Woodsy, you hardly sound ignorant. Your voicing an opinion many agree with but are too afraid to say out loud. As much as I hate the smell of smoke, I am glad the ban failed. I am just sorry that it was only by a margin of one. I have been concerned with how NH politics is definitely swinging to the left. The further south you go in the state, the more obvious this is. I'm hanging on to hope that the state hasn't gone past the mid-point. IN MY OPINION, one of the attractions, FOR ME, is that this state has a reputation for its less-government and let-live attitude. I sure hope that attitude prevails. With the influx of more liberal MA folks, that will and is changing. BTW, I'm a native NH but have lived in MA most of my life. I will be a permanent resident again next year but I am a non-voting taxpayer now. I sure wish I could vote for the legislators of my choice.
Regarding Woodsy's comments on "getting off your butt and taking responsibility for yourself and your actions", I also agree with that. That unfortunately is a problem in all states. People seem to need direction and laws to lead them. Common sense seems to be in short supply. I see it first hand as a school administrator in MA. Whether its the parents, teachers or the students (and yes, administrators!)
ARGHHH, I'm starting to ramble. Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now.
Oh, as far as Patrick's, we used to go often and refused to sit in the bar area because of the smoke. We went a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time in the smoke free bar. They sure didn't seem to be lacking for customers! It's a wonderful world!