Does Tooth Loss, Gum Disease, and Cancer Sound ‘Satisfying’ To You?

Our lives are filled with signs warning of danger and possible harm and hazards. Most often these warnings are for our own good and  protection. Each time we see a warning sign, or read the warning on a product label we are compelled  to make a decision to either heed the warning, or ignore it. Sometimes this is a life or death decision - and sometimes it is not.  We see signs that warn us the fine will be doubled if we speed through a construction zone. There is the warning on some medicine labels that advise us to not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking a particular medication, or not to mix it with alcohol. Most of us have seen the sign just east of Palisade that warns of an  upcoming 55 mph curve. The implied warning states that your best chance of successfully navigating the curve is to reduce your speed down to somewhere around 55 mph. Then there's this sign I saw the other day while pumping gas. It was so alarming it nearly jumped out and bit me on the ear.

This sign advertising chewing tobacco contained not one, but two warning indications which seemed so ironic to me, even though I know it is required by law. It definitely sends a mixed message. "Hey, you! Come buy this product - we've been providing satisfaction since 1822!"  And at the same time you have the required warnings...."sure, buy this product but there's a good chance you will experience gum disease and tooth loss. Oh, and by the way, our product is known to cause mouth cancer, but, please buy our product anyway - the health industry needs (wants)  your money." That sounds like real satisfaction to me, he says, with a twinge of sarcasm in his voice.

Never mind that I don't personally understand the appeal of having a wad of tobacco in my mouth. And never mind  that I can't understand how a guy could think for a moment that his gal would have any desire to kiss him with that stuff dribbling out his mouth, or having  had it in there recently. That is another warning that should be on the label. WARNING: Consuming this product is likely to reduce kissing." But, the one thing that I truly do not understand is how the "satisfaction" that is implied on the label can be so great that it would be worth ignoring the warnings that are spelled out pretty explicitly. And I am amazed at the number of people who engage in this particular behavior, and do choose to completely ignore the warnings, which, by the way,  are based on medical evidence. Are you kidding me? You WANT tooth loss, gum disease, and/or cancer?

I already worry about losing my teeth some day when I get older,  and with cancer rampant in my family history, the last thing I need is something "satisfying" to  greatly increase the chances of  any of these events to occur. You can feel free to do what you want, but for me, I'm going to look for "satisfaction" some where else. This is one warning label who's message I am receiving loud and clear.