Approximately eighty-six percent of Californians are non-smokers. Not a few smoke pot.  Some grow, or grew, pot. Many tobacco smokers seem to live in denial. Militant tobacco smokers’ internet writings reflect extreme attitude. Secondhand smoke toxicity is not a real issue, it's a myth, a politically correct position of individuals and the government!

I beg to differ.

A longtime ex-smoker, my Ordeal by Smoke began six months ago. I’ve noticed various attitudes and behaviors towards smoking, which run the gamut from denial to cartoon logic.

Robotic property managers drone: Tenants smoke outside only. There is no problem here. Pay no attention to the smoker behind the curtain . . . Tenants smoke outside only. There is no problem here. Pay no attention to the smoker behind the curtain . . .

When cigarette smoke insinuates itself through architecture and into my space, my body and mind revolt: viscerally, mentally and verbally raging. People try to calm me with Cartoon Logic.

"It's only your imagination, I don't smell a thing!" [big smile from reeking skeptic]  I experience a deep cleansing sigh while stifling urge to throttle said skeptic . . . 

“Well, if the smoke is coming through the wall . . . can’t you hang a blanket there?” But wait . . . four thousand plus chemicals have compromised vents, electrical outlets, wood and dry-wall – aren’t they likely to penetrate a blanket?

“When the smoke comes through the wall, place a fan there to blow it back through the wall!” Nooo . . . noooo! Is there no respite from smoke and stupidity? [author runs screaming from room.]
 
 

The Car Sleepers