Source: Huffington Post (blog)
Date: 2010-03-02
Author: BJ Gallagher

He\'s not alone. Some 43 million Americans smoke - 33 million of
them smoke daily. Worldwide, a staggering 1.2 billion people
smoke - roughly one-fifth of the world\'s population. Why are all
these people doing something that will likely sicken and kill
them? There\'s a very good chance that many, if not most, are
addicts, too.

Several years ago I read a fascinating study about addictive
substances.  . . .

I was shocked to see nicotine at the top of the list - it scored
a whopping 99! Doctors ranked nicotine as THE most addictive
substance - more addictive than crystal meth, heroin, and crack
cocaine, all of which scored in the 97 to 98 range. The
conclusion: Difficulty in kicking a smoking habit ranks right up
there with difficulty in kicking a crack cocaine or heroin habit.

Obama isn\'t smoking a pack a day - he\'s indulging in an
occasional cigarette. Addiction is a progressive disease - so
smoking only once in a while would indicate that the person is in
the early stages of addiction, or in the final quitting stages.

I say: "Obama can quit when he\'s accomplished his work being
President. Let him have his occasional cigarette for now."

When he\'s ready to quit completely, there are plenty of
resources available . . .

Some 2500 years ago, Plato wrote, "Be kind, for everyone you
meet is fighting a hard battle." We would do well to keep these
words in mind when it comes to anyone dealing with an addiction -
be it our President, our son or daughter, our neighbor or
coworker. Let kindness and compassion be our watchwords.