Should smokers be prevented from being hired for employment in public service by the government?
Interesting point that you make. As a smoke-free person for 1 year and 12 days, 8 hours and 52 minutes, I think this is something to consider as smokers do cost more to insure, are sick more (as a general rule) take more and longer breaks to leave to smoke, and one study, over 30 years ago when smokers could smoke at their desks they/we were shown to be less efficient (I believe it too). First problem is that smokers vote and there are still a lot of them. The tobacco co’s have gazillions of $ to give to Pols – second problem. I’d say the first step is to make them pay for their insurance, no subsidies from Uncle Sam – and maybe pay them 10% less than non-smokers – Problems will then be that Uncle Sam will hire the Nicotine Nazis to police this issue. This will not stop anyone from smoking though – People only quit when their minds are ready. It’s a very difficult thing to do. I really like this idea and will continue to mull it over.
