Is it a choice or is a person born that way? That is a question relating to insurance for this minority group. If it is a choice, are higher insurance rates justified?

By the way, I am talking about cigarette smokers. They are an underrepresented minority at Iowa State, and I am a part of them.

I have been told by various religious groups that my behavior is wrong. It is who I am. I can’t help it. Other groups inform me that my behavior is immoral and makes others sick. It also leads to a reduced life span. However, isn’t that my business?

In fact, due to a reduced life span, I need insurance at a cheaper rate. I would stop if I could, but I will always have this desire. Some people tell me they do not want to be around people like me. That makes me sad. I can’t help the way I am. I am a nice enough person. I do not force others to participate in my actions.

I was standing in the free speech area in front of the library, outside minding my own business, when a young lady told me she doesn’t like my kind. She then told me to go away because I was making her physically ill.

I tried to explain that being 10 feet away I could not possibly make her ill, but she wouldn’t hear it, so I moved on.

I feel that she committed a hate crime against me. I could see the hate in her eyes. There are hate groups on the Internet that criticize what I do daily. People like that try to make us be ashamed of who we are. It is working. Our group is ashamed and we try to hide it from others. However, others still find out and some even make nasty comments.

When the multicultural center is built, it is my hope that there will be a place where others like me can discuss issues related to what we are — smokers. We need a place to find acceptance.

Benjamin T. Rittgers

Computer Science

Senior