When people suggest that governments should do something to ban cigarette smoking altogether, I do not think they are being serious. It is absurd to suggest we ban it after several hundred years, especially when you think of the possible consequences brought about by such banning. Banning cigarette smoking would endanger the survival of many related businesses and industries: tobacco growers, cigarette-making factories, retail businesses. Tax apart, tobacco industry is an important source of income even to developed countries.
After all, smoking is not so bad as it seems when you look at the benefits it brings.
First, it is manly to smoke. The unique charm a cigarette smoker holds could not be achieved otherwise. Second, smoking makes social contact easier, particularly when one meets a stranger. Third, a cigarette works like a dream when you take one after long hours of reading or writing, or after a tiring job-the soothing effect it creates is simply beyond description. Those who are against smoking often ignore the fact that smoking can relieve stresses of a long working day.
I do not mean that smoking does no harm to people’s health. However, in a society that advocates freedom, individuality and democracy each individual should be entitled to decide whether he quits smoking or not; banning goes against democracy.
