Everyone appears to be hoping for a lot from Barack Obama.. The president-elect appears to have people from every group, from socialists on down to libertarians, expecting him to do something for every interest group under the sun.

The most recent hope, though, is something I want to take exception with.

Anti-smoking groups are hoping that Barack Obama becomes a role model by kicking his on and off smoking habit.

I know smoking is bad for you. I don't smoke, but some family members do. Occasionally I second hand a pack or two and rarely complain.

While I know Barack Obama isn't the type to say it, I would have to, if President, tell anti-smoking advocates to go to hell! Mind your own business! Ban smoking where you can! If I want to smoke in the Oval Office when I am faced with choosing if I should send young Americans into battle, I am going to! I will light up during national crisis! I will smoke a pack when terrorists have suitcase nukes! And guess what.. I WON'T QUIT on your terms, I'll quit on my terms!

Again, I don't expect the office of the President-Elect to release a statement telling anyone to pound sand, but it would surely be refreshing..

..I know, I know, the new "GQ" President, Obama, will make kids smoke if they see him puffing on one. And so will young men.. people are scrambling to look as close to Obama as possible. He's "in", I get it.

Likewise, I'm not arguing that Mr. Obama strolls down Pennsylvania Avenue flicking his cig, also, I'm not saying he should roll down a window on his Presidential limo and toss a butt.. But I'm saying he should keep an ashtray in the Oval Office, with a pack of his favorite cigarettes, and smoke one or two when things go bad. Maybe it will help his stress level!

Do we really want a President to quit smoking when he could face a crisis daily!? Most smokers I know can't function at cleaning toilets if they quit smoking, let alone run a nation!

And finally, think of it this way: What would be the better lesson: Quit smoking to say he can, or keep smoking and pay his taxes to fund programs for the elderly? Smokers deserve some more credit..

What will get taxed when everyone stops smoking..

Twinkies..? Candy? Soda?

Get ready anti smoking advocates.. your vice may be next.

Let's keep Obama with a pack of Lucky Strikes in his pocket if he so chooses.. And I personally hope that even if he says he'll quit, he'll sneak out the Oval Office door late at night and puff smoke circles into the D.C. sky above him..



BRYAN SMOLOCK SCHMUCKRAKER.COM SATURDAY DECEMBER 13 2008 1:28 PM EDT

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