Earth Truly is an Ashtray

Each day, to and from work, I witness the throwing of cigarette butts into the air, from passing vehicles, or the monster SUV's just three cars ahead of me on the expressway. It is good to know that they are utilizing the ashtrays within their own vehicles. Or have those been replaced by the DVD players, satellite radios and multiple hidden seating arrangements? It is doubtful. I find it interesting that they are willing to blacken their lungs and cause disease for their loved ones, who must inhale their second hand death, but are unwilling to let their ashtray be used for its purpose, or (God forbid) have to bask in the shame of their acts by leaving the remnants of their cancer sticks in full view. Let them throw these butts to the wind, never mind the fact that is indeed littering. Although it hardly seems enforced. Throw a McDonalds bag full of stale fries to the roadside, and you will come face to face w/ John Law, a stale cigarette butt, 30 times a day, and you will get nothing. Correction, you will get the satisfaction that you are making our roadways more decorated and visually pleasing. The white/grey/black trash you are throwing, helps to offset the dull monotone color of the pavement. Good job! I used to smoke, only on a very limited basis, mostly to ease peer pressure, or when I was having a few drinks. I do recall using my ashtray in my car on the one occassion that smoking was done there. Of course, the ashes and butts stayed there long after I retired my lighter. But, they did not find their way to the pavement @ 45 mph. This truly needs to stop. Picture the expressway, late at night. Little to no traffic. A small raccoon makes his way across the 4 lanes to the median. There he finds a small stash of half smoked cigarettes. He examines them, puzzled. He paws @ them a bit, and moves them about with his nose, trying to get a grasp on what this is. Perhaps he picks one up in his mouth, simply to use his sense of taste this time. Maybe he chokes, maybe he swallows it. Maybe he ingests this nicotine and tar and becomes addicted. Perhaps he becomes violenty ill and dies on the spot. Or, maybe he returns home to his den, to his young ones, where he spreads the word on the joys of nicotine and tar, and tells the tale of how concerned his earthly brethren are, for their safety and well being. You know it could happen. So use the ashtray, not the pavement, grassy knolls or lakes and rivers. Earth is not an ashtray, treat her with respect. The raccoon would want it.