We see it all the time here, whenever some sort of thread about smoking pops up. The smokers piously state they are only hurting themselves, and after all, they always go outside to smoke so what could the rest of us possibly be complaining about? First off, they haven't a clue how much they stink. Secondly, the very real health consequences are there, and can't be wished away. I've also all too often heard a smoker basically say, "Oh, no! I had NO idea at all that smoking might be bad for me!" This said after their heart attack, or diagnosis of emphysema or lung cancer.

In their denial, they are supported by the tobacco companies, who natter on about personal choice, and adults, as if most smokers didn't get started well before adulthood.