The anti-tobacco movement is just another PC trend. The simple truth is that there has never been a single medical study that actually proves that smoking causes any illness at all. It does irritate and even speed up certain illnesses, but so far they haven't proven that it actually causes any of them.

The truth of the matter is that non-smokers don't like the smell. That's what is really behind it for many, and defeating the formerly powerful tobacco lobby is prime motive for many others (and the origin of the movement).

As a former smoker I understand that people don't like the smell, but hiding their motives behind false medical data is dishonest. I can respect those who say they are against public smoking due to the odor, but have no respect at all for those who try to spout medical statistics that are patently fabricated. They're either dishonest themselves or are stupid enough to have bought into a mass of false information without having actually checked it out themselves.

I think Mason nailed it head on.

I'd rather pay social security taxes than breathe second-hand smoke. Maybe neither cause disease, but there you have it.

Liberals believe that the first is my duty while the second is a violation of my rights.

Big-L Libertarians believe that the first is a violation of my rights.

Is there any group that believes that both shouldn't happen?

In this particular question, I support the Liberals. I am against social security taxes, but I'd rather pay them than breathe the smell of cigarettes.

On the other hand, there is the Sir Humphrey argument:

Jim Hacker: "Humphrey, we are talking about 100,000 deaths a year." Sir Humphrey: "Yes, but cigarette taxes pay for a third of the cost of the National Health Service. We are saving many more lives than we otherwise could because of those smokers who voluntarily lay down their lives for their country. Smokers are national benefactors."

I've never had such a quick reaction to a blog posting before. This Joeuser must be hot. Most excellent quality of responses, without abuse. Bloody marvellous and thanks.

Phil

The statistics don't lie. 100% of smokers die. 100% of the people who breath second hand smoke die. You can't argue with the facts here.

I don't like exhaled tobacco smoke because your breath stinks, true. And smokers tend to crowd around outside buildings so that anyone entering that building will have to smell the funk. And then get cancer and die. Just look at me, I breathed in some second hand smoke once, and I will die. Living proof. But not forever.

I believe what you do on your property is your business, and if you own a business you have a right to determine whether or not you will allow smoking there.

However, I am not against the idea of asking business owners to clearly mark the entrances to their buildings denoting whether they are smoking or non smoking facilities. You DO have the right to be forewarned.