It's not just an offensive habit. It's a deadly one. That's why the organizers of the Great American Smokeout two years ago added the Great American Smokescreen, aimed at keeping teens from starting to smoke. Many local and area schools will be holding special programs Thursday to urge students not to smoke. Giving up cigarettes is hardly as easy as deciding not to eat ice cream.
Studies indicate nicotine is actually more addictive than crack cocaine.
Smokers who want to quit must summon enormous will power, even if they are to succeed for only one day. It's also not so easy to help someone quit smoking. Quitting is an internal struggle, and it's probably not best helped along by continual questions about a smoker's progress. He or she is likely having the most trouble not thinking about the one thing they're doing without. If you smoke, try to give it up, for just this one day.