Objects in Mirror: January 19, 2010 Archive

Smoking prevention

Posted at 8:58 AM on January 19, 2010 by Julia Schrenkler

What more should Minnesota do to prevent smoking? According to the background on Today's Question:

The American Lung Association gave Minnesota a mixed grade last week for its anti-smoking efforts. About 23 percent of the state's high school students smoke, which is more than the national average. What more should Minnesota do to prevent smoking?

Hmmm. After visiting a state that still allowed smoking in bars/restaurants, I thought Minnesota was doing well. One reply caught my eye:

"Issue permits to current smokers. Make it illegal to start smoking. Smoking shouldn't be considered a right-- In my opinion, it's just like dangerous driving or suicide. It puts the smoker and others in serious danger." - Posted by Chad

Does Chad have a point? It is already illegal for those high school students cited in the stats to smoke, but they're doing it anyway. Is it still considered cool? Chime in with your own perspective.