I just want to point out, for perspective's sake, that the guy in question died before you were even born. You may take it for granted that cigarettes are bad for you, but many generations did not.Laggyteabag said:
Tobacco company sued
- Thread starter Lilikins
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It worked because it's been proven that Tobacco companies globally knew that smoking was lethal, but chose to downplay, deny or flat out lie about it, for decades.Lilikins said:
Thanks to that (and some other court cases) they are effectively on the hook for every long term smoker that has died in America since the early sixties to the late nineties.
It's one thing to die from smoking related illness now, quite another to die after seven decades of being told loudly and repeatedly that smoking is good for you.
I honestly feel people need to take into consideration their own personal responsibility first. There are warnings on bleach that says "do not drink", warning labels on cigarettes detailing the risks plus countless ads on TV, anti-marketing campaigns showing the possible effects of long term use, basically the choice is up to the user to continue smoking or quit. I admit I'm a smoker, I understand the health risks and am taking precautions and seeking aid to quit. The addiction factor for me isn't based on the product, its a genetic flaw inherited from my mother. My smoking is directly resulted not from marketing campaigns targeting me as a kid but from my depression. I've got serious depression issues and smoking has helped mitigate the harsher effects of my condition but I am seeking alternative methods. However I feel that the current situation would be worse if I quit, every time I have stopped my depression spikes (I quit for almost 2 years and had a psychotic break). I've explored depression medication but the side effects are just as torturous for me as life would be were I not to take meds or smoke. I'm not making excuses, I am well aware of the health risks and have decided that, the risk is worth the mitigation of my depression. I take full responsibility for what may come from my habit, but I also haven't given up on finding another answer. I also have done many rounds of therapy and come to terms with past issues, I have a support group and lifelines if I ever have another break. So if I have shortened my life, if I get cancer, so be it. It was and is my decision and I don't hold any tobacco company responsible.
That is why I don't agree with this lawsuit or its monetary settlement. 26 billion is insane, and will most likely be shot down on appeal but still, the "stick it to the man" attitude is just so irresponsible. It sends a message to people that they are not responsible for their actions. I liken this to the idea of suing a gun manufacturer for someone being shot and killed/grievously injured, does the person who pulled the trigger suddenly become just an agent with no responsibility? No, the manufacturer did not place the weapon in their hand, force them to pull the trigger. It is up to the person holding it to choose to be responsible for their actions or not and likewise smoking is a choice. Argue all you want on how people are brainwashed, programmed, subliminally conditioned, etc. Its bullshit. Absolute bullshit.
I chose to smoke, I was depressed because of a very bad breakup, and literally was on the verge of my first psychotic break so I asked a coworker for a smoke to see if that would calm me down enough to at least get some rest or whatnot, and I found a mitigating solution for my depressive spikes.
My choice, my consequences and no one owes me or my family any money for it. I don't respect people who sue over these issues, while I sympathize with their loss. Personal responsibility.
This is my feeling, my opinion, based on my experiences as a smoker. I honestly feel that people duck out on owning up to their own flaws and mistakes, and I can't respect that.
That is why I don't agree with this lawsuit or its monetary settlement. 26 billion is insane, and will most likely be shot down on appeal but still, the "stick it to the man" attitude is just so irresponsible. It sends a message to people that they are not responsible for their actions. I liken this to the idea of suing a gun manufacturer for someone being shot and killed/grievously injured, does the person who pulled the trigger suddenly become just an agent with no responsibility? No, the manufacturer did not place the weapon in their hand, force them to pull the trigger. It is up to the person holding it to choose to be responsible for their actions or not and likewise smoking is a choice. Argue all you want on how people are brainwashed, programmed, subliminally conditioned, etc. Its bullshit. Absolute bullshit.
I chose to smoke, I was depressed because of a very bad breakup, and literally was on the verge of my first psychotic break so I asked a coworker for a smoke to see if that would calm me down enough to at least get some rest or whatnot, and I found a mitigating solution for my depressive spikes.
My choice, my consequences and no one owes me or my family any money for it. I don't respect people who sue over these issues, while I sympathize with their loss. Personal responsibility.
This is my feeling, my opinion, based on my experiences as a smoker. I honestly feel that people duck out on owning up to their own flaws and mistakes, and I can't respect that.