Which Royals Smoke?

[nascarlucy]

I've known women who have smoked cigarettes to keep their weight down and some of them have paid the price later on. Because it's usually not immediate, people don't think about it.

[Jacknch]

Originally Posted by Mirabel

Like Charles, I'm an avid anti-smoker!
But I can be calmer about it now that it's been mostly banned in public places, so I don't have to put up with second-hand smoke any longer.
I really don't care what people do in the privacy of their own homes, so if they want to rot their lungs out and get cancer or emphysema, it's up to them.

However, I think many young people smoke in a desperate effort to keep their weight down, especially celebrities.

Although initially weight can be lost when taking up cigarette smoking, the body adjusts after a few weeks and the weight is gained, so it's not a good way to keep weight down. Unfortunately, whilst you may be saved from second-hand cigarette smoke by the public ban, I wonder what could be done about the possible dangers of polution?!

[Mirabel]

Originally Posted by Jacknch

Although initially weight can be lost when taking up cigarette smoking, the body adjusts after a few weeks and the weight is gained, so it's not a good way to keep weight down. Unfortunately, whilst you may be saved from second-hand cigarette smoke by the public ban, I wonder what could be done about the possible dangers of polution?!

Probably not much. My pet peeve is the smoker who tosses cigarette butts from his car window because he doesn't want to mess up the car's ashtrays- disgusting!

I'm glad Charles takes a stand about things like this; one of the reasons I've always liked him!

[nascarlucy]

I admire Charles taking a stand on this issue. I hate to say this but sadly people have to learn the hard way that smoking is not good for their body or their health. If they don't want their children to smoke, they will have a hard time telling them not to, espcially if the children growing up saw their parents smoking. One can't say much if they smoke and then their children pick up the habit later on when they are adults.

Smoking will never been eliminated and banning it outright will just make it more attractive (the forbidden fruit). Prohibition in the United States was a joke. Special interests groups wanted if because if there was no more drinking, then supposedly people getting into fights with each other would cease and families would be stronger as a result. This didn't happen but made drinking more popular than ever. Tell someone they can't have this or do this and they will find a way to do so. Most people during that time period had no difficulty finding it.

What interesting to me is that many of the royals who do smoke try to hide it (seems to be some shame in being seen smoking) but when you can't smoke inside a public building, or if you go outside, someone might take a picture of you with the cigarette in your mouth, you have a very hard time hiding it.

From people I know who have tried to quit, it's very very difficult. It can be done but sometimes people quit several times before they are finally able to kick the habit. They say this is the most difficult habit to break, smoking.

[MRSJ]

Originally Posted by nascarlucy

I admire Charles taking a stand on this issue. I hate to say this but sadly people have to learn the hard way that smoking is not good for their body or their health. If they don't want their children to smoke, they will have a hard time telling them not to, espcially if the children growing up saw their parents smoking. One can't say much if they smoke and then their children pick up the habit later on when they are adults.

Smoking will never been eliminated and banning it outright will just make it more attractive (the forbidden fruit). Prohibition in the United States was a joke. Special interests groups wanted if because if there was no more drinking, then supposedly people getting into fights with each other would cease and families would be stronger as a result. This didn't happen but made drinking more popular than ever. Tell someone they can't have this or do this and they will find a way to do so. Most people during that time period had no difficulty finding it.

What interesting to me is that many of the royals who do smoke try to hide it (seems to be some shame in being seen smoking) but when you can't smoke inside a public building, or if you go outside, someone might take a picture of you with the cigarette in your mouth, you have a very hard time hiding it.

From people I know who have tried to quit, it's very very difficult. It can be done but sometimes people quit several times before they are finally able to kick the habit. They say this is the most difficult habit to break, smoking.

Sorry but people should have the right to smoke if they want to- ban it to protect non smokers fine but it's not to teach smokers a 'lesson' about how bad it is for their health- most know and either are to addicted or don't care..... Sorry but smokers have rights too and I am tired of always getting a bad rap for it.

[Sternchen]

MRSJ, I totally agree with you. I am a former smoker, and it was definetly not, that I didn't know how bad it was for my health.

