The Anti Smoking Debate Perspective

Just a quick post as the temperature rises and it's more enjoyable to be outside.

The argument the various health groups use to justify erosion of personal choice regarding smoking in public is based on bad data. Ideally, that should be enough to simply get them to shut the hell up. It doesn't. The underpinnings of the main secondary argument is what should be looked at.

What I hear from supporters of an outright ban is a dangerous thread that goes a little like this: Smokers are responsible for their health problems, and therefore refusal of treatment is allowable. This argument doesn't take into account the subsidization of health care by cigarette taxes that go beyond whatever burden smokers have on the system. They also, oddly enough, don't call for a ban on cigarettes, as they understand that the government cannot afford to lose the revenue stream.

The problem I have with this thinking is that it has started to creep into other health issues. The overweight are the next target. That means a possible tax on junk food. It's no big deal to me, as junk food isn't a major part of my lifestyle. What happens when no one really gets slimmer? We refuse them treatment as well. Essentially, we won't need a health care system at all, as those most in need of it will not be allowed to use it.

I wonder, though, if these health groups would demand the same kind of accountability from those suffering with HIV/AIDS? It meets the criteria. After all, in many cases, it's a burden on the health care system brought about by irresponsible behaviour. If the initial argument is accepted as true, then this one must be accepted as well.

What if someone is greviously injured in a traffic accident based on willful neglect? You know, a jaywaker gets hit by a car or some fellow is paralyzed because he didn't wear is seatbelt? Acceptance of a smokers are to blame mentality leads to the pondering of such things.

If you are intent on denying me health care simply because I smoke, I certainly hope you aren't expecting me to pay a 300% tax on my cigarettes.