The EU decision to urge the banning of Smoking in all the nations in the Union is a bold move. It will be a great beginning for individuals to move to a healthier style of life. But, on the other hand, this decision will set the ground for the battles between Large Capitalist Multi-Nationl firms versus public health. It is believed that for every Cigarette that a person smokes, 4 minutes of his life is reduced. If the ban on smoking is succesful in the EU, then it will set the precedent for the complete banning of smoking everywhere else in the world.
Smoking is the main cause for the ill health of a person. It increases the risk of Cancer and several other breathing problems. Over the years, there has been growing belief that Smoking can even affect people who are Non-smokers as well. This is termed as Passive Smoking. If we, perhaps, discount the factor of War and AIDS, then perhaps the next biggest killer is Smoking. If this decision is passed, in what the EU terms it as an Agenda in the Green Paper, then, at least one killer can be eliminated.
But, the very fact that Smoking is considered as the means of easing Tensions and having a good time, penetrating this mindset will just not be easy. Although surveys carried out by the European commission show that majority of the people in the EU may support this decision if passed, this survey is unfortunately not the Guarantee. The problem with Opinion polls is that the respondents will never give their answers with a Guarantee. Also, for the fact, that Laws can be loopholed and amended in ways by which smoking in certain conditions is permissible. The powwer of the Tobacco Lobby in the West is quiet strong, and this might deter any kind of decision regarding the smoking ban.
The very problem in enforcing this decision will be the Permissibility factor. If, smoking is allowed in certain places, then pressure will grow upon the commission to revoke this ban, with backing from the Tobacco lobby. The Opinion polls and its recommendations might be a classic case of being logical on paper, but impossible in real life. This will be quiet unfortunate and it will show that People do not care about their health. Let us hope that this smoking ban is carried out, for at least something will be saved. In this case, 4 precious minutes of a Person's life.
[For more Information on this, Check out the BBC website (www.bbc.co.uk International Edition) dated 30th January, 2007]
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