quote:

Originally posted by Tedbear

I know that some people would like to claim that smoking, as well as eating habits, are personal choices, and thus, are not to be meddled with. However, since everyone’s health care costs are impacted by the costs of caring for smokers and for those who suffer poor health from poor eating habits, it is actually in everyone’s best interests for the government to encourage better habits in the populace

. . .

Personal choice and personal liberty are important. However, the majority of people do not smoke, and do not wish to breathe the second-hand smoke of others. And, since we all share the costs of everyone’s medical care, healthy life styles should be a goal that is welcomed by all.

I agree wholeheartedly. (Actually with your entire post, but it was too long to quote in it entirety.)

Nobody will dare bring back prohibition. Smoking is still legal in all states, in all cities, the government is just restricting the places one can smoke. They restrict the places we can drink alcoholic beverages, the places we can "relieve ourselves", the places we can change our clothing. These "bans" are just more of the same, with the added bonus of making public places safe for the asthmatic and emphysemic.