Think for yourself...sort of...

I recently watched the movie Thank You For Smoking (A very interesting Film) and it got me thinking. What kind of responsibility do we have to one another to protect ourselves from dangers like alcohol, smoking, firearms and countless other dangers that surround us everyday. Where is the moral line in this debate. What facts can we trust, who do we listen to, can we think for ourselves in this situation? Do parents who smoke have an obligation to keep their house smoke free for their kids? Most people say yes, but not everyone. Are parents who drink hypocritical if they berate their kids with the dangers of alcohol? Well, not necessarily. These are all personal choices and for the most part people realize the dangers of these products. But that doesn't stop people from smoking, the tobacco companies from advertising, or new kids from starting up. I don't know why people continue to make this decision after all the obvious problems that can arise, but it is nonetheless their decision. The smoke free by-laws such as the ones in Ontario and Quebec help to protect people from second hand smoke and seem to send a clear message about the dangers of these products, but the appeal of these products still allow these companies to survive. Why are cigarettes cool? Why is booze seen as sexy? Well, I don't know. I don't think many people do. But the fact is it is a personal decision and while it is not one the majority of people make, people seem to enjoy smoking. Though I have no idea why. Drinking is the same. I enjoy the odd drink, but the excess consumption of this has so many down sides that we may never know all the damage it can cause. These arguments aside, these are personal decisions, and as bias as this may sound....make the right one. Please.