YES! It would prevent many from becoming smokers.
71%
NO! Cigarettes are extremely addictive and should be banned!
29%

Comments

raymundo84's picture
raymundo84 13 years 13 weeks ago

I voted "No" but I don't think cigarettes should be banned. I'm somewhat disappointed in Thom for giving a false choice in his survey.

We've decided as a society, although arbitrarily, that the age of adulthood is 18 years old. With that being said, people at age 18 should be able to make thier own decisions about whether or not to smoke. I think we should continue to educate people about the dangers of smoking. Education has been very effective in the U.S. in stemming the number of people who smoke, and should used along with other measure to move forward on issue like gun regulation/safety as well as the decriminalization or legalization of drugs.

Strider54's picture
Strider54 13 years 13 weeks ago

I voted "No" but I don't believe we need to ban cigarettes. Just assign them to Schedule One status, nicotine is worse than THC and that's a Schedule One.

__~~~

ekendrick's picture
ekendrick 13 years 13 weeks ago

I voted "yes," but I'm honestly not sure that raising the legal age would stop anyone underage from smoking. I started smoking at age 14, & it certainly wasn't legal. You just have older kids buy them for you. Of course, it wouldn't be as easy to find a 21 year old to buy them, as it is to find an 18 year old, when you're in high school. So, it might make it harder for underage kids to smoke, & that's a good thing. I quit, thank God. As long as smoking is a symbol of rebellion & defiance, it will be "cool" and alluring to teenagers. If that mystique could be destroyed, smoking would be less attractive. That should be part of the education piece.

PLSzymeczek's picture
PLSzymeczek 13 years 13 weeks ago

I voted no, but not because I think cigarettes should be banned. I haven't smoked in over 15 years, but I used to. However, I think that the drinking age should be lowered to 18. If you are legally an adult, that should apply to all "adult" activities.

Thom's Blog Is On the Move

Hello All

Thom's blog in this space and moving to a new home.

Please follow us across to hartmannreport.com - this will be the only place going forward to read Thom's blog posts and articles.

From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"Thom Hartmann is a literary descendent of Ben Franklin and Tom Paine. His unflinching observations and deep passion inspire us to explore contemporary culture, politics, and economics; challenge us to face the facts of the societies we are creating; and empower us to demand a better world for our children and grandchildren."
John Perkins, author of the New York Times bestselling book Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"Thom Hartmann channels the best of the American Founders with voice and pen. His deep attachment to a democratic civil society is just the medicine America needs."
Tom Hayden, author of The Long Sixties and director, Peace and Justice Resource Center.
From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"Never one to shy away from the truth, Thom Hartmann’s collected works are inspiring, wise, and compelling. His work lights the way to a better America."
Van Jones, cofounder of RebuildTheDream.com and author of The Green Collar Economy