The Right to Smoke

[J-Mann]

Legislation that bans smoking is ridiculous - this coming from a social conservative.  Salina, KS passed a similar ordinance around two years ago, banning smoking in all Salina bars and restaurants.  It's very offensive and quite a violation of private property rights.  And yes, what is keeping the government from telling you not to smoke it your own home?  I feel very differently about drugs (marijuana and anything more potent), but cigarrettes only cause harm to those smoking them, and perhaps those in the immediate vicinity.  But that was the option of non-smokers: they could leave the area if they didn't want to be around smoke.

It's actually quite surprising that it is usually the Democrats who support smoking bans over Republicans, when considering the issue on a strictly moral and ideological basis.  When removing the corporate and economic aspect of the issue, I also know many "right-wingers" who support smoking bans.