[SheLion]

I persoanlly don't mind people smoking at all, but you do have to realise that as an addict, you are far more open being abused than a non-addict. A non-addict would simply give up when the price went up, but a nicotine junkie can't do that very easily.

How about we don't "give it up" because we enjoy it.  Cigarettes being a legal commodity and all.  I love my cigarettes and coffee.  I don't drink.  What do you want from us?

And btw, what is YOUR relaxation of choice?  Drugs or booze??!!

I have friends addicted to PEPSI!  So what?

[Vectorian]

I don't want anything from you, I merely observe that the reason your 'choice' of cigarettes is taxed so highly is because of their addictive nature. If they were simply a take it or leave it commodity, tax would be lower. Because most smokers are addicted to tobacco, they can be taxed much higher before any revenue loss occurs for the govt.

As for my relaxation of choice I neither drink, nor smoke nor imbibe drugs, but I believe it is everyones individual right to make that choice.