Smoking at the American Legion … a fictional account of what could have been
To the editor:
The American Legion Post 136 has changed the smoking policy to that of a non-smoking establishment while inside the post. This new policy is affective immediately and a large patio, adjacent to the Legion, is still available for the enjoyment and use of the smoking members.
As is the history of Post 136, and in an effort to accommodate all members of the post with the changes now in affect, extensive changes will be made to the Legion starting this summer. Fresh paint and some updating with the decor inside the post will brighten the inside atmosphere. The outside patio will take on a fresh new tiki affect and a misting system will be installed for our warm weather days. Televisions will also be added. Weather curtains will be in place for cooler, windy days, along with free-standing heaters. The PA system will be audible to all those sitting outside, so that everyone can enjoy the music as well as the games.
An added convenience will be having an outside server available for food and beverages from 11 to 2 and again from 4 to 7 (or as needed) for the convenience and pleasure of those seated outside. During larger functions, a portable bar will be set up on the patio as well and an additional dance floor is also being considered. We are also introducing some exciting menu changes which have yet to be decided. In short, in keeping with the changing times of our country and the state of Florida, Post 136 is going to take on a whole new look and atmosphere, offering one of the nicest open smoking areas on the island.
It is the hope, that with the proposed new changes, our post will remain the friendliest and most accommodating to all our island members, winter members, and visitors.
Smoking at the American
Legion the realty
Yes, the above is what COULD have been or MIGHT have been had the issue of smoking been handled with integrity and wisdom. Instead, the issue has turned many Legion members into a group of bickering children with behavior and attitudes reminiscent of grade school, instead of respected Veterans that have proudly served our country with honor and integrity. There is still not a definitive ruling with regard to smoking at the Legion but It appears the membership is fracturing and that the post itself is in danger of becoming a source of embarrassment instead of pride. How very sad it is to watch this happening. Who would have thought that anything as stupid as a cigarette could cause such havoc?
As a member of the auxiliary, and also a smoker, I have enjoyed all that the Legion offers, as well as being able to smoke at the bar, a delicious but very dated and old-fashioned ritual from the past. The real enjoyment however, has ALWAYS been the members and the staff. I personally have not had a problem with being asked to smoke outside and have quite enjoyed it,especially knowing I am not affecting anyone who is inside the post. Face it smokers, when we light up we wonder who we are offending. It comes with the times as well as the habit. With the change to a non-smoking post, I have enjoyed seeing new faces but at the same time have missed the faces of many of our smoking members, who have chosen now to take themselves and their habit elsewhere. Leaving is their choice, but I do find it quite interesting that many of our non-smoking members and friends have always come to the Legion and put up with the smokers because they enjoyed the friendship of the membership but also, many potential members have just stayed away. On the other hand, it appears that the smokers, at least many of them, have just chosen to leave, with their pack of cigarettes attached to their hip.
If you ask me, stepping out for a puff is really not such a big sacrifice perhaps because I respect and understand the offensive issues as well as the health issues that smoking creates in our society. Society and government have brought many changes to our country over the last two decades, and while I do not agree with all the changes beings thrust upon us, I do have the wisdom, compassion and education to understand that smoking is bad for my health as well as yours and can be quite offensive to many.
Will I quit smoking? No promises. In the meantime, I will smoke on the privacy of my back porch or in designated areas. Should smoking be allowed again inside the Legion, this smoker will still head outside for a puff. I am really quite used to it. The times they are a changing and have been for quite some time.
Society demands that we drink responsibly and when we don’t, we pay the price. Society has passed laws that we don’t text and drive, for our own safety as well as the safety of others. When we don’t, we or others can pay the price. Society is also demanding that we be responsible for our habit of smoking and its affect on others. I do believe any smoker has the right to smoke, and that, of course, includes our smoking veterans, however, I sincerely doubt there are very many Legions in other parts of the country that allow smoking anywhere on their premises. My bet would be that those veterans are quite used to the changing times and have not been catered to through loop holes in the laws.
There will never be a solution that makes everyone happy in this situation however, I applaud our Legion for caring about our smoking members and that a comfortable place is provided for them. I hate to think that a cigarette is more important than the good that our Legion has stood for or that a cigarette is more important than people, friendship and memories. I dare say there is not one amongst us who can deny that our habit is a nasty one. To my fellow smoking members, I love you, and respect your own feelings but seriously, let’s get with the times and let’s once again work together not only for friendship and the benefit of a good Legion, but as always for God and country.
Melissa Meyers
Auxiliary member, Post 136