We could and should, on the other hand, be sympathetic about the addictive properties of nicotine - cigarettes control people. But this is not the way to harness the real, large-scale change that is needed in order to make everyone realise that smoking is not sociable and that it need not be tolerated. A harder line must be taken. Smoking is not a 'need'. Food and water are 'needs'.
Smoking is a short-term want.
It is one of the most poignant manifestations of the prevailing societal attitude that demands instant and constant gratification. The change that is needed must fight against this and create a status quo where the true, honest and properly informed choices of everyone have equal purchase. Smokers do have the right to smoke. But the right for non-smokers not to be subject to other peoples' smoke must take priority. It is vital that we stand up for this right, not only for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of smokers, who may well decide to question their lifestyles.