[Huck]

Well, you were talking about addiction. Cigs are the gateway. Most Americans first experience with licit drugs is with cigs, because most Americans are underaged when they use them. This isn't conjecture. It's fact. As for cigs causing bad behavior, I would simply cite the millions of butts littered across our streets and sidewalks, and the multitudes of workers who spend a portion of their day standing idle in the doorway puffing away. I agree it's a health issue, and I am not saying people shouldn't have a right to smoke, but that right is no more sacred or protected in my book than a theoretical right to smoke pot or crack. Different degrees, same issues. And you simply can't talk about addiction and ignore cigarettes. Just my opinion.

--ex smoker, going on four years.

[motzman]

Some very valid points, especially the cigarette butts all over the place issue. As the for the "gateway" effect, you're right there too. Many people, and teens in particular, get involved with some really low-down people because of cigs, drugs, and alcohol. Once they start down the path of illegality, many find themselves doing many more illegal things (not just drugs), since they've already put themselves on the "wrong side of the law". And, they start getting involved in a "culture" that will lead them down the wrong path

It's a danger in society that has no easy answer, but needs to be addressed rationally by better people than me, as soon as possible for the good of the country.