[Charlotte_Aster]

The former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who also smokes prominently, had said about politicians smoking that it is a personal choice and noone has the say on what one does to his own body. He said that as a politician his policies and ideas were important and not his actions.
I'm a doctor, I don't smoke, but I fullheartedly agree with him :)

[KittyAtlanta]

Originally Posted by MRSJ

Sorry but people should have the right to smoke if they want to- ban it to protect non smokers fine but it's not to teach smokers a 'lesson' about how bad it is for their health- most know and either are to addicted or don't care..... Sorry but smokers have rights too and I am tired of always getting a bad rap for it.

People do have the right to smoke. They just can't smoke around me, anywhere. I won't work with people who smoke, as they stink to high Heaven. You may not smoke in my home or automobile. I have requested alternative seat assignments on aircraft because the woman next to me stunk. You may not expect my pity when you develop the hideous diseases associated with smoking.

Am I hard on the subject? Yes, I am. I quit at least three dozen times before I was able to quit. My smoking cessation can't be considered a "success" until they close the coffin lid. I am a non-smoking snob and proud of it.

No responses are necessary, but if you smoke, please at least think about quitting.

[Mirabel]

I just wish there were more smoking bans in public places enacted in Europe, the way they now are in the USA.
I think it's wonderful that now you can enter a pub in London without being subjected to a smoky haze that will make your eyes burn and your throat close up.

But some places in France or Austria, for example, are terrible!
People don't seem to take the risks seriously, as they do in the USA or UK.

[rob2008]

There is a home video of George VI out on a picnic on a mountain drinking tea out of a picnic cup and with a cigarette in the other hand. It was a very fashionable activity - thankfully now frowned upon.

[Katrianna]

Smoking was very fashionable in the past. People saw movie stars and Royals smoking and they were considered glamorous. It wasn't until the late 20th century that harmful effects were publicized. That was one of the reason "ordinary" people smoked, they wanted to be like the fabulous King, Queen, Prince or Princess or movie star.
Unfortunately, smoking is being seen as cool again and we see young Royals smoking which is an incentive for other young people.
I'm a bit of an old crab, but if you want to smoke, that's okay. Don't do it around me and don't cry and wail years down the line when you're sick.
I've taken care of enough people with cancer, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to last me a lifetime besides taking care of my mother who had lung cancer from second hand smoke. Young adults and teens who smoke despite all the info on why not to, really get no sympathy from me. That includes Royals.

[Penny Royalty]

Smoking has its benefits. I'm a smoker and have been smoking since I was 21 and am now 34. I don't know what to say first and foremost. I love cigarettes. I love tobacco. Often times it can be therapeutic and a pleasure and I do must admit that it can be a nasty smell carried on or that if abused as in chain smoking episodes you can get to feel it damage the health and or immune system. The Earth has enabled people to find empathy in smoking and I'm glad it's not something that is a hot topic as far as its legalization is concerned. It's not illegal and although here in the US it is banned from restaurants and bars I wish the establishment owners would have the ultimate right as to allowing their bar or tavern smoke free or not. I think it would then be up to the people, ie. customers to give their approval or not as customers. Like once upon a time.

Smoking may cause illnesses so their is a respect and a relationship where one chooses at given instances to light one or not. Yes nicotine is addictive but with concentration and perseverance I seem to be able to stop and let go of wanting more. Sometimes though I realize that tobacco is an herb and from what I can tell can be medicinal. I'm not trying to pitch people to smoke. I didn't like smoking until I took advice from a friend and started. But unless you become a habitual smoker you can always take it lightly and not worry about damaging your lungs unless it's long term involvement. By the way KittyAtlanta I liked hearing what you said. I can see why quitting can be hard and I understand how you can feel the way you do after having been a smoker yourself. Trust me I understand what you say. Smoking has its qualities some bad yet some good. It's a taste of personal choice. At the moment I'm not smoking but sometimes you can kill time or find calm and or peace when perturbed or troubled. Peace.

