I read a WSJ article a couple of weeks ago recommending that President O take the opportunity give up his smokes.  New job, new start = change.  No more smoking means whiter teeth and fresher breath, but that was not what the article was about.

I've got no problem with him lighting up.  It's a personal choice and folks should be allowed to smoke without being viewed as some sort of societal pariah.  Fire ‘em up Mr. President.  Hey, if you like ‘em packed with menthol and filterless, have help yourself.  If you want to smoke 3 packs a day, groovy.

But the President's smoking habit does chap my bottom.  You see, I want for his actions to mirror his words.  He talks about transparency in Government, yet I've never seen him smoke.

Now if he is smoking one stick a day after dinner in the privacy of his own home (or outside somewhere), I don't think the American Public needs a heads up on that.  But, if he is sneaking into the lav on Air Force One, or ducking into the service elevator at the White House, or puffing up while cruising down the road behind the tinted glass of the presidential limo, or grabbing a puff or two before stepping out to give a press conference, I've got a problem with that.   President Obama campaigned on a platform of Transparency in Government.  If he has a habit and is willing to do it out in the open, then bully for him.  However, if he is talking transparency, but walking sneaky, then he is undermining his integrity, credibility and character.  At least he is with me.

The transparency issue is a bit one for me.  The act of smoking does not bother me at all.  But there are plenty of things about smoking that do.  If you're a smoker and reading this you are probably thinking to yourself, "here he goes…" 

But the President does have the right to smoke.  What he doesn't have a right to do is to use my money to help pay for his healthcare when he gets cancer, his teeth fall out, he has a heart attack, emphysema or any other health problem.  If he smokes, and can pay for the consequences of his actions with his own personal fortune, then, smoke away.   If he is a smoker and wants to smoke in a public building like The White House, the Courthouse, or any other building built with my tax dollars, then he is costing me more money in the care and upkeep of those buildings.  He does not have a right to do that.  Nor does he or anyone for that matter have a right to smoke in my personal space.  I just don't like to have smoke blown in my face.  I think that is reasonable.  But enough of  my smoking rant.

Personally, smoking does not fit into my lifestyle.  I have a high deductible health plan and a health savings account (HSA).  Because I am paying for my healthcare, I have more than enough incentive to take care of my health.  Smoking, as yummy as it may be, does not fit into my program.  

I've read The President's got game when it comes to hoops.  He looks like he is as healthy as a horse.  He talks about reforming the healthcare system all the time.  If he has a smoking habit, he would gain more credibility with me if he would put it out in the open.  I'd still have a problem paying for his health insurance, but at least I would know he's walking the walk.