One of the world's most controversial subjects today is whether or not there should be a ban on the production, sale, and use of cigarettes. Even though tobacco has been commonly used throughout the past centuries; cigarettes were not introduced until the early 19th century. Since their introduction, however, cigarette smoking has become a worldwide 'epidemic.' Today they are a 160 billion dollar a year industry (Yahoo!® Finance, 2003). Despite their popularity, cigarettes are not as spectacular as they may seem to be. Every year they contribute to death, health problems, and economical despair. I believe very strongly in banning cigarette production, sales, and consumption. This is a very serious subject, and I am sure that this will not be taken lightly.
             There are many people, however, who will argue that there are advantages associated to the production and sale of cigarettes. Some say the taxation of cigarettes brings revenue to the United States, it does. In fact, research shows it generates nearly 33 billion dollars annually. Others will even say that smoking is a good way to relieve stress and induce relaxation. While all of these appear to be good arguments, they leave out one thing, the facts. They don't tell you the other side of the story. They fail to mention the economic loss the United States takes due to cigarettes, or that smoking increases stress. Most of these statements are spread by makers of cigarettes or smokers. Of course, the makers aren't going to tell you the facts; cigarettes are their source of income.
             At present cigarette smoking is a popular habit for roughly 1.1 billion people worldwide. That is one-sixth the population of the entire planet. This estimate is constantly increasing and "by 2025, the number is expected to rise to more than 1.6 billion" (Curbing the Epidemic, page 2). Out of these people, approximately one-half of the long-term smokers will eventually be killed by tobacco use. One ...