Smoking kills. But whose life is it anyway?

SINCE when did it become the job of the state to save us from ourselves?

And if we must be saved, or are even worth saving, why do governments approach the thankless task in ways that are illogical, self-contradictory, or just a little bit stupid?

There is no simple answer to the first question. Historically, you can probably take your pick from religious influences, Enlightenment notions, the rise of socialism, prudery, and the dawning realisation that nothing beats decent health care if you want a population fit for wars and work.

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