An insightful read James, I really enjoyed your take on the subject.

As a side point, here in Oz Down Under, a standard packet of cigarettes costs about $30 USD. That's our government telling us they're trying to force people to quit smoking by charging enormous amounts for a pack of ciggies, not all the extra sales tax the government receives in revenue (no not at all). The tobacco companies work beautifully well with our government.

What we don't have here though is the "it's not our fault" mentality. Aussies just suck it up.

Working in HR, I do however support workers compensation and litigation for a company failing in its duty of care to ensure the health and safety of its workers who end up seriously injured or killed in the workplace.

Jumps off his soapbox ....