Old tobacco, modern ads are a deadly combination

Old tobacco, modern ads are a deadly combination
EDITOR:
When Columbus and his crew stumbled upon the American continent, they discovered Native Americans chewing and smoking some kind of weed they called "tabac." They took this back to Europe and in a few years the use of "tabac" or tobacco became a trait.
Smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco and spitting (to prove one is a man), necessitated the cultivation of more and more tobacco. In addition to growing of tobacco, there was the manufacture of pipes and cigarettes, the advertisement and sale of tobacco products (which entails wholesale and retail merchants, billboards, television commercials, and all the rest), culminating in Miss America (in a bathing suit) puffing on a cigarette while sipping a highball. This gives women the impression that smoking makes them "sophisticated" and entices them to take up the practice. The rugged looking cowboys in the cigarette ads, on the other hand, give men the impression that smoking makes them "macho" and entices them to do the same thing. Advertising is now very much a part of our American culture.
At the present time, the science of advertising has decided that "sex-sells" and is playing this aspect to the hilt. From personal viewing, I would say that 80 to 90 percent of TV commercials tell us that you can "make it" with the opposite sex if you use the right product. This could be the car you drive (even the tires you put on your car!), the beer you drink, the deodorant and shampoo you use and, if you are "over-the-hill," you can still find romance if you chew gum that doesn't stick to your dentures. In view of all this, I think it will be long-running battle to get rid of "tabac" and all of its effects.
In my studies in biology, I had the opportunity (with others) to view the insides of the lungs of non-smokers and smokers. The lungs of non-smokers were pinkish in color; those of smokers were slate-colored and mottled. Smoke irritates the lining passages and weakens the tissues. The risk of developing lung cancer is 10 to 20 times greater for smokers than it is for non-smokers. Smoking also causes other lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
So, if you must smoke, go ahead, but spare the rest of us who do not.
The Rev. EDWARD J. NERODA
Youngstown
Politicians and voters take advantage of tobacco addicts
EDITOR:
At the start of each New Year it is appropriate for someone to look back, reflect and talk about the previous year events and the effects it had on so many lives. Please allow me to enter my thoughts; for a group that no longer has a voice.
I am a Cleveland Browns fan. I love their new stadium. Yes, history would point out that they seldom win in it. The idea of building the team a new stadium was pushed by our politicians, a vote was taken and they built a new stadium for a team that moved to Baltimore. What's wrong with that? Could it be that the voters of Cuyahoga County passed a law to tax the smokers and drinkers to build it? Did anyone care about the smokers? Did anybody ask why they were imposing a tax on people who have an addiction?
Everyone reading this has by now pegged me as a drinker and smoker. I have not smoked for over 26 years and I will take a social drink at a wedding or a big event. I feel a great need to make people remember that smokers are good people. They have needs.
Every law, tax or consideration that our leaders have acted on has not helped the smokers. I believe Ohio has forgotten that these people need their help more than non-smokers do. Smokers paid for a stadium that they will never be comfortable sitting in, unless they quit smoking. But they are hooked on their habit. We now treat them as if they had leprosy.
With the state law that just passed, a dog has better humanity rights than smokers do. A dog is entitled to a roof and walls to protect it from the elements outside. Ohio is a very cold state. Cold air can damage the lungs of an addicted smoker. Rain can cause illnesses too.
Let's make this a year of caring and understanding. Let's think of smokers in a kind way and help them stop spending 5 a day on their self killing habit. If we tax them, let's only use their tax for them. If we demand their money to be used for them, then we are no longer self serving hypocrites.
CHIP ANDERSON
Poland
Ice rink at Mill Creek Parkdeserved better treatment
EDITOR:
I find it absolutely amazing that the Mill Creek ice rink has now been closed for five years. I completely blame past and current Mill Creek Park commissioners for this debacle, for it was known for approximately 15 years before the ice rink closed that its refrigeration system was outdated, yet proper planning was never put in place to do what was needed in terms of raising money, budgeting, etc.
When Mill Creek Park was made into a municipal park, I thought problems such as this would be corrected. Where are park tax dollars going? I presently live in Pittsburgh and there are numerous outdoor ice rinks and they are always crowded. Just because there is an indoor ice rink in the area does not mean that Mill Creek can't be successful, for nothing beats being outdoors when you're ice-skating. If the ice rink at Mill Creek Park was struggling to attract people, as management has said, it's because the park administration was doing a poor job of maintaining the rink and because of non-existent advertising.
Make no mistake about it, this is not just about an ice rink closing -- it's about community pride. It's about saving the areas last outdoor public ice rink. Where is the community outrage that this gem of a rink has been closed for so long? I've seen past city leaders who expressed disdain over the rink closing but I don't recall anything ever happening. Why has Mill Creek Park never launched a major fund raising effort to upgrade the rink? I'm sure grants and state aid would help in the effort.
It appears that the only way this rink will ever open up again is if the community demands it and puts pressure on the commissioners. I honestly believe the Mahoning Valley has developed a more positive attitude of itself over the past few years and it is my hope that this positive attitude leads to a way of finding the resources needed to open the ice rink up again.
The next scheduled board of commissioners meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at the MetroParks Farm. I hope disgruntled individuals show up to voice their displeasure at this debacle. I know I'll be there.
NICHOLAS DuBOS
Pittsburgh
Do yourself a favor: show allegiance to local air service
EDITOR:
Everyone always talks about great values, and here's one in our backyard. We travel often for business and pleasure and have found such a true value at the Youngstown Regional Airport. Allegiant Air, as everyone is finding out, provides low cost air travel to Florida. But what everyone does not know is that Allegiant provides timely service, more comfortable seating, better baggage handling and even a bonus smile.
Coupled with great customer service is the convenience of the Youngstown Regional Airport. This includes cheap, easy and ample parking, limited security hassles and friendly local agents. Allegiant Air also helps our local economy in many ways, while providing travel alternatives for our region. With continued local support Allegiant may extend service in Florida and provide service to Las Vegas. What a plus for eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania that would be.
As a community we need to preserve this valued service by supporting it regularly and communicating this terrific value to others. This is a stress free no hassle way to travel. Do yourself and our community a favor and try Allegiant Air.
RAY TRAVAGLINI, chairman
Travaglini Enterprise Inc.
Warren
GARY MESZAROS, co-founder/COO
Quaker Steak & amp; Lube
Sharon
Recognizing responsibility
EDITOR:
Several weeks ago, while my wife had my children out shopping at the Southern Park Mall, someone backed into my car, leaving slight damage. The individual responsible for this was a young 17-year-old Youngstown girl who was good enough to leave her name and contact information.
I would like to commence the New Year by publicly recognizing Stacy Williams of Manchester Avenue for her good citizenship in reporting this unfortunate event and for being responsible enough to take care of the small damage that was done.
Although this may seem minor to many who read this, I believe that Stacy's mature and responsible act speaks well of her family and upbringing. Not many adults who commit this sort of act would ever own up to it. The fact that this young lady did, speaks well of our area and gives us all hope for the future.
Judge THOMAS P. GYSEGEM
Warren