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I don't think it's worth persuing this. If someone really wanted to put an end to smoking they would stick it to the tobacco companies. Is that happening?
Well for one thing we can't just criminalize these things because of the costs they would incur. Think about all the resources that would have to be allocated into criminalizing tobacco and alcohol (Prohibition?).
The issue at hand for me is the burden these people will be to our social insurance programs (Medicare and Medicaid) especially with Cancer rising as the leading cause of death. True liquor doesn't provide any inherent benefit but at least it doesn't affect other people in the way that second hand smoke does. But then again you can say that alcohol can lead to deaths caused by DUI but it is in that specific instance where it is illegal.
There are many questions as to the effect of second-hand smoke, and most studies claim it only causes harm if you LIVE with a smoker - in close quarters where they're smoking indoors. I don't know the validity in the various studies, since I'm not a scientist, but it seems the media plays up the dangers a LOT.
Even without being a scientist, I can safely assume you won't get cancer by passing a smoker on the street. It's already illegal to smoke inside (public places) here, so in essence they're already controlling it in a similar fashion to how they control drunk driving. In other words, kill yourself all you want, but don't put these dangers onto unwilling strangers.
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My whole point is that I applaud the government for trying something innovative in getting people to stop smoking. You can say that it won't do a damn thing but at least the government is trying to do something in reducing the amount of people who smoke.
Why not increase (anti-smoking) educational programs for kids instead? It's nearly impossible to convince a current smoker to quit, no matter how many facts & photos you shove into their faces... it's a VERY strong addiction, so only the smoker making that decision themselves will work. Get the kids before they start smoking, however, and then we might see a decrease in the overall numbers. JMO.
Why not increase (anti-smoking) educational programs for kids instead? It's nearly impossible to convince a current smoker to quit, no matter how many facts & photos you shove into their faces... it's a VERY strong addiction, so only the smoker making that decision themselves will work. Get the kids before they start smoking, however, and then we might see a decrease in the overall numbers. JMO.
I agree with this. If people know all the facts about what cigarettes do and still choose to do it, it's their choice. Some gross images of a tar-covered lung are highly unlikely to change the actions of a person with a serious nicotine addiction. I'm not really bothered by the idea of adding these images, I'm just doubtful of the efficacy.
There are many questions as to the effect of second-hand smoke, and most studies claim it only causes harm if you LIVE with a smoker - in close quarters where they're smoking indoors. I don't know the validity in the various studies, since I'm not a scientist, but it seems the media plays up the dangers a LOT.
Even without being a scientist, I can safely assume you won't get cancer by passing a smoker on the street. It's already illegal to smoke inside (public places) here, so in essence they're already controlling it in a similar fashion to how they control drunk driving. In other words, kill yourself all you want, but don't put these dangers onto unwilling strangers.
Why not increase (anti-smoking) educational programs for kids instead? It's nearly impossible to convince a current smoker to quit, no matter how many facts & photos you shove into their faces... it's a VERY strong addiction, so only the smoker making that decision themselves will work. Get the kids before they start smoking, however, and then we might see a decrease in the overall numbers. JMO.
Well the effects of second hand smoke are pretty evident according to the CDC.
Maybe these graphic images won't bear any significance to those who are already addicted but if it can somehow send a strong reconsider message to those who have just started smoking and to those who have not yet succumbed to the effects of nicotine, then I'm all for it.
Did you notice these details: Most noticeable effects are from being exposed at HOME or in the workplace, although the latter is unlikely in states where indoor/public smoking is banned... and the effects on non-smokers have decreased by around 50% in recent years, showing that our current laws (regarding where/when you can smoke) have apparently had a positive impact.
I'm not trying to debate the dangers, because anyone with a brain knows it's not good for you... but it mostly affects the smokers themselves, so I think we're already doing what we can about it. Aside from banning smoking in public buildings, which many states already do, I just don't see why it's worth spending more money on this issue. I support increasing education aimed at young people, but leave the adults who already smoke alone - they'll quit when they're ready, and no sooner.
Well how about we wait and see if there is any reduction in the amount of people who smoke after this is implemented?
My question - how much money would be spent on this project? Is it worth spending money on something that probably won't work, when our country is in the middle of a MAJOR economic crisis? I personally don't think so.
Now, as for pictures on cigarette packs that REALLY would make people stop smoking:
A picture of Mitch McConnell (for many parts of the US)
A picture of Nancy Pelosi (for many OTHER parts of the US)
A picture of Sarah Palin may work also.
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