I read recently an article about banning smoking around playgrounds. So, here I go, poking a stick at the angry hornets nest. Everywhere you see and hear about the ill effects of tobacco to the smoker and non smoker, and the hardships it creates to our healthcare system. It has been made a law, by our government, banning smoking from certain outdoor and public places. Enough already. It's time to address the real issue; Making tobacco illegal period. If tobacco is so bad and creates such misery, a proven fact, then why oh why are they still being sold? Here's why.

The tobacco companies are a very powerful financial industry and it would cost our government too much money in lawsuits to make it illegal to produce. Not to mention the billions of dollars raked in from taxes by cigarettes. So, why would they ban the production of tobacco?

Nope, instead they go after the little ones, like you and me. Typical! It's like a bully who gives with one hand, and then slaps you with the other hand for taking it.

In light of the National Non Smoking Week I propose that our government, not our people, begin the process of halting the production of tobacco altogether, and put Canada in the front seat, internationally, to the "Ban tobacco production" movement.

Perhaps the money spent and lost by this could be outweighed by the money saved from not having to treat all the illnesses caused by tobacco?

Sounds a bit far-fetched? Think about it. It is only impossible if we believe it to be so.

Oh, and by the way, I am a smoker, but I hate it.

Jhon Waterman

Prince George