Kathy

Growing up, I liked the feet…which I only got in those early days because my grand Aunt kept chickens and we would slaughter the chicken ourselves. The whole bird was sectioned, then browned, then braised to a deep brown colour with lots of gravy. I never liked the meatier parts, whereas my uncle would only eat the breast meat. Eating meat definitely has to do with ideas of class and masculinity….we have so many taboos about it. Real men eat meat, poor people eat grain, and less meatier parts of animals….then they discover that thepeasants don't die of cancer, heart disease or diabetes the way the rich, macho meat, milk and egg eaters do….

“Still, all addictions serve to suppress the difficult emotions that we are afraid to feel.'

“Obama’s shown that he can channel his emotions to powerful persuasion. I’d challenge him the next time he wants a cigarette to pause and truly experience whatever it is he’s trying to get away from. The emotions that emerge may just be able to make the difference that will improve the lives of millions if he can stay clear-headed.”

I used to smoke 3 packs of cigarettes per day, that's right you read it right., 3 packs per day when I was in nursing school, of all places. The stress level was a bitch. I was angry, fearful, and testy because I had to work tripple hard to make be in the top of my class.

Smoking does mask emotions, although temporarily. 20 years ago, I quit cold turkey. One day I went to an aerobics class and nearly died after the first 10 minutes. I decided the exercise would keep me alive longer for my 2 daughters than the smokes. I didn't buy them, and therefore, I didn't smoke.

It was tough going for a while, and I nearly drove everyone around me crazy, but I chose healthy living.

It's got to be extremely challenging for PBO, but I know he can do it. He's got the will and preserverance, and I'd challenge him to keep a picture of Sasha and Malia in his minds eye, to think of them and Michelle every time he gets the urge to light up.

I used to smoke – quit when I got pregnant. I had to stop drinking coffee too. I couldn't drink coffee for over 2 years without jonesin' for a cig. I haven't smoked in 25+ years and every ONCE in awhile I smell a cigarette and for a fast second, I want one. I still love the smell of pipe tobacco and those tiny cherry cigars. It's a tough habit. It's a disgusting habit. In fact – just one more thing – when I met my husband who didn't smoke, I cut down from about a pack per day to half-pack, 'cuz all I could think was about my breath and it must 'taste' to him to kiss me.

and there u have it. imagine if the so-called journalist who mentioned his smoking had simply approached the topic in this way. it would likely have taken the press conference to a wholly different level.