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First of all: I am a smoker. (So take it all with a grain or three of salt...)
That said, DEAR GOD PEOPLE!! Give me a break!
I've done the research. I know the risks. I choose to smoke. Now leave me alone.
Ok, that rant out of the way, I have a couple of actual points:
1. Prohibition didn't work on alcohol. It certainly hasn't worked on marijuana. It won't work on cigarettes (which it has been pointed out, are FAR more addictive than either of the others).
2. The single most annoying human being in the world is the self-righteous former smoker. I am a peaceful human being, but I swear, the next stranger that walks up and starts preaching at me gets it. Why must people always push their beliefs onto others? This isn't just a smoking thing. It goes for pretty much any way that someone might choose to spend their time.
3. I agree that people shouldn't smoke in restaurants. 'Nough said there. But BARS? Look. It's a bar. People smoke in bars. Bar owners don't mind if people smoke in their place of business. If want to go to a smokeless bar, open your own. See how many people show up. There comes a point where marginalization (for public safety purposes) turns into outright persecution of a minority.
Every day the government noses a little further into our lives...
Every day I become a little more Libertarian...
Coincidence? I think not.
mh
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