[TheLion]

I think all smokers should immediately quit. That will make basket cases out of the government.

[rabscuttle385]

I think all smokers should immediately quit. That will make basket cases out of the government.

Alternatively, if the anti-tobacco has its way, the government will make basket cases out of the smokers.

[Erasmus]

It sure would kill the welfare state!

Why?

1. The smokers are ripped a new one by the taxes they're paying. Smokers quit? Government loses (que Carl Sagan voice:) "Billions and Billions" of ill-gotten and ill-spent tax revenues.

2. Heavy smokers even save the health care system tremendous dough. Why? Because they die off early, and fairly quickly, of lung cancer or heart disease. Ergo, less of that expensive long-term elderly care.