Should the government ban the sale and use of tobacco?

hycamguy07 · Dec 9, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Dec 9 2006, 12:36 PM) [snapback]359745[/snapback]</div>

A lot of people who are scientifically and/or numerically illiterate fail to understand that cancer is a statistical condition. First of all, it is not "a disease" and is not "caught" the way you catch infectious illnesses. It is the name for what happens when some of your cells go berzerk and multiply out of control. There are numerous factors involved, many of which are understood and many of which are not. There are genetic factors and environmental factors. And not all the environmental factors are lifestyle choices. Cosmic rays can cause genetic changes which lead to cancer.

Everyone, no matter his genes or his lifestyle, has some statistical chance of developing cancer. Some people have a higher chance due to their genes. Some people have a higher chance due to exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. And some people have a higher chance due to chemicals they choose to expose themselves to, or chemicals that others (such as nearby smokers) expose them to.

The above quote displays a total lack of understanding of the mechanisms that lead to cancer and the reasons why lifestyle choices can increase your chances of developing it. Not because every smoker will get cancer, and not because a non-smoker cannot get cancer, but because smoking increases your chances of getting it astronomically.

Regarding the comparison with alcohol, one difference is that alcohol, in moderation, may have some slight health benefits. However, our society is altogether too lax in dealing with drunk drivers. Considering the number of tragic fatalities due to drunk driving, it should be considered a felony of the highest degree and treated accordingly: A substantial jail term for a first offense and loss of driving privileges. The "three strikes and you're out" philosophy makes far more sense for drunk drivers than it does for most other crimes.
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Daniel I agree with the above edited statement... I left what I thought was explanitory to me.

I and probibly the other 60% would fall into the scientifically illiterate group. :huh:

Most humans do not practice Moderation..

Should the government ban the sale and use of tobacco?

hycamguy07 New Member

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Should the government ban the sale and use of tobacco?

hycamguy07 New Member