From: "Tom Brooks" <tomwbp@home.com>
To: "baloon post hq" <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: [clowns] Smokin' Clowns!
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 15:57:25 -0500

Greetings all!  I am intrigued by the comments I have seen.
It would seem to me that the issue is not smoking, but the proper
presentation of the clown character.
There are many things which are unbecoming as a clown...smoking in public is
just one of the possibilities.
One would also have to include the language I have heard from clowns,
drinking, an unlaundered costume...or many others.
These clowns do a disservice to all of us.
In regards to smoking...I am a smoker, and I have smoked in my costume(in
private).
When I have done so, it is in a totally safe environment with no onlookers.
I smoke very little and always freshen my breath and overall appearance
before returning to the public view.
I would be willing to assure you, that 99% of all people(including the
clowns I have worked with), have no idea that I smoke.
I take my clowning very seriously(as far as a clown can...lol), and always
make a professional appearance in all aspects.
I agree totally that smokers breath or watching a clown act improperly in
public is terrible.
I would hope that all of us remember the eyes that are looking at us, and
the thoughts we can encourage by our actions.
Thanks
Tom "Checkers" Brooks