[Jedi Master Pikachu]

So what is it about smoking that causes blindness?

[rockrr]

There is a sense of absolutism about the question "Does smoking cause blindness" (or cancer, or anything else) that is disingenuous. The real answer is, no it does not, but yes, it can. The clear cause & effect has eluded scientists, so the fanatics compensate with hubris and out~&~out lies.

In the case of my father, he recently discovered that, at age 83, the blood vessels in his eyes have become so damaged from years of smoking, that the ends of them are literally frayed. They now hemorrhage with increasing frequency, and that is driving him blind.

Clear cause & effect, in the eyes of the smoke nazi's. Enough to force by legislation denial of my father to continue the indulgence of his personal choice.

Given that fact, he is encouraged to quit smoking by his doctors, and he declines. As long as he understands and accepts the responsibility for the consequences of his actions (or in this case inactions) I support his decision.

His life - his choice.