If you look at Warren's 2,870+ other posts, I think one would have to be pretty dense to think that he doesn't really enjoy his pipes, and it is quite clear why he participates in the forums. He brings a great wiley outback sort of ruggedness to the hobby, and I look forward to his posts. He is very knowledgeable on many things pipe related and not. Everything he has said in this thread rings true to my ears (or eyes), and I see no reason why we cannot accept the truth of the dangers of smoking and still relish in this hobby. It makes less sense to me to throw off all of medical science as bunk and smoke away thinking this is all pure dandelions and unicorn farts. And, when talking to people about our hobby that may be interested it is pure idiocy not to mention risks. When people come into the Briary as I am setting there enjoying my pipes, the staff or owner doesn't throw off all of medical science and tell them that there is no risk "smoke up, it's totally good for you". That would be pure neglect and fraud. One can have the opinion that science is bunk, but you still have to accept that "it" is out there.
And, with my own kids, I'd rather them take up pipes than those evil life sucking cigarettes. If I had my way totally, they would never even get involved with tobacco of any sort. Heck in growing up in a tobacco growing family, it was still a rump skinning sin to get caught smoking as a kid. My dad beat the crap out of me several times for smoking... with his cigarette hanging onto his fingers as he did and a field of tobacco behind the barn. But, as I weigh cigs verses pipes, if my kids were unfortunately going to be hell bent on smoking, I'd rather it be pipes, because of at least a weighed lesser risk. But, I still acknowledge the risks. It would foolish and negligent not to.
But, as we all know from our own experiences, kids make poor choices. I did on many levels. This is to be expected. So, I see no reason to at least persuade them into at least a lesser risk. If you are going to dance with the devil, choose the safest dance and learn all of the steps. (Ehhh, not sure of that's the best analogy, ha ha)
And, with my own kids, I'd rather them take up pipes than those evil life sucking cigarettes. If I had my way totally, they would never even get involved with tobacco of any sort. Heck in growing up in a tobacco growing family, it was still a rump skinning sin to get caught smoking as a kid. My dad beat the crap out of me several times for smoking... with his cigarette hanging onto his fingers as he did and a field of tobacco behind the barn. But, as I weigh cigs verses pipes, if my kids were unfortunately going to be hell bent on smoking, I'd rather it be pipes, because of at least a weighed lesser risk. But, I still acknowledge the risks. It would foolish and negligent not to.
But, as we all know from our own experiences, kids make poor choices. I did on many levels. This is to be expected. So, I see no reason to at least persuade them into at least a lesser risk. If you are going to dance with the devil, choose the safest dance and learn all of the steps. (Ehhh, not sure of that's the best analogy, ha ha)