> What is willpower? How do you measure it? Its all so great to discuss such
> nebulous concepts, but what is required is data and a precise
> definition.

No. Not everything is quantifiable, but that doesn't negate the existence of
willpower, or it's impact.

 As
> I mentioned before cigarettes and tobacco has very strong physiologically
> addictive components.

Yes, and among certain races the same has been said of alcohol, sugar, and
even wheat! But a substances ability to be physiologically addictive doesn't
engender evil of that substance.

 So given that the rate of single instance
> cessation is
> far worse than with heroin addiction, where is willpower in this case?

I've heard this time and time again and believe it to be an old wives tale.
I've sat with people giving up heroin, and seen the convulsions. I've
watched the DT's effect those attempting to give up alcohol. Cigarettes
don't have any of these side effects other then some irritability.

>
> Furthermore, yes to some extent you do have the right to abuse
> your body as
> you feel fit (careful though you might go blind :).

How about till I just need glasses?

 However by smoking etc
> you end up making my health care costs rise at an intolerable
> rate. Where do
> your individual rights end and mine begin?

Again with the socialization arguments? The question you need to ask is
where does this argument end? If you don't eat correctly you place yourself
in more risk of heart attack, so do we outlaw Twinkie's (What is in the
creamy filling anyway)? If you don't exercise you increase your chances as
well... Do we really place our freedoms on the scale and balance them
against rising medical costs?

But to answer your question, my individual rights end where they impede on
your individual rights. While I have the right to pollute the air 'I' breath
with smoke, I don't have the right to pollute the air 'you' breath!

Marcus
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