We’re all used to the drill now when celebrities or prominent people screw up: they drop out of sight for a couple of days and then call a press conference where they remorsefully confess what everyone already knows, reference a supposedly mitigating circumstance from their past, plead for understanding and forgiveness and usually mention they are entering rehab. There’s probably even a website somewhere with form-letter speeches where you simply fill in the blanks based on your indiscretions (and wouldn’t this make a great “Mad Libs” parlor game?).
I’ve just read a report that follows this now tried and true format — but for a brand new and unexpected offense. It wasn’t one of your typical “I’m sorry if anyone was offended by my drunken rantings/vehicular homicide/botched joke/lack of underwear error in judgment” spiels, but for a new heinous offense on the social radar: smoking.
As reported here earlier, last year Scotland instituted a nation-wide smoking ban in public places, including pubs and offices. Recently a Scottish government official was caught smoking at his desk, having puffed three coffin nails during a magazine interview. Jim McCabe, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, then had to apologize for the incident and vow that it would not happen again.
McCabe told the BBC: “I have been a smoker since my mid-teens and, as smokers across the country will understand, it is an extremely difficult habit to give up, even with the wealth of support that is available.
“As I have been unable, so far, to give up the habit, I do as a matter of practice leave the council building when having a cigarette.
“I am currently attending a smoking cessation clinic, and I hope this will have the desired results.”
He added: “I accept that I was in the wrong on this occasion and I apologise.”
The story didn’t mention whether or not the owner of the council building where the violation occurred would, like Scottish pub owners, face a large fine for allowing someone to flout the law on the premises.
How long do you think it will be before some celebrity tearfully appears on television confessing to, in a moment of weakness, eating a Big Mac?
Well…Now that you have brought it up, I have to publicly confess that ***sniff*** I had a double quarter pounder today. Yes, a #4. I did get a Diet Coke however.
Oh wait…I’m not a celebrity? I’m just one of the unwashed, and I dare say, overweight masses?
Never mind.
Hello All,
I was reading around some of the posts here and I found interesting things that you guys talk about, I just made a blog about quitting smoking resources and ideas that you might want to check out.
If someone is interested in this topic just go to; http://endthehabitnow.blogspot.com and let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance.