I Agree with Paugus Bay Resident...
As a former smoker (10 weeks and counting, thankyouverymuch) after 25 years, I never had an issue stepping outside if I wanted to light up. I viewed it as common courtesy to those still eating, whether smokers or non-smokers.
One could argue that the government has no place in forcing smokers to refrain -- after all, it's their right to do as they please when it comes to their health.
And yet the same folks who expect independence in choice expect the same government to protect them in other areas -- food and drug supply, production, distribution, etc.
We tend to pick and choose the control we relinquish.
Too much tobacco CAN kill -- it's not a guarantee.
Too much alcohol CAN kill -- it's not a guarantee.
Too much peanut butter CAN kill -- it's not a guarantee.
In any case, you choose to consume an unhealthy amount, you run the risk. You knew the risks, you made the choice, you deal with the consequences. End of story.
Shouldn't we each take responsibility for our own actions and decisions? If I want to live by the "Consequences be damned" motto, it should be my choice. And if I make that choice, I have no right to blame my government, my neighboor, the local tobacco company, my spouse, etc. Choice is individual.
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