BALTHOR's Blog

Feb 1, 2008 | 10:15 PM

I solved this dilemma. I quit smoking. I smoked for 20 years, quit for 6 and then started back again 7 years ago right after my father died from emphysema. It's been three weeks now and I can smell and taste things better. I can already breathe better. But, most important, I have $35 extra every week now.
I did a list of reasons to quit and reasons to continue smoking.
I had many reasons to quit and not one reason to continue outside of the nicotine addiction. I am less stressed, less nervous and feel overall much better.
The thing I found most disgusting is when you get your sense of smell back you can smell someone who smokes as soon as they pass you. I know I didn't before because I stank just like them. It is actually a terrible smell. My house, clothes and car smell better. My 10 year old says he loves kissing me good night now.
The benefits of quitting certainly outweigh the reasons to continue, at least for me.

Feb 2, 2008 | 2:15 PM

Cigarette smoking is a joy and one of life's pure pleasures for me.How can the Government raise the price of anything?I am seriously questioning the validity of Government taxation.America is not on the gold standard.If the Government needs money it just prints up more money.I say the Governor is rotten to the core.

Feb 2, 2008 | 6:00 PM

Balthor...I understand how you feel.
I always enjoyed smoking and I truly do miss being able to relax when I get stressed.
It hasn't been easy quitting. I have had moments that I feel like I could just blow a gasket and I'm on Wellbutrin.
I also HATE that the government taxes the two things that many people find enjoyable, alcohol and cigarettes.
Let's not even get started on the gas tax.
Vote for Ron Paul and your tax burdens will be fixed.

Feb 2, 2008 | 6:03 PM

I've been eating gummy worms to calm the cravings. I can't use the patch because I have high blood pressure. I tried and it felt like I was having a heart attack.
I just hope they don't start putting a state tax on candy.

Feb 3, 2008 | 12:59 AM

...The Latin Kings, the Crips and the BLoods, La M, the Mexican Mafia, and the other 100 or so gangs in Milwaukee....

Did you know that you can grow your own tobacco? Get on=line and order cigarettes from any number of native tribes and not pay taxes on your purchase?

I am an adult and I will make decisions as an adult. I am a smoker and I will continue to smoke. Stuff that in your pipe. Whether you choose to light said pipe is your choice. Not the government's.

Feb 3, 2008 | 12:59 AM

Feb 3, 2008 | 1:00 AM

Sorry - my commentary posted twice. Can someone delete one of those? Thanks.

My computer apparently stutters.

A_Jive_Soul_Bro

Feb 3, 2008 | 11:54 AM

Smoking cigarettes is a pleasure? Come'on. Smokers have problems and their pleasure is only adding to already increasing health care costs. Not to mention the repulsive smell that smokers emit. Smokers are so addicted and ignorant that they choose to use a product that says it's eventually going to kill them or give them health complications. I don't want to be forced to pay for stupid people.

n8dgg

Feb 3, 2008 | 12:36 PM

I smoke and I couldn't tell you the last time I was sick with more than a minor cold.

Why just pick on smokers? How many people end up with health problems because they eat Big Macs, Whoppers or Krispy Kremes 5 times a week?

Why aren't they being forced to pay $6.00/burger? Why aren't candy bars being sold for $3.00 each when diabetes is running wild through this country?

Feb 3, 2008 | 2:46 PM

In America the Governor of Wisconsin will eventually make a plant illegal.I am not kidding here he will do this.This is America and in America I am allowed to enjoy all of the American freedoms.My pure joy is cigarette smoking.I will never quit smoking ever.It's true I don't get colds.I suspect that it is because nicotine is vitamin B.

Feb 3, 2008 | 2:58 PM

The core problem here is an overthrow of the NCR pricing program.High pricing extends even into gasoline and food products.Fair pricing is tied to this exposure.Panda anti virus scans for over one million virus.To use blogs like this one somebody has to at least turn the computer on for you.

A_Jive_Soul_Bro

Feb 3, 2008 | 5:09 PM

Someone brought up that poor eating should also be addressed through taxes, just as smokers. Poor diets do lead to health issues, but at least they're not forcing others to ingest it too. Smokers are affecting not only themselves, but those around them too. THey're polluting areas by standing around and congrigating and making others smell as discusting as they do.

And N8dgg- Wait until you're in your 40's. The affects are long-term and grave.

terriellzey55

Feb 3, 2008 | 7:46 PM

I am an ex-smoker. I had quit in 2003 and then started back up in 2006 off and on, and than began to pick up the NASTY habit full time in 2007. At the end of 2007 I was smoking and had a gallbladder attack which scared the bjesus out of me. Were they connected, the doctors think so but now I am free again from the nasty habit and I feel that it is a dangerous but gratifying problem. I LOVED SMOKING!!! and sometimes I crave them, but for health reasons like smell, taste, and respect for my family I have chose to stop. Smoking is one of the most addictive problems next to drugs and alcohol. Once upon a time cocaine and herion were legal but when they seen the effects they banned them. If you ask me, alcohol should be prohibited again because look how many deaths and crime rates it causes. Right now it seems like a bad thing, but one day it will be worth it.

Feb 4, 2008 | 3:15 AM

If alcohol were a new product, the FDA would never approve it.

My ancestors made a lot of money during prohibition, so I suggest that we prohibit alcohol again. I could use some extra money.

Feb 4, 2008 | 2:54 PM

If the Governor would have indicated a cigarette tax increase prior to entering his office he would not be our Governor today.He is part of a pathetic planet,pathetic humans group.America is for every American and that includes cigarette smokers.This power lust cigarette tax scares me.You assume,in your comments that smoking is bad for everybody.I suggest that you show real and not fabricated evidence.I see people now selling their coin collections to purchase cigarettes.I suspect that if you fight this Governor on this tax you could even end up with broken teeth!

Feb 4, 2008 | 3:09 PM

In our Pick and Save grocery they have a little fort from which she sells her cigarettes to human beings for,now,$53 a carton.This is megalomania and you must fight it!

terriellzey55

Feb 4, 2008 | 6:01 PM

Your attitude about this Balthor sounds of someone who quit smoking. You seem so moody:)