Submitted by Tom Greene, Jun 15, 2007 05:04

As a pipe smoker I wish to thank you for honoring those of us who still remain. As you stated, I don't get the derisive comments about my pipe smoke as one who is smoking a cigar or cigarette. I rarely if ever smoke in public places, choosing to enjoy my pipe at home or in my car.

Societal whims have mostly led to this, but perhaps it's just as well. I don't need the social interaction that seems to be so important in today's society and enjoy the peace and quiet of my home as well as those moments of freedom from tribulation that might arise.

Pipe smokers may indeed live longer than non-smokers or others who enjoy tobacco consumption by other means because we take the time to enjoy life with all its problems and take the time to think about the issues and how we might answer or react as we light our pipe before doin so.. There is indeed a calmative effect with the time taken to just fill and light the pipe, not to mention the selection of the pipe to be enjoyed for the moment, the selection of the tobacco blend to be enjoyed as well as the "tools" so necessary for pipe enjoyment, that being tamper, lighter and such. Much like selecting a fine wine to be savored and the container or glass used.

Pipe smokers enjoy smoking pipes for the aesthetics of the pipe of choice and the taste and aroma of the tobacco smoke as well as the calmative affect of just filling and lighting the pipe of choice and the operation of tamping, relighting, etc., and not the nicotene to which so many tobacco consumers are accused of being addicted to which we're not. Again, it's like enjoying a glass of fine wine or a cup of excellent coffee or tea. A peaceful moment in time in a hectic world full of stress and hatred where we can "stand still", be quiet and be at peace. To enjoy the love of family and friends, read a good book, the nature around us

I will say this. I'm an Architect by profession and pipe smokers come from many levels of society and professions and there is no separation between us, be it social or professional standing, sex , marital status, religious beliefs or any orther division. We all are Pipe Smokers.

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