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Opinion

Smoke doesn't extinguish Obama's fire

Reid Midgett 
Opinion Columnist 

He is young, captivating and charming -- perfectly suited to cater to a young audience, a demographic that has historically been turned off from the world of politics. Much of America's young people choose to turn their backs on leaders who seem to have turned their backs on them a long time ago. Yet there's a break in the clouds, a shining light that bathes the youth of the United States in a warm glow of democracy and change. Barack Obama has arrived to save America.

Despite rumors of being taught in a Muslim school as a child -- which is irrelevant because politicians should not be judged by religious views -- being a minority and failed attempts to quietly enter the race for the Democratic candidacy, Obama has risen up as a rock star in politics. His charisma and his personality carry him far better than the serious determination of Hillary Clinton and make the other candidates completely forgettable. This popularity is a testament to his appeal to the public. 

However, Obama is not what he seems. He has a secret vice, one that could potentially destroy the framework of America and dissolve the idea of democracy itself. Obama is a smoker.

Yes, this charming and charismatic political hero has a dark side, one covered in tar and cigarette smoke and myriad other chemicals the surgeon general has warned about. Obama has refused to recognize the need to quit for the sake of the presidential race, a decision that could potentially destroy his positive image. 

One imagines a world in which the horizon is filled with smoke and factories, churning out cigarettes in order to satisfy President Obama's never-ending desire for nicotine. Yes, this will be the state of America if Obama the smoker succeeds.

In reality, cigarettes have nothing to do with political policy. So Obama smokes. So do about 25 percent of Americans, according to the World Health Organization. The fact he is getting ridiculed because of a personal habit -- though it may be unhealthy -- is absurd. Critics of Obama's habit should be just as angry at the past presidents who drank alcohol. 

One cannot deny a person the right to a chance for greatness just because he or she smokes, drinks or gambles occasionally. 

Obama is the symbol of a new beginning in this now-stale government. He has piqued the interest of those with once apathetic attitudes, the young people who should be more involved in our government. It is time to take this country from the aged and stubborn and give it to the young and hopeful. They may have cigarettes dangling from their lips, but at least the words that escape those lips will give voice to the youth of this country.

Midgett, a communication junior, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu