The Saddest Day..............

It was the worst day of my life.... the day it all came crashing down.........

I was meeting RJ, the CEO of the company I worked for over lunch. It started out like most of our typical lunches (in the smoking section of course) where I would bring my ideas to the table and he basically would give approval. I had done a lot for RJ and his company- thanks to me, his flagship brand was hip again and was in the number #3 position. It was only a matter of time before we defeated our evil enemy "P. Morris" and trounced his overrated "M" brand in the marketplace.

"Hey, RJ," I started as I lit up a Camel, "You know that survey which shows that my face is more recognized than anyone except Ronald McDonald among kids ? Well, I've got an idea- if we can't beat them, let's join them. We can put Camel in Happy Meals. Joe Camel plush toys, starter packs, adult-proof lighters, Joe Camel coloring books. It'll be great ! We can introduce our brand to a whole new generation !"

"Joe," said RJ taking a hit off of his Winston, "We need to talk."

"About what?" I asked puzzled.

"Well, we're dropping you. It's over. The public thinks we're using you to attract children to smoking. The pressure has increased too much. We have to drop you."

"Well," said I indignant, "Of course- who the fuck else are we going to market to ? 70 year old ladies with oxygen tanks or iron lungs ? Of course we're attracting children- just like we've always done!"

"Well," said RJ, "It's a new world out there. Political correctness and all. So I guess this is goodbye."

So I left with a tear in my eye. RJ had it right when he said he had been "using me" to attract children. Thanks to me Camel had gone from being an old man's smoke to being hip again. If he'd given me a chance, I'd have kicked those "M" guys ass, but I would never get that chance.......