Flame On: National Smoking Day.

Why not ? If theres a National No Smoking Day, then why not a National Smoking Day ? It would certainly do more good !

What's the problem with smoking ? Bottom line, the way I see it, there are several facets:

• Smoking Kills.
  • I guess I'd have to agree with that, it does, but it doesn't kill as many as Alcohol.
  
  
• You are concerned as to the effects of 'Passive Smoking'
  • I'm far more likely to die crossing the road than you are through passive smoking, but I don't request that you refrain from driving your car.
  
  
• You don't like me smoking in your presence.
  • I don't particularly like standing out in the cold for a cigarette, but if you don't like me smoking, I am willing to.
  
  If I were to take a more cynical view I could say:
  • I don't particularly like what some people say, but I don't request that they refrain from speaking in my presence.
  
  
• It costs the health service millions.
  • 600 Million a year, I believe.
  • Don't forget that the government pays 2 Billion a year to keep the european tobacco growers association going after they banned them advertising.
  • Also don't forget that there are 15 Million smokers in Britain, two thirds of the price of a packet of cigarettes goes to the government, I'd say that was in excess of 8 Billion pounds.
  
  

As far as I'm concerned, there should be no more restrictions on smoking, nor the smoking industry than there are for Driving, Drinking, or their respective industries. Be fair, it can't be easy for them to sell fags (given that they are guaranteed to kill the smoker, and likely everyone within 50 paces) at least let them advertise.

There is a slight problem with this argument in that the revenue collected from tobacco sales does not go to the Health Department, likewise the Tax on Petrol does not pay for Road Kills, but that is the decision of the Government, they have decided what budget the Health Service will work to, and I must assume that they account for smoking, and the revenue it provides in that budget.

Incidentally, if you are a non-smoking, non-drinking vegetarian with no motor transport, then I think it only fair that you be permitted to stay at home on National Smoking Day. Congradulations on your will-power, I'm sure you will live forever !