Quote:
Originally Posted by Dagwood
Evidently, you're not in the health care industry earning a living. Evidently, you don't see the aspect of my rates being raised and healthcare level remaining the same, to pay in part for those who choose to damage themselves. I don't smoke. Never have and certainly don't intend on changing that.
We can get so caught up in freedom, freedom, freedom to the point we become selfish in the process. So, yes, raise the rates on those who choose to damage their bodies. I could benefit from it since I don't smoke myself, therefore allowing me to pay for my children's health care issues that are far more pressing than mine. I've had my fair share of seeing how health care is so one-sided but I'm tired of being the victim of other people's downright selfishness in having the choice to what they feel. I'm already a victim of the government needlessly taking tax dollars to pay for the single mother raising 4, 5, or 6 kids without a father in the picture. Or, if there is a father in the picture, he's driving a 50k dollar Escalade or Benz while I'm sitting back trying to pay for my daughter's health issues that are far more pressing than a welfare child whose mom or shack-up boyfriend take their mutual offspring to the doctor for a simple runny nose...
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You're in the health care industry I assume. Nicotine is as addictive as heroin. I know guys who started smoking when in the military, going through a divorce, after a parent or child died, etc. It's often something people get into when they are extremely stressed because it relaxes you. Before you know it, you're addicted. My experience with smoking was one such story. When my wife left me for some fling with a married man she worked with I was devestated. My entire life fell apart. My ministry crumbled. My work started suffering. I found myself only able to be a father half the time because she has him the other half of the time. I felt like the church turned it's back on me. In some ways, I felt like the church contributed to the problem (LONG story). So I started "going out" and yes, I started drinking to numb the pain. And while out socializing I had my first cigarette. At first, I'd only smoke if I went out for a drink after a stressful day of work (I'm in aviation security) or after my estranged wife would go wacko and torment me with threats that I'd never see my son again unless I did as she said. I never became an alcoholic. However, I found myself needing a smoke on the way to work and on the way home. Then it was on my breaks. Then I'd buy my own and smoke at home. It's an addiction that grows on you and it's absolute Hades to overcome. If anything... smoking itself should be considered an addiction that affects health... not necessarily a choice. Because for most people you can't just stop cold turkey with success. Most need a treatment to get off the nicotine... but that doesn't address the psychological side of the addiction.
Those who have never smoked may not understand the above. But it's true. In my opinion, smokers should be treated like they have already have a serious health condition.
Now... if you eat fast food for lunch. Now, that's an unhealthy choice that can be dropped in a second. According to your logic insurance rates should be increased for those who regularly eat fast food. America's number one health problem is heart disease due to obesity. Maybe if you don't eat salads for lunch every day... your rates should be increased.
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