Why would National health care be fair when so many people smoke, don't exercise, etc.?
117155
National Health Care wouldn't be fair under any circumstances just like welfare and subsidised housing is unfair.
375718
You make some excellent points about this.  On the surface, you are correct that people who have addictions to sex, food, alcohol and so many other vices aren’t kept away the way smokers are.  But the difference is, when you smoke, you affect other people who may be around you. \n \nSecond hand smoke is a serious health concern.  The US Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, which means that it is a significant causal factor to cancer in humans. \nSmoking is being restricted because everyone is vulnerable to secondhand smoke exposure in public places, such as restaurants, shopping centers, public transportation, schools and daycare centers. Although some businesses are reluctant to ban smoking, there is no credible evidence that going smoke-free is bad for business. Public places where children go are a special area of concern.  \n\nIf a restaurant existed that was for smokers ONLY, then that would be great.  They all the smokers could dine and socialize and snort each other’s smoke.  But when there are non smokers present, it’s unfair to subject them to the health hazard of breathing in the smoke. \n\nThanks for this discussion.  You articulated your points very well and I appreciate the opportunity to share.
846936
Think of it this way -- the cost to government in terms of smoking-related disease is enormous. The only way the cost would increase is if tobacco were made illegal. Organized crime would take over distribution, DEA and other law enforcement agencies would become involved, prisons would need to be built to incarcerate the tobacco dealer and user... and on and on. Let's stop controlling the non-violent behavior of others. Legalize drugs and abolish prescription drug laws.
335344
Well. From a canadian point of view, I am personally a fan of Public Health care. When working properly, it is fantastic. It's not working well now, but that's beside the point. I am not a big supporter of the American system, however. I went there for a camp last summer, and my brother made friends with a little boy. One day, when they were playing, the top of the tire swing came off and hit the little boy in the head so hard that both of his eyes were looking different ways. His family simply bundled him up and raised his feet up, and refused to take him to the hospital because they couldn't afford it. I don't know what happened to that kid, but I expect he had some serious damage done to his brain. It could have been prevented if his family had been able to pay for a doctor. Hence, I think your system really sucks. No offence intended.
225694
I think we are drowning in our political correctness in the U.S. It is not only unfair the way smokers are treated, it is unethical and unpatriotic.  Even if we disagree with it, people have the right to be stupid in this country...it's a constitutional right as a matter of fact. I also believe that it interferes with the free-market system we are supposed to have when business owners cannot decide whether or not they want their establishment to be smoking or non....if only  people would remember that you have the choice not to patronize that same establishment...and if it hurts business, then the free-market system will take effect and that business owner will change his policy.  BUT THAT IS THEIR RIGHT AND THEIR POLICY TO CHANGE...not the government.  I do believe that some smokers are inconsiderate but that doesnt mean it should be legislated.  \n\nThis whole business is just a slippery slope that is leading us closer to George Orwell's novel "1984".  Why stop at smoking. Why not tell all fat people that it is against the law to overeat, because it's for their own good and their obese bodies are offensive to skinny people who want to enjoy life without looking at your grotesque figure. Or why don't we tell people who do extreme sports that they can't do that, because it's too dangerous.  \n\nI think it is deplorable that we are allowing the government to rule or personal lives.  Terrorism is not the biggest enemy of the U.S.....COMPLACENCY IS!
565681
Because health care in the USA is NOT equal for men and women. Pregnancy and childbirth are often not covered either. Nor is any kind of gynecologic care.
114926
Health care is delivered by people working together. That makes it a management problem. You can fancy it up a lot but that is the core answer
686148
We are NOT all fine. There are people who cannot are refused health care because an illegals got there first. Auto insurance is higher than it should be because illegals don't pay for it. Apartments and home rentals are higher because of the inflated demand caused by illegals. America is suffering in many ways as a result of these illegals.
663370
Many Americans simply hate the concept of financially supporting other people.  Regardless of what a Universal Health Care plan would truly do for them, they insist on seeing universal health care as another crutch for [what they percieve as] lazy people, similar to welfare.\n\nThey tend to disregard the fact that universal health care would drive the cost of health care down and at the same time increase its quality in certain aspects, such as cancer treatment.  Living in America can be very frustrating because of the willful ignorance so many people here have, but I still have to respect the foundations of this country, especially things like my right to free speech.
