Comments on: Stogie Guys Friday Sampler CX

By: Jon N.

Jon N. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:28:42 +0000

I think the media need to declare a ten-year moratorium on use of the word “epidemic” in nonmedical context. We have our drug “epidemics,” our tobacco “epidemics,” our drunk-driving “epidemics,” our gang violence “epidemics,” our illiteracy “epidemics,” and so forth. It’s getting a little silly at this point. Come up with a more suitable and less hysterical word for nonmedical problems. “Epidemic” has a very specific meaning, and that meaning is being lost or diluted through widespread misuse. In fact, we might even say we’ve got an epidemic epidemic on our hands.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:24:00 +0000

@Jon N.

I agree that it insults disease sufferers. People choose to smoke. People don’t choose to get multiple sclerosis.

Plus, it’s doesn’t spread like an epidemic. If I smoke a cigar in a room full of non smokers, they’re not going to suddenly rip through a pack of cigarettes the next morning.

Smoking: The non-contagious epidemic.

By: Jon N.

Jon N. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:58:48 +0000

“Tobacco epidemic” and “tobacco control” are phrases that really don’t sit well with me. Trying to couch tobacco in the phraseology of infectious disease is an insult to both tobacco smokers and actual disease sufferers.

Tobacco is a legal consumer product that people freely choose to smoke. It’s a pretty far cry from an “epidemic,” or from an infection or outbreak requiring “control.”

By: dmjones

dmjones — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:04:56 +0000

“Global tobacco epidemic?” I think it’s about time someone start a crusade against liberal fascist do-gooders who have too much money and way too much time on their hands!