Father’s bad habits
Patricia Nelson, Emporia
Saturday, April 4, 2009
MY FATHER was born in 1901 in Western
Kansas. His parents came to that area while
working for the railroad, laying track and being
a cook for the line.
My grandmother homesteaded her own
claim. My grandfather purchased his “80” from
an uncle who was the original homesteader.
The depression was hard on many, with the
loss of jobs and bad drought conditions that
sent the dust clouds rolling. My father was a
firm believer in neighbors minding their own
business. I don’t remember hearing him gossip,
but he was there when a neighbor needed
help. My parents helped others when they had
plenty.
My mother always cooked more than we
needed and would take the leftovers to neighbors
saying she just didn’t understand why her
family couldn’t eat all that she had prepared
and how much Dad didn’t like leftovers and
would they be able to use this little bit of stuff
for their meal (which if they were lucky was
lard spread on bread sprinkled with sugar).
My parents were self-sufficient and shared
with those who weren’t.
I sometimes wonder if his lifestyle was
the death of my father. He ate beef, pork and
chicken (fried was best), mashed potatoes
with gravy, corn, green beans, peas. He loved
candied watermelon, pies, cakes, cookies,
candy and popcorn. He milked his own cows
and Mom made butter and cottage cheese. Being
self-sufficient, he butchered his own beef,
chickens and hogs. He used a brown sugar
cure for the ham. Mom always rendered the
fat and fried it out. She used the fresh lard in
all of her cooking.
I am sure their diet would horrify most of
today’s dietitians. My father was a smoker and
he chewed “horseshoe tobacco.” I never saw
him without either a cigar, pipe or chew. On
top of that he had an enlarged heart and asthma.
Bad lungs, bad diet and a smoker. He died
at age 84. Just think how old he could have
been if he had lived where the dust never blew,
where his diet could have been modified to be
low-fat and he had never smoked!
We do not need others to tell us how to live
our lives! We should be able to decide where
to go to enjoy our leisure time without restrictions
placed upon us by more government.
Support the rights of the businessman. Vote
NO for the smoking ban!
Patricia Nelson
Emporia
driveonby (anonymous) says...
Both my grandmothers lived their lives in the mountains of Appalachia. They burned coal INSIDE the house, in pot bellied stoves, for heating. Biscuits and gravy EVERY morning. Killed their own hogs, and used every bit of them in frying and eating. Killed their own chickens. We hardly ever ate beef, but had lots of high fat, straight from the cow, milk. Yummy buttermilk! They both dipped snuff. Grandma Martin could could hit a bean can four feet away, PING. She died at 101. Grandma Cochran passed at 98. Had dementia for ages. When you would drive up into the mountains, the coal smoke would hover in layers like fog. Usually when people died young, like the grandpas, in their late 70's, it was from emphasema or traffic accidents. Most men worked in coal mines or in farming. The grandpas had pipes in their months when they were awake, and a can of Prince Albert in their overall pockets. They believed that you have a certain amount of time here, and when you're done you were done. Nobody told anybody how to live, well, except Uncle Baxter, he got busted several times driving moonshine through the mountains. The lectures didn't seem to help much. Mom has been smoking since she was 16. She's 79 now. Going strong- outlived three husbands- and is dating again. Sorry some of you folks got the crummy genetics. You just got to play the hand you're dealt. Maybe you need to lighten up just a little. Stress is REALLY bad for you, causes ALL sorts of problems. I really enjoyed the last comment! At least, in the Georgia mountains, they didn't have to deal with the wind!!!!!!! Vote NO
April 4, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madpoet (anonymous) says...
The difference with people of that generation and today, is that they were very physically active every day and burned the fat off. You can't compare a full-time farmer who worked hard sunup to sundown to the types of jobs we have today. We're just not as active as we used to be. My grandparents lived into their 80s too. My grandma is still going at 84, lives at home alone and does fine with a little help getting groceries etc.
I would vote NO if I could. Don't live in the city limits so I'm SOL.
