The rationale for smoking bans posits that
smoking is optional, whereas breathing is not.
Okay - yes, we have exhaust fumes, we have strong perfume odours etc. but I really believe that breathing IS more important than smoking.
Maybe because when I grew up my Mom was the heavy smoker and my Dad could not stand it.
Remember when smoking was allowed on planes? Can you imagine that happening today?
Nicotine is very addictive and yes, I am all for freedom of choice but really - why spend 12 dollars for a pack of smokes?
Andy smoked for 35 years or so before I met him. He also drank quite a bit. He ended up with oral cancer and lost half his tongue. Yikes!
I did smoke many years ago when it was popular. These days kids grow up seeing it as socially repugnant so that is a good thing.
Let's not have a brand new crop of nicotine addicts thinking it is okay to pollute their lungs and everyone else's around them.
Whew - now was that an anti-smoking tirade or what?
Sorry - I can love smokers (my Mom was one and my husband is still one) but I disagree with making it publicly acceptable again. Up here where I live you have to stand outside and freeze your arse off if you really need a cigarette that badly. (and today it is minus 45 Celsius with the wind chill).
When I was in Scotland in 2005 and smoking was allowed indoors a little old lady sat a few seats down from me in a hall. She actually politely said "Do you mind if I smoke?"
I am embarrassed to admit I just got up and moved away from her.