Tobacco.org

STAFF EDIT: No smoking bans, please 

After a recent report revealed that over 100,000 heart attacks could be prevented annually after a nationwide smoking ban, students feel that despite health benefits, the measure would be ethically impractical. Most Boston University smokers and nonsmokers alike agreed that an outdoor smoking ban - coupled with the typical prohibition of smoking inside most buildings - would breach the personal rights of people who should be able to do whatever they want with their bodies. . . .

It's been scientifically proven that a nationwide ban on public smoking would prevent thousands of heart attacks and many other complications along with them. But smoking isn't the only bad habit that causes preventable illnesses in America. In fact, it is in bad company alongside fast food obesity, alcoholism and even maladies caused by the prolonged use of computer keyboards. Many of the things that cause illnesses in this country are unnecessary and avoidable, but that doesn't mean people should be denied the right to choose to do them if they want to. Instead, the risks should be made clear and prevention should be urged. Beyond that, it's the peoples' choice.

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