I'm glad this thread has sparked all these thoughtful responses.
I agree we are all personally responsible for our choices. What I am frustrated with is that the tobacco companies continue to be allowed to produce their deadly products and, as you have said, in ever more deadly forms. And also that the governments haven't allocated enough settlement dollars to help those who do want to quit.
I know that I would not be however many days quit I am if it were not for chantix and this site. I feel fortunate that I could afford the chantix. And yes, it is the pharm industry who sets the prices. But, there is plenty enough money to subsidise the medication for those who can't afford it, and it is not being done.
Also, I stumbled upon this site. It would be great if every state, or at least every nation, had a site like this, or at least advertised sites like this. I'm sure there are other means by which people who are thinking of quitting could be helped, rather than penalized by higher taxes and anti-smoking laws. The money is there, it's just not being used for smoking cessation. I do plan to address this with our state legislature this term. We'll see what happens.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]3/22/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 171
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 6,840
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,162.80
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 23 [B]Hrs:[/B] 22 [B]Mins:[/B] 7 [B]Seconds:[/B] 43