On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 15:52:22 +0000, Calif Bill wrote:


Even if smoking is deadly, it is a free choice item. I can and do enjoy it
being banned from the workplace and bars and dining establishments here in
California. But this is supposed to be a free country. If you want to
smoke in your house, or car, you should be able to. Ballot measure this
election to put a $2.60 tax per pack of ciggies. F'n do gooders. They say
it will cut smoking, and 80% will go to hospitals for payment of healthcare
costs. It is still some fanatic group enforcing their mores on another
group. Short Wave is a health care basket case from what I understand, but
it is his choice to smoke. I used to race cars, also can be unhealthy, but
it is still an action of free (well expensive) choice.

While I agree in principle, there are costs, and they should be bore by
those involved. Disregarding lost productivity, it has been estimated
$3.45 per pack, is spent on smoking related medical costs. Personally,
that ballot measure seems pretty fair.

http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/Media/pressrel/r020412.htm