The New York Post's Sunday, August 18 edition, calls Joe Cherner, president of SmokeFree Educational Services, "the world's most annoying human," and "anti-smoking Nazi." 

 

"Although I'd rather receive compliments," responds Mr.Cherner, "the fact that it comes from the Post does soften the blow."

 

Fifteen years ago, Joe Cherner gave up a multi-million dollar a year job on Wall Street to fight the tobacco cartel.  For 15 years, he has fought without asking for or receiving any type of compensation.  The volunteer organization he founded, SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc., is the largest smokefree advocacy group in the country, with more than 100,000 advocates.

 

When asked to explain why he got involved, Cherner explains, "Tobacco addiction is the greatest cause of disease and death in our society, killing more than 400,000 Americans each year.  One in every five deaths is attributed to tobacco addiction.  In addition, secondhand smoke kills more than 50,000 innocent victims each year.  On top of all the death and disease," Cherner continues, "the tobacco cartel knows that it must recruit children to stay in business.  Virtually no adult ever starts smoking.  The only adults who smoke are children who couldn't quit when they grew up."

 

"I totally support a person's right to smoke," says Cherner, "but nobody should have the right to make another person sick.  And that's what secondhand smoke does."  Cherner adds, "If you want to smoke 5 packs a day, more power to you.  But that's your problem.  Don't make it mine."

 

"ALL workers (including office, restaurant, bar, bingo, bowling, and nightclub workers) deserve a safe, healthy, smokefree work environment.  No one should have to breathe tobacco smoke pollution to hold a job, because it causes cancer and respiratory disease.  Restaurant workers and bar workers are not bad people.  They should have as much right to a smokefree environment as everyone else."

 

Ironically, legendary New York Post columnist Neal Travis died a painful death last week from smoking.  According to the Post, his family requested no flowers and asked instead that donations be made to a cancer charity.  "I guess that would include SmokeFree Educational Services," remarks Cherner.  "What a shame his colleagues are still defending the companies that killed him."

 

Letters in support of smokefree issues can be sent by going to www.smokefree.org

 

 

Joseph W. Cherner, President
SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc.
http://www.smokefree.org

 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."       Margaret Mead