April 4, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
My great grandparents all lived to be in their late 90's. All but one died while living at home while also retaining their mind. They lived like described above in the original article and posting, like most folks did at that time. One Great grandpa never ever saw a medical professional in his life time. He was born at home, never experienced the joy and expense of a yearly check up, let alone a second mortgage payment for a two day hospital stay. He never saw a dentist, eye doc, nor a dietician. He smoked constantly either cigars, a pipe, rolled your own cigarettes, he was always smoking. Sometimes he would chew a big wad of tobacco at the sametime. He ate three fried meals a day, fried eggs, taters with ham/bacon or sausage for breakfast, fried meal at lunch, and greasy fried food at dinner. He died in his easy chair during his after lunch nap, he was in his upper 90's. Imagine being able to live that long without medical advise and intervention while doing everything that we are told today cannot be done. The other three g-grandparents lived to be in their 90's as well. All but one of my grandparents lived to be in their upper 80s or mid 90's. They were the first generation to follow Doctors orders, were dependent on medical assistance to deal with what ailed them. They all died in medical care facilities of one form or another, mentally incapacitated, their bodies, weathered to the bone. Their estates were all nearly gone, eaten up to pay for their medical "care" and living expenses to "live long lives" in a rest home. My parents are in their 70's, both having medical issues and on various medications. They spend a good share of their time at one doctor or another or heading to the pharmacy for more drugs. Their medical expenses are astronomical.
The medical community is a business, first and foremost. They are out to make money like any other business, are always looking for ways to get more of your $$$$. Sure there are individual doctors and their staff who truly care about you, and want to help you feel better, but wouldn't be there for you if you had no money or insurance.
I think I'll follow my G-grandpaws simple lifestyle myself.
April 4, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
As the science that opponents of the ban so chose to ignore states, a lot of SHS damage is due to personal GENETICS. Yay for the people who use tobacco their entire lives and live to see the golden years. They are in the minority.
But while we are telling our family tales, my grandfather never smoked a day in his life, exercised daily and ate healthy. He died at age 69 due to NON-SMOKER'S LUNG CANCER, most likely due to SHS inhalation throughout his life.
NO ONE knows what their genome holds...WHY RISK IT???? Why take it upon yourself to risk others lives while you are playing Russian roulette with yours??
VOTE YES.
April 4, 2009 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
gemini, sorry about your dad. And sorry you really can't blame second hand smoke for it. Unless your dad was a lab rat in an experimental program somewhere. Too many variables, including genetics. Where did he work? What do you mean exactly, that he ate healthy? Now they say canned tuna fish can kill you. Lots of non smokers get cancer. I hope they cure it someday. Lots of people die from heart disease. I hope they cure that. People get hit by cars. They fall off ladders. They have strokes. Some commit suicide because the life they have is so unhappy or lonely. Thank goodness for neighborhood taverns. At least some of the world's problems can be held at bay for a little while. Sorry you don't care for them, but you probably have a great group of friends, who are always glad to see you. Don't begrudge the choices of others, until you've walked in their shoes.
April 4, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
gemini,
Have I missed something??? Has it not been said OVER AND OVER, if you don't like to go where SHS is, don't. There ARE plenty of places that are "no smoking" for you to go. Gee, I forgot again, YOU non-smokers want them all and are willing to hold the business owners for ramson to get your way. Shame on YOU!!!!
April 4, 2009 at 7:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
Well, isn't this a perfect example of the gang mentality and bullying of the anti-ban group. I was simply making a point that the "I know someone who lived this way, blah blah..." argument works both ways. My grandfather really didn't have a choice to avoid the poison....especially when his parents smoked and his work environment was polluted with it. Things were different back then and you would think that with the knowledge we have achieved from great strides in science that people would understand and learn from the mistakes of the past. One of which would be that SHS IS DANGEROUS.
And driveonby, your post is rude, callous and snide. Taverns can exist just fine without smoking. It's the PEOPLE that can't. God forbid any anti-ban smokers ever go on a plane ride that lasts more than 30 minutes. I can imagine the anarchy.
April 4, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
gemini,
Gee, again-did I miss something? You stated "Taverns can exist just fine without smoking", do YOU own a tavern and I take it you have PROVED your statement? We are NOT bullying you but stating our feelings just as you have, we don't have a RIGHT to do that? Oh! I forgot, there are some that would like to take our RIGHTS away!!
Yes, I have flown overseas various times and THANK YOU -did just fine!!!!!!
April 4, 2009 at 8:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Also gemini,
Please reread "driveonbys" entry, I thought he was trying to
show his sadness by the loss of your Dad, he wasn't being rude.
Vote No and remain in the "land of the FREE" not a government or GROUP dictatorship. THANK YOU!!!
