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jsalsb · 11-26-2004, 11:33 AM

Is smoking a right? Maybe it is. But if you live in a modern welfare state, which most of us do - Australia, Canada, USA, east and western Europe, etc. - then we are ALL paying for your deteriorating health and the astronomical health care costs that must be absorbed by the system (and therefore the taxpayers!). One US (CDC) study showed that smokers cost the healthcare system nearly $200,000 more over the span of their life than non-smokers.

Yes, smokers have the right to smoke. But only if they do not infringe on others' right to not be affected by it. And that includes financially, doesn't it?

(PS no offence intended! I understand - life is one big nic-fit for me as I try to not smoke!)

11-26-2004, 11:33 AM	#17
jsalsb Elminster Join Date: March 5, 2001 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Age: 57 Posts: 428	Is smoking a right? Maybe it is. But if you live in a modern welfare state, which most of us do - Australia, Canada, USA, east and western Europe, etc. - then we are ALL paying for your deteriorating health and the astronomical health care costs that must be absorbed by the system (and therefore the taxpayers!). One US (CDC) study showed that smokers cost the healthcare system nearly $200,000 more over the span of their life than non-smokers. Yes, smokers have the right to smoke. But only if they do not infringe on others' right to not be affected by it. And that includes financially, doesn't it? (PS no offence intended! I understand - life is one big nic-fit for me as I try to not smoke!) __________________ Jon<br />---<br /> [img]\"http://www.ksdpp.mcgill.ca/js/jon-avatar-me-iw-tr.gif\" alt=\" - \" /><br />\"When the world is running down, you make the best of what\'s still around.\"