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Should smoking be illegal?

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Should smoking be illegal?

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1904

No. First, it can't be done. Tobacco is another drug. Second, banning them would instantly turn millions of people into crooks. Look at the time we have quitting smoking. What people are going to be fined or hauled off to jail for every failed quit smoking attempt?

My Milage:

My Quit Date: 5/1/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 90
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 2,430
Amount Saved: $911.25
Life Gained:
Days: 9 Hrs: 21 Mins: 49 Seconds: 25

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1080

It was an interesting article, and I am of a similar opinion to Jim. One of the advantages of living in a democratic society is freedom to choose, whether it be good or bad choices, we still have that liberty to choose legal activities whether they be deemed either good or bad for us.

Anything that is banned or considered illegal is subsequently driven underground, where it is difficult to regulate and usually falls under the control of a criminal fraternity. Education should give people to make informed choices about these type of things and hopefully in the long run make this an unpopular or 'uncool' pastime.

My Milage:

My Quit Date: 5/10/2008
Smoke-Free Days: 446
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 11,150
Amount Saved: $6,690.00
Life Gained:
Days: 52 Hrs: 15 Mins: 58 Seconds: 46

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2778

Hey Ashley!

That was a pretty interesting article. I have mixed thoughts on the subject, having experienced the deaths in my family caused by cigarettes. No, I do not believe that outlawing tobacco is the answer. Yes, using tobacco is proven to be a potential killer, but then again, so is everyone who uses a cell phone while driving! The author pointed out that the war on drugs is not working and that is one opinion I do agree with. Banning tobacco use would just become another war that can't be won.

I do believe that education and spending even more money from the increased tobacco taxes on educating people on the nasty effects of smoking ARE working! People have choices... we don't need big brother making this choice for us!

Jim

My Milage:

My Quit Date: 3/5/2008
Smoke-Free Days: 512
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 12,800
Amount Saved: $2,112.00
Life Gained:
Days: 86 Hrs: 19 Mins: 49 Seconds: 48

Quit Meter

$47,647.50

Amount Saved
Quit Meter

Days: 1163 Hours: 7

Minutes: 39 Seconds: 32

Life Gained
Quit Meter

6353

Smoke Free Days
Quit Meter

190,590

Cigarettes Not Smoked

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11226

Members,

There was a very interesting commentary posted on the CNN.com website today. It discusses the prohibition of smoking cigarettes. It briefly outlines the arguments for and against banning smoking; it also gives a clear opinion. I recommend everyone have a read and discuss. http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/30/newman.tobacco.ban/index.html

What is your opinion?

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

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Should smoking be illegal?