[cmitch]

Asking us cigar proponents if the doc is right or wrong is like asking a preacher if his religion is the right one.

My PERSONAL opinion is that cigars are less harmful than cigarettes. But, all things must be done in moderation. I'm a recreational cigar smoker. I smoke 2 to 3 nights a week. I don't have to have them but I enjoy them. I know those who have a cigar in their hand every where they go. We're talking 6 to 8 per day. These guys spend THOUSANDS on cigars. I don't. I'm 5 to 8 sticks a week. The most I've ever smoked in one day was 8. When I play poker, I generally herf 3 that night. Last night, I had one. Tonight, I will smoke 2.

My point is, everyone must gauge their risk accordingly. I'm probably a low risk cigar smoker. Inevitably, I inhale smoke from my exhale or others who exhale. It's not exactly a clean habit but I think it is much better than cigarettes.

I have never known one person who has gotten cancer and died from cigar smoking. But many of my friends and family have gotten cancer from cigarettes and died. I know a man who was my chemistry teacher and he smoked a pipe every day and inhaled. He's 84 and still kicking. George Burns lived to be 99 and he was a heavy cigar user.

I think it would be foolish to think that cigar smoking is 'riskless'. However, I think it is 'less risky' than cigarettes, chewing and dipping.