Insurance bias against smokers

It's finally happened. I've often wondered how soon it would come. The insurance companies, Big Business and the government are on a march to control every facet of our lives. I see no way to combat it or even slow it down.

I was informed today that my health insurance was going to go up in price solely due to the fact that I smoke cigarettes. I will not argue the fact that it is a bad, unhealthy habit. My concern is that there are habits and lifestyles that are equally so but are not "worthy" of the price increase. Why? Is not being overweight an unhealthy risk? Is not alcohol an unworthy risk? How about all the "happy" drugs that are prescribed for mood control like Xanax, Seroquel, Zoloft and a multitude of others? I don't have the ability to choose a time to be sick, nor the capability to choose which disease I would like to end my life.

I have been very fortunate to have a job that I like, pays fairly well and has a variety of benefits. Don't for a minute believe I am ungrateful. Do believe that I feel there is social disparity toward the unhealthy, infirm and smokers specifically. Socialized medicine is not the answer. Socialism, period, is not the answer, but when it comes to social habits that are said to be "unhealthy," some parity is justified. Think of your own unhealthy habit or lifestyle. What will you say when they come for you?

RONALD D. KEE, Cape Girardeau