people in wheelchairs over the years (dozens), and how healthy, and long, they live is very much linked to the lifestyle they choose.

Many decide to sit, smoke, drink, and sometimes consume substances (illegal) which isn't really good for anyone in the long run - but made them feel better in the short run.

However, many were in excellent health despite use of only one solitary finger - used to move the joystick which controls their chairs. These types would often support their families with state jobs, and were often so busy that they never have any time to feel depressed about not being able to walk.

Incredible stories of self destruction versus inspirational stories. I guess it comes down to choice.

People don't need smoking as an excuse to congregate. Just wheeling around the Mall would seem a better alternative than sitting, and chain smoking.

JP