So, an old buddy called me a few nights ago. We shot the shit for a while and I told him I saw him in the hospital but I didn't have time to come back to where he was after I checked in at the clinic where I was. When I was done with the doc, I looked for him but to no avail.

That's when he told me. He is 67. Quit smoking 15 years ago. He was there for cheemo... lung cancer.

Seriously... it's time to ban this shit. As for all the arguements against a ban, if the RCMP can find time in their day to attempt to erradicate weed they may as well get at tobacco... it truely is a cancer on society that we do not need.

BTW... my buddy is one of the nicest guys you would ever have the privelege to meet. He has an infectious laugh and he's always about fun. Tall, handsome... a lady's man and a man's man... a true gentleman... a good buddy. Even now, he has a positive attitude and jokes about this but I wish tobacco had been banned years ago because this guy should not die earlier than need be.

Sappy... yeah. True... yeah. And there are thousands and thousands of sappy and true stories caused by this blight on humankind.

The debate is futile, useless and inane. If nothing is done, people will continue to die. Like my buddy.