It's filthy, it stinks and it kills

Keith Whitfield's praise of tobacco, in the November 29 forum, made me laugh out loud.

He speaks of the "pleasure, peace and contentment" tobacco provides, but this is simply part of the self-delusion smokers have to indulge in.

No one actually enjoys a smoke.

You start because of peer pressure. You get addicted, and the "pleasure" is nothing more than the relief of the craving that wouldn't be there if you didn't smoke.

It is the same relief you feel when you stop banging your head on the wall.

It would be better not to bang your head on the wall in the first place.

Tobacco is filthy and it stinks.

Manufacturers try to disguise the stench by adding rum, port, and scents, plus a few poisons, but it still stinks.

And oh yes, it also kills

Barry Riley, Umina