[MRSJ]

Originally Posted by Penny Royalty

Smoking has its benefits. I'm a smoker and have been smoking since I was 21 and am now 34. I don't know what to say first and foremost. I love cigarettes. I love tobacco. Often times it can be therapeutic and a pleasure and I do must admit that it can be a nasty smell carried on or that if abused as in chain smoking episodes you can get to feel it damage the health and or immune system. The Earth has enabled people to find empathy in smoking and I'm glad it's not something that is a hot topic as far as its legalization is concerned. It's not illegal and although here in the US it is banned from restaurants and bars I wish the establishment owners would have the ultimate right as to allowing their bar or tavern smoke free or not. I think it would then be up to the people, ie. customers to give their approval or not as customers. Like once upon a time.

Smoking may cause illnesses so their is a respect and a relationship where one chooses at given instances to light one or not. Yes nicotine is addictive but with concentration and perseverance I seem to be able to stop and let go of wanting more. Sometimes though I realize that tobacco is an herb and from what I can tell can be medicinal. I'm not trying to pitch people to smoke. I didn't like smoking until I took advice from a friend and started. But unless you become a habitual smoker you can always take it lightly and not worry about damaging your lungs unless it's long term involvement. By the way KittyAtlanta I liked hearing what you said. I can see why quitting can be hard and I understand how you can feel the way you do after having been a smoker yourself. Trust me I understand what you say. Smoking has its qualities some bad yet some good. It's a taste of personal choice. At the moment I'm not smoking but sometimes you can kill time or find calm and or peace when perturbed or troubled. Peace.

Don't forget in NY it's now banned in outside public spaces like the park....

[COUNTESS]

Sorry, smoking has no good qualities. It causes serious illnesses and is even dangerous to people who are surrounded by smokers. It smells bad and stains fingers and teeth and leaves deep wrinkles in faces. Frankly, it is a disgusting habit. I did smoke 45 years ago, along time ago tat I quit. I, personally, have never missed it. But that being said, it seems strange that if it is legal and it always will be, for fear of the tabacco industry, there should be choices for smokers to smoke.

[Mirabel]

Originally Posted by Penny Royalty

Smoking has its benefits. I'm a smoker and have been smoking since I was 21 and am now 34. I don't know what to say first and foremost. I love cigarettes. I love tobacco. Often times it can be therapeutic and a pleasure and I do must admit that it can be a nasty smell carried on or that if abused as in chain smoking episodes you can get to feel it damage the health and or immune system. The Earth has enabled people to find empathy in smoking and I'm glad it's not something that is a hot topic as far as its legalization is concerned. It's not illegal and although here in the US it is banned from restaurants and bars I wish the establishment owners would have the ultimate right as to allowing their bar or tavern smoke free or not. I think it would then be up to the people, ie. customers to give their approval or not as customers. Like once upon a time.

Before smoking was banned in the state where I live, I asked a friend who is a restaurant owner why he did not ban it. He was afraid of offending people and losing business. BUT- he said he wished the state would intervene and ban it so he wouldn't have to fight with people who wished to smoke. He could just blame the law.

Well, the state did enact the ban, and it turned out his business actually increased, because he didn't have to have separate smoking and non-smoking sections. More people came in because they didn't have to worry about second-hand smoke.

I think cigarettes will be made illegal eventually, now there is a ban in most of the states.

[MRSJ]

Originally Posted by Mirabel

Before smoking was banned in the state where I live, I asked a friend who is a restaurant owner why he did not ban it. He was afraid of offending people and losing business. BUT- he said he wished the state would intervene and ban it so he wouldn't have to fight with people who wished to smoke. He could just blame the law.

Well, the state did enact the ban, and it turned out his business actually increased, because he didn't have to have separate smoking and non-smoking sections. More people came in because they didn't have to worry about second-hand smoke.

I think cigarettes will be made illegal eventually, now there is a ban in most of the states.

But alcohol causes deaths too and that is not illegal? And IMO alcohol causes more problems then cigs on society.... I doubt cigs will be made illegal (didn't work with alcohol) but eventually you'll only be allowed to smoke in a car/home you outright own.... and once they are done banning that they'll find something else to ban and no one will be allowed to do anything the gov't decides is 'bad' -my opinion


Really we should get back to royals who smoke- sorry to get OT

[Mirabel]

Originally Posted by MRSJ

But alcohol causes deaths too and that is not illegal? And IMO alcohol causes more problems then cigs on society.... I doubt cigs will be made illegal (didn't work with alcohol) but eventually you'll only be allowed to smoke in a car/home you outright own.... and once they are done banning that they'll find something else to ban and no one will be allowed to do anything the gov't decides is 'bad' -my opinion


Really we should get back to royals who smoke- sorry to get OT

It's not the same thing. If I drink a glass of wine in your presence, it doesn't affect you. However, if you smoke a cigarette in my presence, it does affect me.


