Smoking, drinking & society


Why is it socially acceptable to consume alcohol, but not to smoke cigarettes?

I'm a smoker, and I accept and respect the rights of nonsmokers not to have to inhale my secondhand smoke. I understand why there are no TV commercials promoting smoking.

However, I don't understand why it's acceptable to advertise alcohol, or to sell and consume alcohol in many of those same places where I can't smoke. It is equally offensive to me to see others consume alcohol in public places where there are children, clergy members and elderly people present.

I know the effects of smoking on my body, but I do not commit crimes, commit adultery or kill innocent people while driving my car because I smoke. Unfortunately, that is not the reality of someone who is intoxicated.

The health risks of a drinker are just as great as those of a smoker, and when a person who is a drinker sees a TV commercial for some type of alcohol, it encourages that person to drink.

Although I understand our health-conscious society is only trying to protect smokers as well as nonsmokers, I think those same health-conscious people should put the same emphasis on alcohol.

Cindy Aldrich


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