Just think about this...

[Biritix]

One thing that has become clear to me recently is that people cannot point the blame of a degrading society on one group or habit. Who is to say that a regular smoker costs society more than someone who drinks regularily? Or the person who drives their SUV to the corner store every day to get groceries?

The fact that cigarettes and smokers are demonised is wrong - a person is entitled to use any LEGAL product in the way that it is designed to be used. The fact that smoking can cause cancer and other terminial illnesses to the smoker is irrelevant. The 'evidence' of ETS is limited at best and realistically would have such a limited affect on people in normal circumstances that it is unmeasurable.

So the risk is limited to the person who has chosen to smoke. It is ludicrous to believe that anyone in this society does not know the risk of smoking to health so there is even less reason to demonise these people. There is no reason that the warnings on a cigarette packet should be any worse than the warning on a bottle of vodka - both have risks that the user understands and is aware of.

What I can see is the we all need to have some courtesy for one another, the smokers should be mindful of where they smoke (since many people do not like the smell) and non smokers should allow smokers to enjoy the habit they have chosen.

And as a note, other than the occasional puff - I don't smoke.

 

[If Not For Grace]

other than the occasional puff

That's how I got started-I was a social smoker for 3-4 years--then like any other habit It got to be more and more. Now I'm hooked--bad.....

Give up the occasional puff--now..No Good comes from it. Don't end up like me, struggling...

 

[Evie1980]

True smoking is no better or worse than any other of the other things listed and perhaps many other things in the world but that doesn't make it right, wholesome and good. Just because I don't drink doesn't mean I should smoke. Just because I don't steal, doesn't mean I should lie.

Smoking is a problem - I was a regular smoker (or should I say a regular quitter?) for many years. I now can honestly say that I have been smoke free for over a year. It was not easy to do and would recommend to all people - don't start. You are better off not doing it in the first place!