THE VILLAGER THAT INSULTED ATATURK AND ATATURK'S TOLERANCE
The Tobacco Administration
had banned the sale of cigarette paper; those who smoked
smuggled tobacco and had money could obtain this paper from the
black market; however, the majority of the people, especially
the villagers, had to wrap their cigarettes with newspaper
paper.
One day, while smoking a cigarette he had prepared in this way
in a town or village coffeehouse, a citizen complained about the
bad smell and directed all good and bad deeds to those in the
first place, saying everything he could against Atatürk. Those
in the coffeehouse kept a report. The matter was transferred to
the government. Since being found guilty of crimes committed
against the President was subject to his permission and
approval, the relevant minister presented the matter to him and
asked for permission to investigate. They presented the
situation to Atatürk and said:
-We are taking it to court.
When he asked the reason, they replied:
-He insulted you, he swore at you Pasha.
Ataturk is a little upset (sad) about this situation and asks:
-What have I done to him?
Those who examine the document explain:
-The paper caught fire when he lit a cigarette he had rolled
with newspaper.
A member of parliament told Atatürk
this. Atatürk
asks the deputy:
-Have you ever smoked a cigarette wrapped
in newspaper?
The deputy replies:
-No sir.
-I smoked it when I was in Tripoli, I
know. It's a terrible thing. The man is right, I would have done
the same thing, there's no need for prosecution. Instead of
taking him to court for this, make him smoke like a human being.