One of the qualities that has been so endearing and a source of deep personal comfort in tenuous times is the president, Barack Obama he is such a regular guy — relatable, personable, humble and human. And of course there’s the fact that he is a black man who has demonstrated profound sensitivity to and understanding of life as an African American in this country. I’m delighted that our commander in chief so readily leads by example and encourages us to lead exemplary Iives. So I have followed him closely and adhered to his mandates for change and health care reform.
Now he’s quit smoking and I like so many other smokers find myself a little perplexed and unsure of the next move. I’d like to jump on that band wagon just like I did his political band wagon and ride it right into non-smoker nirvana. I have been able after all, to identify with the president’s cravings and his nasty little habit, and even make excuses for my lack of zeal for quitting, since he still smoked too.
I have imagined him slipping out of that row of French doors that lead to the Rose Garden for a drag on a ‘square.’ And who could begrudge him if he did. The pressures of that job dwarf those of every American — smoker or not.
And although I have been more than contemplating quitting, I may have to step up my efforts if I am to keep pace with my role model and the commander in chief.
It’s a tough habit to break and even president Obama admits as much. “Once you’ve gone down this path, then it’s something you continually struggle with,” he said in a White House press conference.
Since Obama has kicked his habit and indirectly thrown down the gauntlet to challenge the rest of us smokers to do the same. My commitment to quit is galvanized and I’ll reinforce my efforts. The U.S. Surgeon General’s goal is to decrease the percentage of Americans who smoke to 12 percent. So if your ready to follow the president’s lead and kick the smoking habit, check in at rollingout. com and let us know how it’s going. Remember his campaign slogan ‘Yes We Can?’–roz edward