April 4, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
Sandman--You can bully all you want....that has nothing to do with a "civil right" or lack thereof. However, bullying is the favored tactic of many anti-ban folks.
And no, I am no longer involved with a nightclub however having seen the success of bans in other cities, proof does exist to back my statement.
April 4, 2009 at 8:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smogman (anonymous) says...
I lost my aunt and grandmother to cancer when they were in there 60's. They didnt smoke, there husbands did. They lived to be in there 80's and 90's and died of natural causes. (old age) If SHS causes ovarian and thyroid cancer too, I guess I will just light another smoke in the name of science. And Sandman I remember when I could smoke on a plane, sure took the edge off of landing...........lol
April 4, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
gemini,
AGAIN, where do you continue to get the term "bullying"?
Is that when someone disagrees with you?
Also you stated "Success in other cities"-WHAT cities? From
what I understand since Lawrence and Manhattan have gone "smoke free" their business is down 25% or more? One here in Emporia (Noose) has lost a percent of their business from what I understand. Say, I have an idea, Why doesn't CAE pay those businesses for any loss revenue they may incure IF this ban goes thru?
VOTE NO!
April 4, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Smogman,
I also remember the time you could smoke in certain areas of the plane and YES!!! it sure did help with the take-off and landing. The first time I flew was in the military and "thought "this is so neat" now it is strickly a means of getting somewhere fast!
April 4, 2009 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smogman (anonymous) says...
just another bus
April 4, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
So very true BUT -MUCH faster!!!! Plus not sure I could make
it across some of the oceans!!!!!! Woe is me!!!!!
April 4, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smogman (anonymous) says...
If only time wasnt money, a slow boat to china would be fun lol
April 4, 2009 at 9:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
smogman,
You are so very right!!! A slow boat to china would be fun!! I'd
sure like to go to Hawaii!!! Never been!!! Plus there are so many places in this great nation of ours to see and re-see.
Some day!!!!
April 4, 2009 at 10:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
77flint (anonymous) says...
Funny I wonder what Steve thinks about this article???
April 5, 2009 at 12:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
Good Morning Gemini, I can't find anything rude, or snide in my comment. You have entered the fray. You are trying to force your opinion on others. I disagree with your contentions and your assumptions. Only the extremely simple minded or brain washed or paid "volunteers" agree with your position. If your father died from second hand smoke, please produce the certificate. I am perfectly willing to give more credence to your argument, if given proof. And I know the diiference between a press release and a study release. I enjoy smoking. I find it relaxing. I realize that the pharmaceutical company, that has funded the pro ban movement, wants people on their nicotine replacement products AND their anti depressants and anti anxiety drugs. This money, from Johnson and Johnson, through their partner, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, PAID for whatever "study" was done. The money goes to the local pro ban people through Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition, who gets it in grants from the Kansas Health Foundation, who gets it from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation., who has tens of millions of shares of J&J stock. I don't know how this can be made more clear. It is an advertising campaign. The Kansas Health Foundation, with their pharma grants pay for all the newspaper and radio ads. This is statewide. ALL these foundations are PRIVATE foundations, supposedly non profit. You can look up each of these groups. They all have well paid employees. Their directors are extraordinarily well paid. Sorry to bore you with facts.
Vote NO to the buying of America by pharma and insurance companies. God bless America, we need it right now!!!
April 5, 2009 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abc123 (anonymous) says...
Great story!! What if he was "healthier" didn't smoke, chew or eat fat? Maybe he ran 5 miles a day...aren't his chances then higher for being hit by a moving vehicle? There is always something risky around the corner that can harm humans. Why do you think insurance companies exist? Sounds like Grandfather worked hard and like what he liked. Hmmmm bacon sounds good all of the sudden.
April 5, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
Trying to find ONE honorable pro ban person willing to put the money where the mouth is. Buy a smoking establishment, and go non smoking. We are awaiting any, and all offers. Since you say you would be so busy, this is a golden opportunity for you. Perhaps the CAE should take their budget for one year, (including advertising) and buy a business a year. This seems a simple solution. Any business that allows smoking should decide on a price for their business, and be ready for all the offers coming. Come on ban supporters- here's the solution.
April 5, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
driveonby,
Sorry kiddo, but I wouldn't hold your breath!!!
