Smoking causes destruction

To the editor:

It isn't easy to stop smoking. I know, because I smoked at one time.

In early days, cigarettes sold for 10 cents a pack. Only a few brands were filtered. At one time cigarettes were so scarce people rolled their own. I did that on occasion.

After trying very hard, I stopped smoking. It sure wasn't cold turkey thought. Today I resent the smell of cigarette smoke. I truly wish the many who smoke could realize how dangerous it is to their health as well as the structural damage we see almost daily.

A number of people smoke most everywhere. Surely the are aware of the bodily harm of cigarette smoking. However, when addition takes hold it has a stronger power than the fear of nicotine. That is the sad part and hard to fight.

Recently Cape Girardeau lost one of its most valuable landmarks on North Spanish Street due to fire. The Bella Italia, an attractive and popular restaurant, suffered a complete loss due to cigarettes.

Cigarettes have been the culprit for the loss of lives as well as other damage. Still, they continue to have power over money.

The joy of smoking certainly isn't worth the bodily harm it causes nor the destruction we see by fire so often on television.

I sincerely hope and pray time will be the answer in correcting present conditions and find people smoking less and putting more value on life itself.

PAULA E. KEMPE, Cape Girardeau