Opinion on smoking bans?

The government is not banning the act of smoking, they are banning where this smoking can take place in the interest of public health concerns which is actually very noble.

Smoking is still very much legal.

The things you note as a "ban on" do not have a direct negative second hand impact on people.

Example: If you want to eat those deep fried donuts until you can't breathe anymore, it is not going to alter my health.

I can't agree with you where people's health is concerned. there are, IMHO, enough studies that suggest that second hand smoke causes various problems for people, so this only makes sense, just as workplace safety and other government mandated programs make sense.

I know that it smacks of totalitarianism, but for a society to run smoothly, we do need some rules.

I find myself in an odd position since I am a smoker, and this is not the first time I've had this dabate with a non-smoker, where we essentially took the counterintuitive sides of the argument. But I have to admit it's so much more pleasant to go to a restaurant and eat a meal without the smoke. I'm willing to go without a smoke for the duration of a meal, and it makes the surroundings so much nicer for myself, and everyone else.

It is interesting you should mention french fries since they bring up the issue of trans fat. While some locales are enacting rules about trans fat content, some banning them all together, the market wil ultimately be the judge, and if the grocery shelves are any indication, that judgement is in, and it boldly states on the label "0% trans fat". And I actually saw a mayonnaise bottle the other day that said "A great source of Omega -3". Mayonnaise as health food, I must be getting old. Maybe they'll declare jameson's Irish whiskey as health food, "then" I'll be a happy camper ;-)

Unfortunately, no market will come to bear on tobacco, since it is well represented by lobbyists and it's addictive, so the local governments have taken it upon themselves to regulate tobacco useage.

As for being hypocritical in supporting bans on the death penalty and abortion, if that is what you feel in your heart then no, you aren't.

You actually agree with the conservative stance on this issue. Most conservatives agree that the government should not restrict a bar owner from allowing smoking in his establishment. I live in Illinois, and there is a smoking ban indoors everywhere (except in your own home of course.) This is a very liberal state, with a democrat for a governor. The smoking ban was definitely a liberal issue.

Personally, I love being able to sit anywhere in a restaurant and not smelling like smoke, but I have to look at it from the perspective of the owner of a bar or a restaurant. It would be unfortunate for them to lose business.

People in a democratic society should be able to make up their own minds about whether or not they want to enter or set up a bar/restaurant that allows smoking - we don't need the government making that decision for us.

Some bars/restaurants will notice more business since the ban, some less, so why not let the owner of the venue decide whether or not they want it to be smoking/non smoking or have two seperate areas. Government should back off businesses and stop turning western countries into nanny states.

well when your actions can compromise others

the Federal Government have the right to intervene

in order to preserve the rights of the "victim" of your actions.

I smoke and I agree with the law..!!!

paradox

Charlie want have a loud party

Charlie's neighborhood are unable to sleep cause the loud music, the State fixed this problem by say after 09:00PM no loud noise such loud party are allow in our state "State Law"

if Charlie don't respect the State law it will be arrested

offense is disturbing the peace!!

now if you feel your freedom is compromise because your State don't allow you to keep awake your neighborhood

because you want party all night!!

well you have some issue and of course

looking for help it will be a good idea.,.

OR

you can purchase an Island where you are the only one

and party when and whatever you want.

Final Consideration

when I was working as par time security officer

I have a lot problems to make WELL EDUCATED people

understand that !!! their common excuse is "hey I pay the rent here this is America" so that's mean they believe to have the right to disturbing the peace

without know they breaking a state law..

Discover How To Quit Smoking - http://go.quitsmokingmagics.com/

People are sick of being told what to do. Most of us will not be held by such bans anyway. So you ban abortion, so what would you say to a rape victim then that's been made pregnant? really, i think some people need to be a little more REALISTIC.

Banning smoking is different from the other examples you cite because it affects people other than the smoker. Second hand cigarette smoke is not only harmful, it stinks. I could care less what stupid things you do to your own health, but I don't want to smell your foul stench.

You sound like more of a Libertarian than a Conservative.

I say if they ban smoking in a city or state they shouldn't be allowed to sell them either!