by K. D. Nelsen

Created on: April 06, 2009

I am very much a believer that everyone should bear the responsibility for their own actions. One of the many problems with modern society is the constant attempt to blame someone or something else for our own problems. I admit that there are times when a person's actions are heavily influenced by things beyond their control, but I do not feel that smoking is one of them.

The argument that smokers might not bear responsibility may have been better made in the past. Long before any studies were done and publications were released about the multiple health risks associated with smoking. Cigarettes, pipes, cigars and chewing tobacco were shown in almost every film and media source there was. It was portrayed as glamorous, sophisticated, relaxing, tough and cool. Smoking was also a very accepted part of social and daily life. Not just bars and restaurants, but almost any public places were acceptable for smoking. This included public transportation, theatres, office buildings and stores. It is no wonder that in the past, so many people smoked and had no problem doing so.

These days things are much different. A lot of research has been done on the the risks of tobacco use and the results have been widely publicised. Physically smoking causes asthma, heart disease, emphysema and cancers of all kinds, just to name a few. Smoking even causes problems cosmetically, including wrinkles, premature aging and yellowing of the skin, receeding gums and eventually tooth loss. Even people who may have started smoking out of ignorance have decided to quit now that they know these things. I am well aware that quitting is very difficult. Smoking is extremely addictive. But, personally I tend to have little sympathy for the people who complain and whine that they just can't do it because I, myself, quit smoking after over 10 years. My habit was almost to two packs a day at some points. It was a matter of extreme willpower and a strong desire to make life better for myself and my children. Nothing was more important.

So, should smokers bear responsibility for their own health risks? Absolutely. Not only is it a conscious decision, but one that can affect others, such as second hand smoke and driving up the costs of health care. We have many other people who can use our sympathy that really do deserve it because of situations outside of their control. Smoking is not just a once in a lifetime mistake. But, it is a mistake that every smoker chooses, each and every time they put a cigarette to their lips and light it!

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