KahneKrazy, people have the freedom to choose to engage in an activity that damages them. That's OK, so long as I'm not damaged along with them.
But as an extension of that freedom, businesses should also have the freedom to hire whoever they want, provided the decision is based on sound business principles. In hiring a smoker who will probably cost the company more than a non-smoker of equal ability, I think the company should choose the non-smoker. This logic also extends to people who overeat, gamble, engage in dangerous sports, regularly drink or use drugs to excess, play hooky, sleep in, or have some physical difficulty with the job.
If it comes to the point that I can't get a job because businesses feel that something I do is undesireable, then I should probably consider not doing it anymore.
Sharon, I think we're pretty much saying the same thing, just in different words. Personally, I wish nicotine would be classified as an illegal drug. Then a lot of these "personal choice" and "freedom infringement" issues would just go away.
Shevie
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/23/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 340
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 6,811
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1292
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 63 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 47 [B]Seconds:[/B] 49