A Silence That Kills

A Silence That Kills

In “A Silence That Kills,” Haviland gives many statistics and reasons as to why tobacco and smoking are so bad for you. Many Americans are dying every day from the effects of tobacco and smoking. Haviland believes the government is largely responsible for creating this epidemic, by not creating enough awareness and anti-smoking campaigns. Haviland argues that the public health community needs to put more thought and concern into the tragedy of tobacco use. In other words, we as a country must demand comprehensive action. He states that tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. When used correctly, it is the most deadly substance for Americans. Haviland gives a prediction that in 2030, tobacco-related illnesses will claim one million deaths per year. Haviland questions, with those predictions “why public silence so deafening?” He argues that tobacco companies are marketing these deadly products and at the same time they are marketing anti-tobacco campaigns. Haviland points out that lung cancer is the leading killer among men and women, and is the most deadly cancer, usually killing within a year of diagnosis. He states that even though tobacco companies have debated the effects of tobacco, scientific evidence proves many illnesses and diseases that are directly caused from tobacco exposure. Tobacco doesn’t just target middle class Americans, but the poorest and least educated of America, people who don’t have medical insurance to help them when they are sick. Haviland argues something must be done to correct this injustice to Americans. We must fight back.
There have been changes throughout the years to build a non-tobacco world. Restaurants, airports, clubs and so forth have banned smoking in their establishments. People who smoke are now being stigmatized and shunned to smoke outside and in little glass boxes inside the airport. In order for this to be successful we need to voice our movement and support the evidence for all...

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