What is so VERY sad about this whole "MESS"-is Emporia
has been a very lovely and friendly community and what
CAE with their "ego" trip has done is taken a loving and friendly community and devided. Is it no wonder Nations can't get along??
I so wish they had taken "all" that money and brought in industries for our people. Build the town up not down!!!!
April 5, 2009 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
Business owners, please list all establishments, and a phone number, so all these pro ban people can call and make an offer. Please let us know as soon as you get any reasonable offer. I'm pretty doggone excited about this. I know how hard hospitality people have to work, and I'm wanting you to get a fair price for your business. You can FINALLY get a vacation. And the new owners can kick back and rake in the non smoker dough!!!!!! No need for election!
I know you pro ban folks are loaded with money, I mean you MUST be cause you are SO much smarter than the rest of us. You can be a swank, sophisticated, (like in the movies) bar owner too! Like Humphrey Bogart, yeah!
April 5, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
Funny how I am being accused of forcing my opinion on others when I see the SAME thing from anti-ban folk. At least my opinion doesn't come with an unhealthy dose of a proven carcinogenic.
Also if you re-read my original post, I stated my grandfather died from non-smokers lung cancer MOST LIKELY due to SHS inhalation. If lungs are black and the patient has never worked in a coal mine (for example) or been around toxic chemicals yet was subjected to a high dose of SHS by his parents and co-workers, most would consider that a likely cause.
Just more proof that anti-ban folk choose to ignore...it's in the genetics and no one can say they are safe from SHS.
April 5, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
My father smoked all of his adult life and died at an early age (51) of cancer.....whoops....it was melanoma not lung cancer....sorry CAE. Me and my two brothers started smoking early and two of them still do....I having quit about six years ago. The point is, my mother, whom never smoked, lived around second hand smoke almost all of her adult life until her death last year at age 87. And sorry CAE, but she died a natural death of old age that had nothing to do with smoking or SHS. How long you will live, and what you will die of, is way to complex an issue to be explained away by a superficial ban or two. What should be much less complicated is the infringement on the rights of a business owner to allow an otherwise totally legal practice to take place in his business...and the public's right to decide weather or not they want to go there. VOTE NO!!!!!!!!!
April 5, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
gemini,
No one is accusing you of anything EXCEPT the fact, that
you are unable to BACK-UP your statements with "proof". You use so many adjectives but with little Proof!!! Give dates, times etc., PROOF!!!!
April 5, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
This is ridiculous...
I was telling a story to give another viewpoint based on Patricia Nelson's editorial. No proof is necessary in this situation but if you want to be so snide...who is to say that anyone else that has posted regarding family DID NOT die because of the effects of SHS?
No one dies directly from SHS...just like no one dies directly from AIDS. But extended exposure to SHS can set a chain of events in motion, resulting in many health problems that can lead to death.
I as well as many other ban supporters have provided countless links to the "proof" you so desire regarding the harmfulness of SHS. I suggest you give up the "proof" argument and read some of the other threads to learn about the detrimental effects of SHS.
April 5, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
gemini,
Looks like you are blowing "smoke" AGAIN! Have a good day!
BUT! you were correct when you said "no one dies from SHS"!
April 5, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
Sandman,
Good grief...if you are going to quote me, at least do it correctly; take the entire quote and not leave out "choice" words that don't fit your liking.
April 5, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
77flint (anonymous) says...
Where's Steve when you need HIM??!???!??
April 5, 2009 at 8:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ProfessorRichards (anonymous) says...
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived to be over 90 years old and smoked cigars daily. Gee, that secondhand smoke was really dangerous for him. Not! Folks, the federal agency OSHA determined that secondhand smoke in normal conditions poses no threat to health. Also, 80% of the studies on secondhand smoke find either no risk or no significant risk.
April 5, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
77flint (anonymous) says...
YY4U,
???????????
Thou shalt quote the bible without exact reference. Not all people are bible thumpers.!?!>?!
April 6, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksgram (anonymous) says...
1 Timothy 5:23 (King James Version)
23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
;>)
April 6, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
driveonby (anonymous) says...
Envy and greed are the operative words here. They produce hatred. This has been accomplished. Some relationships will never be restored. All for control of small business owners rights. Has anyone offered to buy a tavern yet, so they can make it non smoking? No? I didn't think so. They don't want the responsibility or the back and heart breaking commitement it takes to run a small business!
April 6, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )