This weekend, campus teams of friends will camp out at the Track and Tennis Center and take turns walking or running around the track for this campus’ Relay for Life event – a 24-hour annual event for the American Cancer Society. This is a great opportunity to show love to survivors and to those who struggle; to remember our loved ones; and, to salute those of us who fight to eradicate cancer.
Young people and smoking is a topic that always comes up when I’m chatting with people associated with the American Cancer Society. The way I know of the organization is through one of its signature campaigns – the Great American Smokeout. We know smoking and cancer are linked, but we still argue about smoking – second and third hand smoke; where we can do it; the ability to make a living selling the products associated with smoking; and, whether we should be allowed to do it at all. Why so much drama? Across the country, I watch plenty of debate about the smoking bans. In this country, states ban indoor smoking in places where we work and socialize. Some companies will not hire smokers. Some areas of the country prohibit smoking outdoors and in private apartments. Have we gone too far? Don’t I have a right to smoke in private spaces where others agree that it’s alright? Is this anti-smoking movement across the country advancing the same kinds of arguments to fight obesity, prohibit alcohol, slow global warming, and take away guns? I thought we lived in a free society.
This afternoon, let’s discuss whether we have gone too far to make the society better. Can we legislate for the good of us all – especially around issues like smoking. See you in Kenmore Classroom Building Room 101 (notice the location change) from 3-5 p.m. I’ll bring the coffee amd cookies, you bring the conversation.
Peace.