598326
I think that overall if you examined the demographics of the African-American you would find that their overall income level is low and that few have access to decent health insurance.  Combine a low income (which usually means an unhealthy diet) and no health insurance (which equates to lack of early detection for diseases such as prostate cancer)and you find a propensity for certain social groups to be more prone to certain diseases.  It's sad that in this rich nation there are people who are surviving without basic necessities.
1015988
We tax those that smoke, we tax those that drink booze both are addictions both cost billions in heathcare.  So why not a fat tax?  In following the logic that the US government sued tobacco companies for payback of healthcare costs.\nI would find it hypocritical for some who support a smoking ban and taxes and NOT support a fat tax.\n\nI support neither as the tax raised would just be misused by our politicians.
421617
Cause Gambling Doesn't effect the general health of the nation, Smoking is a disgusting habit and fools that cant hold a few pints are a drain on A&E Departments..I live in Ireland and the smoking ban is the best thing to hit this country in years, To be able to go out and enjoy my few pints and come home NOT smelling of smoke is a dream come true..............And yea i do like a flutter here and there, took a few quid from the bookies this morning if Scolari takes the job....
1162906
Should construction workers be refused treatment when they walk into the hospital with a nail through their hand, or a kid when he shoves a crayon up his nose.....with the amount of tax that smokers pay for their habits.....let'em smoke and be cared for when they die just like anyone else.  \n\nIm a smoker.....Im an idiot, but I also use a cell phone, a microwave and live within 5km of power lines.....which one gave me the cancer????  \n\nI somehow doubt that people with colon cancer have been smoking out of their asses.
303064
Largely because the people who decide what should and should not be tolerated are smokers.  There is currently a bill in the NH Senate to ban smoking in all eating establishments.  It passed the House, and the Governor approves of it, but the Senate may kill it.  Why, because they all smoke!  I still hope the bill does pass.  NH is the only state in New England that does not have such a ban in place.  It has not hurt patronage to restaurants in the other states. In fact, patronage has increased.  I know there are restaurants I refuse to go into due to smoking.  I have the same problem you do compounded by anxiety reaction to a nicotine allergy.  I refuse to go into a Blakes, Friendly's or Applebees restaurant because of the smoking.  They would get my business if smoking were banned. \nI find that, generally speaking, most smokers are the most thoughtless, inconsiderate people on the planet.  They don't care if their smoking infringes on the rights of others.  They don't care if it is harmful to others.  They make a huge mess by dumping the butts all over the place because they are lazy slobs.  The worst thing is that they drop them into mulch in public landscaping thinking it is a safe spot, when it is the most dangerous spot to put it.  Mulch is highly flammable and you have no idea how many mulch fires and smolderings I have had to put out over the years!  It is their right to harm themselves, but they have no right to infringe on the rights of others who do not wish to be exposed.  Rights have to be earned, not given.  Furthermore, rights come with responsibility.  If your rights infringe upon the rights of others, then find some other way or place to assert your rights where no one else can be harmed or bothered.  That's my 2 cents!
244951
Because some people are too week to deal with life without some type of crutch.  The same issues that non-smokers just deal with make them go to pieces, and they need something to pull themselves back together.
229718
Less than the cost of law enforcement and result of crime from the lack of it.  Studies have shown in countries that have health care for their public, they have less crime due to lower unwanted pregnancies, more treatment for drugs.  Healthcare costs go down as they are regulated by the government.  People are more apt to take care of themselves better and creates less tension with people in general.  \n\nIt is not the is all answer but it does make a difference in a number of areas.  It should not even be an issue in my opinion.  Everyone should have proper healthcare.  Why would not you not give someone better health?  \n\nAs long as pharmaceutical companies and the healthcare industry in general are making multi-billions, you will never see it here.\n\nThe costs would be greatly offset by the benefits.
1140101
A lot of people like to smoke, and are willing to give their money to the tabacco company in exchange for cigarettes. Almost nobody likes the government enough to give them cash. Maybe the government needs to give us something physical in return...like cake. Everyone likes cake.