Virtual Spam

A new law sparked some interest and gave hope to many environmentalists as well as those who preferred to live a more ‘healthful’ life in Redondo Beach. Most of the councilmen were finally giving up and opting for non-smoking beaches as well as parks.

Redondo Beach has been the only place where its beaches hadn’t already banned smoking; Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach had already done so, so why not Redondo? Finally some are yielding and jumping on the bandwagon, heartily rooting for ‘non-smoking beaches’ as well as parks.

So. What do I think of all of this you might be thinking? For one, I think that the main reason why this is so popular among people is because they do not smoke. Try to think of it as if you instead were a smoker. How would this affect you? Would you like it? I know that I definitely would not, and living in a household with a smoker might be a key factor that is very influential on my outlook on what we call ‘fair’ and ‘just,’ even ‘healthful.’

Of course, secondhand smoke is a huge thing that stands like a roadblock in our ever-optimistic population (or wannabe optimistic population); people who seem madly obsessed with the [hopefully] brighter side of life. To say that I might even be a natural follower to cynicism might be a true understatement; still, I do not believe that this is just—at all.

Think of the smokers themselves and then think about all those who have declared their love for this law. I’m assuming here that the main reason for this is the inevitable; we all want to blame someone else. There will never be a day, I think, that someone will really and truly turn to another person (or in the broader scope, a party or group turn to another party or group) and say, “You know what? You’re right. It was my fault.” But then, who would? No one likes to fail—worse even, admit to failure. Why? Good question. I’d assume some sort of role we naturally need to fill; human nature is a funny thing. We all want to belong to a bigger group; all want to believe in a perfect, faultless, effortless life. We don’t want war. No pain, no hurt, no sorrow… and now; no smoking.

Even if this law was passed, do you really, truly think that this law would be even heeded? I wouldn’t so much as try to be optimistic here—no. There will always be someone, or a large group of people who do not heed laws. Still, there’s more to think of: who would be outraged by this act? Even I, a nonsmoker would be outraged. I think that I as well as the majority of nonsmokers out there have to deal with constant secondhand smoke. If you think that I faintly enjoy this or pay it no mind, you are sadly mistaken. But I try. I don’t, however, stand there and act like an ignorant fool, complaining. If someone is smoking in your area, and you are concerned about your healthfulness, then walk away where the smoke won’t touch you or your loved ones.

Not happy yet? Well try politely asking or just hold back your tears and futile complaints and move. It sounds too easy, but it’s not as if we’re all completely overrun with constant smokers. If you moved I don’t think you would bump in to a whole onslaught of smokers. So: instead of whining, complaining, persistently appealing to leaders and lawmakers, take the power into your own hands and act. I swear to you, honestly, it isn’t that hard. This goes for many things actually. There was a woman who had appealed for this law and was wholeheartedly supporting it. She was near tears as she described her poor daughter who had been cursed with a bad case of asthma. The daughter was at the beach and—oh my! Smokers! I suppose that this was a heart wrenching moment for her, but I wonder, in all of those tears and cries of outrage, did she once think of merely shutting up, grabbing her daughter, and moving?

And what if she did, you might be asking? Even if she did: at least she moved. No need to sit there fuming, or crying when the problem was solved. But, this brings up an even stronger point: Well, Bella, don’t you know that some of us like a problem to be solved totally and wholly? Not just for a few seconds, but for life?

Now, here’s something that makes me laugh. For one, this brings us back to the point that even if this law was passed do you think it would really solve the issue? Some would like to believe it although we know the ugly truth; no, not really. There will still be smokers lingering at beaches and parks. And besides, (second point) no problem can be totally and wholly solved. Unless of course, you’re speaking of some math problem or homework assignment. And even so, those problems were created by people who had supplied a valid answer, which could be easily solved or estimated. So, why, you may ask, am I speaking of math, numbers, and the like? Because even in this world the same universal principles apply. No problem can ever be solved—or stay that way. Now, don’t take this negatively, I certainly am not—in fact, it’s an amazing thing. No problem can be solved. In math, this would mean a number that never terminates, just keeps going… an irrational number if you will. This in itself is like life, a wonder really, a beautiful thing. It’s a never-ending puzzle. Some like to gripe and complain to their math teacher: I don’t understand! Why do we have to do this? While that one, amazing, rarity of a student might have fleeting pleasure to unravel the whole thing… by themselves.

As you can probably tell, this goes for life too. We all want people to help us, and to place blame on. Try taking an ounce of responsibility into your own hands—I suppose that could mean simply voting or appealing for smoke-free beaches and parks, which might be a big step for some.

And although this law would probably cut out a lot of secondhand smoke, I still believe that, as a tribute to the smokers themselves, this law not be passed. Some were ruthlessly drawn into it, others mindlessly played into it. One way or another, I think that leading a more healthful life does not only mean physically. A healthy lifestyle is as much a mental thing as a physical thing. To be mentally healthy is taking matters (and responsibilities) into your own hands, having courage, and some times sucking in your violent passions and complaints and doing as your mother told you (and how you might tell your own children) walking away.

Oh yes, and respect for others. In this case, respect for both non-smokers and smokers alike. If you think that life is just dandy for either you could be terribly mistaken.

Anyway, I know I haven’t covered all issues, after all, I’m only a kid, not a politician or a lawyer. If you have something to say, please say it—but by all means let’s be respectful and kind. Anything rude and I’ll be more than happy to delete it as well as posting a warning and an angry one at that.

So. What do you think about what it means to be healthy, free, fair, and whatever else. I’d like this to be a thought-provoking matter for all, and for all to try to see into another’s eyes and instead of bickering and tossing back paltry insults, to think like your enemy. You may find that in the end, you’re not much different.
;D