Nope.
It is not right for 'our' government employees to legislate the will of the minority for their own rewards.
Allowing or disallowing smoking where people eat, drink, or otherwise congregate should be the right and exclusive decision of the establishment's proprietor. If the gov't wishes to prohibit smoking in public buildings, it's OK with me. But don't tell a businessperson what he or she can do in their own places of business. If you don't like eating in a place that allows smoking, go elsewhere. It should be your decision, not a governments' latest faddish whim.
Smoking is as addictive as most any other habit. As is biting your nails, rubbing your nose, playing with your hair, drinking a hot beverage in the morning, petting your cat, getting hungry for a meal at about the same time everyday, waking up at about the same time everyday without an alarm. Make controlling or eliminating any habit a conscious effort and your behavior can be modified. People who are dying (aren't we all?) and won't stop smoking either do not want to stop, or do not know how to modify their behavior. All are capable.
I'm not offended at all. I appreciate the opportunity to air my views and, hopefully, prod others to think more clearly about the issue. Thanks
