From: ???????????????????
Subject: Cigars and The President

Hello,

This is my first posting, I really enjoy PD. 

I smoke cigars and have been for the last 22 years, ouch! Avos are a
favorite. A Hoya De Monterey Rothschild is kinda my default setting, not to
expensive, still a little to butch, but hey get over it (used go for the
maduro wrapper, but have switched to naturals in my old age). Had a Cuban
Cohiba once but didn't think it was worth the trouble. It was good but come
on it wasn't that good. 

I'm on a quest for the ultimate cheap cigar. The specs are under 2 bucks,
fatish like a high 40 to 50, length is not much of an issue. Smoothness is a
prime consideration--AVOs being the model. OK ladies and gentlemen you have
been briefed.  

An on a more serious note: I've got to say that I'm in complete agreement
with the President. The American tobacco industry needs to be policed. Much
of thier advertising is aimed directly at kids and this is wrong. We all
know what effects inhaling cigarette smoke has on the human body, so let's
be realistic. And then there are those additives, not good, very bad. I've
smoked quite a few Camel straights and Gauloise in my time (really is there
anything better than one of these and an espresso and the New York Times)
but I'm not compulsive about it and I'm also an adult who is not physically
addicted to nicotine (I probably am addicted to my trips to the Cigar Store
and to yacking on the phone with the nice folks at Mike's Cigars). I have
many problems with our Goverment but I've got to say that I distrust big
corporations more. They all aren't bad but the system doesn't exactly
promote social responsibility.  

Robin Willis

[ Well, Robin, thanks for your comments.  Many of us, though, are
concerned that Big Government is moving slowly and steadily toward
prohibition, including a ban on your trips to the cigar store, and
that the cigarette companies (though definitely not saints) are being
systematically demonized, toward that end.  I certainly hope not,
though I fear so.  Watch this space for details. -S. ]


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