Comments on: A Tobacco Free U.S. Military?

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:05:26 +0000

Just in case some semiliterate member of the Institute of Medicine happens to read what I’ve said above, it’s likely that he/she will fail to comprehend it. So for clarity, please allow me paraphrase it in the most simple language I can muster up: By a significant margin, this is the MOST STUPID proposal that has emerged from a publicly-funded Washington-based agency that I’ve seen in a VERY long time!

Cheers,

–Bill

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:24:38 +0000

Hello Liz,

Among other things, this study concludes that veterans had smoked more while they were in stressful situations (for example, combat operations), and that the heaviest tobacco use was among those who have had the most combat experience. Say what? If the members of the Institute of Medicine are surprised by their own conclusions cited above, I can only wonder if they are alien life forms – perhaps silicon-based – from a gaseous and especially barren region of interstellar space.

But if there actually are human members of this panel of experts/advocates, I propose that in order to broaden their education and life experiences, they might be reassigned to special forces units now operating in Afghanistan/Pakistan. There, they would observe and participate in combat operations along with SEALS and Delta Force people. After eighteen months of this “educational experience”, the surviving panel members could be debriefed in order to determine whether their attitudes toward banning smoking in the military have changed, and whether most of them have taken up smoking cigarettes.

At that point they should be required to testify before a congressional committee investigating irresponsible, arrogant and ideology-driven activity in taxpayer-supported government institutions.

By: T. Deaton

T. Deaton — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:35:09 +0000

From a HEALTH STANDPOINT – Indeed smoking is harmful to our health and could be addressed in the right time; however our government, military & VA can not address the major HEALTH issues that already exist, lack of adequate VA abilities to address physical injuries & adequate rehabilitation. Our MENTAL HEALTH assistance has proven to be unsuccessful. Suicides up, family breakdowns up…..Why would soldiers smoke? Why would those dealing with these issues overseas smoke? Why would the statistics on smoking and alcohol usages be greater for those in combat or returning from combat? Please use some common sense in showing support for those that fight for OUR RIGHTS.

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:01:09 +0000

Don’t ban it. Why cause soldiers, trying to do an impossible job, more stress. If/when the FDA outlaws it, like they should, then deal with it.

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:43:51 +0000

I got an idea… why don’t you stand your post for 24hrs plus. The nicotine they use, while I agree is a horrible habit, keeps them alert.
Besides, are you going to tell someone who is securing your safety and protecting your freedom they can’t do it?
What’s more unhealthy? Smoking? Or fighting for your freedom?
Hmm.