Should smoking cigarettes and cigars be illegal in the USA?

Question

Second-hand smoke kills but one has to be exposed to it over a long period of time. When I was growing up I was around a smoker and I'm 30 now with no signs of cancer. Although, I do smoke now. I admit it's a filthy habit and one that makes things stink horribly. It's not good for my body either. But to outlaw smoking will put tobacco farmers out of business. Alcohol isn't especially healthy either so why keep that legal when people do stupid crap when intoxicated like get behind the wheel and kill others? If alcohol destroys brain cells and is man-made then why can't marijuana be legal since it grows in mother earth? Ever around a woman with too much perfume on or someone who smells like they just got done making love to a skunk? In America freedom of choice is a right that we have. Why are car companies making the seats bigger to accomodate overweight people? Should fast food joints be shut down for selling grease products that can lead to health problems? Answer away!

Answer 1

Making cigarettes illegal is like banning alcohol from bars, women from tanning beds, or an individual with thier license from driving. Stupid.

Answer 2

I don't favor changing the current laws permitting tobacco and alcohol use and prohibiting certain illegal drugs. I think we could enforce these laws more intelligently than we do.

I am a former smoker, having quit in 1971 after about 12 years of smoking. I don't like the habit, don't like to be around it, but I understand what drives people to smoke. Second-hand smoke kills, but more relevantly, it also irritates eyes, nasal passages, and stains clothing and furniture. It would be very hard to outlaw it completely.

I generally favor the current course of restricting its use to certain areas.

I would not favor legalizing marijuana because its smoke is as bad as or worse than tobacco. It might make sense to find another way to safely ingest the chemicals in marijuana that cause the effects people enjoy, but--again--this should be studied pretty thoroughly before that change is made.

The law generally can't do a whole lot to protect us from ourselves. It is up to us to protect ourselves. The law can and should protect people from the actions of other people, however, and a serious enforcement effort makes far more sense than more new laws.

Answer 3

No. I don't smoke or do drugs. However, I believe that both should be legal. Just think of the black market & law inforcment issues we would have if tabaco products were illegal. Just think of all the lifes, money & time we are wasting on the drug war. Legalize it treat & educate people to cut down on demand. Take the profit out of it for the dealers. Tax it enough to pay for all this.

Answer 4

Laws are generally enacted with consideration for both personal freedom and protection for the general populous.
This is, for instance, consistent with laws that prohibit driving a vehicle while drunk - but certainly doesn't prohibit drinking.
Smoking seems to be the latest band wagon to jump on - and, as with most everything that the government gets involved with, some of the laws passed and some which are being proposed are completely off the chart.
In short, regardless of how hard our lawmakers try,I don't think common sense and consideration for other people can be legislated - and I think we should stop trying to.

Answer 5

Wow---how do I answer this question?

I lost my mom 3 years ago to emphysema and complications with diabetes. I do not smoke regularly, however if I go to the casinos I like to have one or two. I do like to drink beer and wine but I try to be safe. I have NEVER experimented with any drugs so I have no answer to that. So I guess no, I don't think it should be illegal because there are so many new smoking restrictions now that it doesn't bother me. Oh yes one thing does---for those of you smokers who smoke in your car can you please dispose of the cigarette butt in your car and not out your window? That is one thing that pisses me off. Dirty you own friggin car and not the street and sidewalks that I have to pay to have cleaned up!

Answer 6

If this society is so damm pathetic as to need the government to tell them when and what to eat and whether or not to smoke or drink, we are beyond help of any kind. I think a person should be responsible for his actions. instead, they want to be "victims". If one doesn't like smokers or drinkers, they should stay away from those environments. If one should kill themselves with smoke, drink or food, that should be the sole responsibility of that person. Political correctness is ruining this country and will be its downfall if those imbeciles are allowed to continue to have their way. I will continue to smoke and eat all I want, and if i were a drinker, I would drink all I want. Political correctness be dammed.

Answer 7

People have the right to choose what they feel is best for them, and it is nobody's business what they do with their life. However, we definitely need to cut down on smoking in public buildings where non-smokers are forced to inhale the same fumes as smokers.

Answer 8

No. Just keep your smoke to yourself. A person should be able to walk around with their little children without having to walk through drug (cigarette) smoke.

Answer 9

I dont smoke but my parents do. I have ashtma and was under weight when I was born because my mother smoked when she was pregant with me. I really dont care what people do with their lives if they want to kill themselfs then let them.

Answer 10

I don't smoke, but respect your right to do so in a considerate manner. Just don't expect me to pay for what they do to you.