No Smoking

Smokers will die soon. No, I don't literally wish that it will happen to them. I just want to point out that smoking is that dangerous that it can kill them, and that non-smokers are that unhappy. Whenever there's somebody smoking inside the jeepney I ride, and I'm still far from my destination, I stop them from continuing to smoke. I'm happy that some did follow. I did get down the jeep without paying when the driver seemed not to follow my request.

I don't get it, the signs posted inside the jeep are already so clear. It's not just about discipline or following the law, but these people who smoke in public are just selfish. I would appreciate if they would ask for our permission first. They smoke as if they own the air and as if they own their lives.

I no longer have to discuss the bad effects of smoking. It's so clear to most people, and I know some are trying hard to quit. However, the increase in the number of people smoking is still alarming. The article in GMANews.TV described the state in our country when it comes to smoking. Graphic health warnings can't even be implemented in our country. We can't expect people to stop, the consumers are misinformed and addicted to it. We need to target the manufacturers rather than the consumers. These manufacturers care only about their profits, and this government is afraid of their threats of closures, labor and economic problems when their industry goes down. If economy is more important than the health of the people, then I think the government should give each citizen one free stick a day for the first two months, so that...

1. Demand can eventually get high forcing the increase in supply


2. More factories will be built creating more job opportunities


3. More hospitals and lung centers will be needed creating job openings for our nurses


4. Our population will decrease faster


5. More money can be channeled through tax collections

Productive citizens are healthy, mature, and disciplined people. Most of the time, I can see citizens doing nothing, but just standing along the streets smoking. The government is too afraid to take risks and to make changes even if they have the power to do it. I am against smoking not because I want to control their freedom and rights. I am against smoking because I value my life and their lives as well. So if you have friends who are smoking, tell them to stop while it's not too late.