I think it's a negative thing for the RF members who smoke, because it sets a bad example. (Same reason why they mostly gave up fox-hunting. As Charles once said, "You can't just do whatever you want.")

[MRSJ]

Originally Posted by Mirabel

It's not the same thing. If I drink a glass of wine in your presence, it doesn't affect you. However, if you smoke a cigarette in my presence, it does affect me.

I think it's a negative thing for the RF members who smoke, because it sets a bad example. (Same reason why they mostly gave up fox-hunting. As Charles once said, "You can't just do whatever you want.")

People who drink outside their home and drive can hurt/kill someone and that is a higher liklihood then someone dying from secondhand smoke- but it's still legal to drink in bars/restaurants/ballparks etc....
Alcohol has wrecked more marriages, caused more accidents and fueled more crime then cigs ever have. Alcohol ruins your character when you're a drunk, smoking does not- eventually crude language will be not allowed, and plp will have to submit to BMI tests or test for sugar or to much salt- all bad for you. Employers are now allowed to fire plp who smoke because it raises health insurance costs as if drinking/being fat/ not excercising don't..... Why can't we fire plp for eating to many cheeseburgers? You can't force plp not to consume a legal product....fine to make it illegal to smoke in a restaurant but OUTSIDE? In a public place? It's a slippery slope.....it's a matter of personal choice, do you really want the gov't making all your personal choices for you? Because after cigs, they'll come for alcohol, and sugar, and candy - hell they already made Happy Meals illegal in CA.... Do you really not see how allowing gov't to create an assault on 1 personal choice will lead to the inevitable lose of more then just the 1? And for the record, the taxes that are ALWAYS raised on cigs (at least in US) pay for a lot of states projects- it's called a Sin Tax- so in a way smokers help keep the roads fixed and etc.....


Sorry for the rant....but it's something I feel very strongly about-

Let me add- I am not trying to defend smoking as a practice but the right to personal choice...if bar owners want to ban smoking in their establishment I believe that's their right but no one should be FORCED by the gov't ..... If your a nonsmoker you could choose to not go to a smoking bar but if your a smoker now you can't choose to go anywhere or to not smoke, you're being FORCED.....

[rossop7]

My Dad smoked since he was 14 years old, finally gave up when he was in his 50s & it was a very long, hard slog for him (even now 5 years later he every now & then reaches for his cigarettes that are no longer in his pocket without actually realising he's doing it.) At the time when he did smoke it never bothered me, I suppose because I was used to him smoking all the time. Once he gave up though the whole family now finds it really hard whenever other smokers are around, the smell alone yuck! (even if they haven't smoked recently, that stale smoke smell lingers & is just stomach churning for me.)

I have sympathy for smokers because it is an addiction & think it's up to each person themselves to decide what they do with their body in private but me personally I find smoking pretty disgusting & think more things should be done to discourage people even starting it. I'd raise the legal age to buy cigarettes by 1 year each year so eventually you'd have to be like 45 to buy cigarettes legally & so it'd be a lot harder for teenagers to even start smoking & hopefully help them avoid getting addicted into their adulthood where they would then hopefully be sensible enough to not start even if they could legally buy them. Eventually smoking might just phase out as less & less people would be able to buy them at a young age & maybe less & less people would start in the first place. I always feel a bit disappointed when I find someone I admire or like is a smoker & I would always hope that smokers would give up if only for their own health but then I don't think you can force that on anyone, they have a right to do as they choose, especially in private.

[Iluvbertie]

Having lost my mother to emphysema and having my father dying from it now all I can say is - anyone who smokes has a screw loose.

They have no consideration for themselves - fine, but they are selfish in the extreme as they also don't care about the effect the diseases will have on their family or friends.

Smoking is a filthy habit with no redeeming features at all.