Chapter 10, Problem 1QC

Should smokers have the right to smoke? Why or why not?

Summary Introduction

To review:

Whether the smokers should have the right to smoke or not.

Introduction:

The laws, which impose a ban on smokers have made it difficult for them to smoke anywhere. Smoking has been banned in public places like offices, restaurants, parks, and streets. Some places have provided smoking zones, while some have not even provided them, which make it difficult for the smokers to cope up.

Explanation of Solution

Every person knows what is right and wrong for them. However, if their actions harm others, such actions transform into something of a public concern and take the form of laws; the same happened with smoking tobacco. Ranging from imposing a tax on the manufacturing to purchase, smoking has been legalized. The laws were plainly designed to make the smokers understand the harmful effect of smoking. This has been scientifically proved that smoking causes lung cancer.

However, the secondary smoke also affects the nonsmokers, who seek governance in this matter also. That is why smoking has been banned in most of the countries. This should not be done because it deprives the smokers of their right to smoke. Everyone has the right to decide for him/herself of what they will eat or drink; same goes for smoking.

It is quite clear from the laws on smoking that it is purely an awareness campaign against smoking. It nowhere restricts the smokers from smoking. In case the government wanted to stop the manufacture of any substance like the production of illegal drugs (cocaine, marijuana), it could have done the same with tobacco crop production.

Conclusion

Thus, the smokers should have the right to smoke till the time it does not affect others. It is they who should decide for themselves when to quit smoking.