Smoking is not very good for you, in fact, the rumors are true, smoking is actually quite unhealthy!  Advertising in the 1930's through the 1950's used doctors to try to promote smoking (here, here and here). A study in 1950 showed the connection with smoking but the public did not take notice until 1964 (go here). Smoking kills over 400,000 Americans a year, which dwarfs the numbers killed in the entire Viet Nam War (58,168.) 21% of Americans still smoke (see data) and uneducated people smoke allot more than educated (see data.) Consider the following;
    
     General Information about Smoking
     Health Damage Caused by Smoking
     Risk of getting lung cancer if you smoke
     Children and Smoking
     Cigars
     Smoking Cessation (kicking the habit)
     How many people smoke and who are they?