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I tend to have liberterian political beliefs. The problem with smoking is that it degrades the quality of life of those who have to smell the smoke. There should be places smokers can go and enjoy their smoke and kill themselves. But I should be able to eat a nice meal out, or have a drink and enjoy live music without having to breath the stuff. Kids whose parents smoke at home miss more school because of respiratory illness. That takes it out of the civil liberties arena in my book.
I get upset when patients tell me they smoke but act indignant when I ask if they drink. There is no safe amount to smoke. Moderate alcohol intake is associated with lower mortality than is seen in nondrinkers. Half of all smokers die prematurely. Yes, I know you knew someone who smoked until they died by jealous husband at 96. The fact that half of all smokers live their natural life span is not an arguement that it is safe. A 50% mortality rate is not what I consider good odds.
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I was there to see beautiful naked women. So was everybody else. It's a common failing.
Robert A Heinlein in "They Do It With Mirrors"
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