I am an addict. Since I was 17 years old, I've been lighting sticks of tobacco and inhaling them, poisoning my lungs and shortening my life. I quit smoking for a year and a half once, but made the conscious decision to return to the habit. Smoking is a nasty habit, and it's bad for you.
Most smokers know that.
There are warning labels on cigarette packs and advertisements on television cautioning people to stop smoking or avoid starting. However, the choice to pollute one's own body with nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide remains an individual's decision, much like eating junk food or drinking alcohol. We drive cars knowing we are at a huge risk of injury or death. We eat fattening food knowing it can cause heart disease or high cholesterol. But the government doesn't put warning labels on your bag of Fritos or tell you that the car you drive is only legal to drive on your own property.