Smokes on a Plane

Passengers on a United flight operated by Continental Airlines made an unexpected stop in San Antonio last night. That came after a man on the flight apparently couldn't make it the whole way to California without a cigarette. The flight had to be diverted on Tuesday evening because of the unruly passenger who reportedly lit a cigarette in the cabin and refused to put it out, then fought with a flight attendant. There were few details on the man's identity, but KHOU TV of Houston says the FBI took him into custody before Flight 1287 resumed its journey to the airport in Ontario, California. It's a good thing the airline has such a heavy-handed shoulder to cry on, because smoking is just wrong. It's even worse on a plane because the other passengers inside the pressurised cabin will be bothered by the second-hand smoke. There is just no need for tobacco. It's the one crop that should never have been brought back to Europe, because that filthy habit is now a worldwide issue. Marijuana, although illegal, would be a way better substitute for tobacco.