Today Lance spoke at the Smoke Free Texas press conference on the steps at the Texas Capital.
To learn more about the press conference, please read the press release.
Lance's Smoke Free Texas Press Conference
January 29th, 2009
2 Comments
Governor Lance Armstrong…has a certain ring to it!!
Dear Mr. Armstrong,
I’ve followed your career since before your 7 Tour de France wins. I was so proud of all your cycling accomplishments and think that it is wonderful that you established the foundation and have gained support and contributions from all over the world.
However, I oppose getting the government involved either by contributions of public monies or by legislative action.
FYI: I am an ex-smoker, a disabled veteran and have had surgery to remove two tumors. But I still cannot accept that we need more laws to regulate our personal lives.
I do not intend to demean cancer patients or anyone who supports research to seek more effective treatments. I believe anyone should be able to support any charitable operation they so desire. My wife has ITP and there is no great outpouring of support for research into its causes or treatment. She is not allowed to fly and has to avoid crowds so as not to catch even a cold, since her treatment reduces her immune system leaving her vulnerable to even the slightest infection.
I can understand your personal commitment to your cause, and I applaud you for it. All I ask is for you to be very careful about who you ask for assistance. New laws should not be enacted, no matter how well-meaning, without considering the long-term effect. Prohibition of alcohol did not work and it was certainly not a product that extended human life expectancy. Drunk drivers today continue to kill and maim innocent victims but I don’t hear a great hue and cry to ban alcohol. Why pick on cigarettes? Oh, I know they are not good for you but they are still a legal product. Why can’t we leave the smokers alone? I could probably come up with a list of hundreds of items that are, or could be, dangerous if misused, from ballpoint pens to leaf blowers to cars. No one’s proposing to ban them yet, as far as I know. But tomorrow … who knows.
I’ve been driving since 1956 and I have never been run off the road by a smoker – but I can’t say the same for the drinkers.
Finally, we’ll be rooting for you in California, and the Giro (if you are still planning on that one) and of course The Tour. I lived near La Rochelle for 18 months in the ’50s and found the French generally to be a rude bunch. Would absolutely love to see you take an 8th yellow. How ever it works out we will remain your ardent fans.
Respectfully yours,
Wesley Hedges
San Antonio