Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
Because they are not only damaging themselves (which they have a perfect right to do, of course), but also everyone around them. The dangers of "passive smoking" are well established.
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I understand your point, but I've never been forced to be around people who smoke. I have a choice not to be.
Vehicle emissions are an entirely different story. People who cough in your face, use the restroom without washing their hands afterwards, and have a miriad of other bad personal habits (that are often unseen/unknown to me) are of a greater danger to me and my welfare than any smoker. People who drink alcohol are a greater threat to my welfare, especially if I can't avoid them or the danger they can be to me unless I see a drink in their hand.
As long as smoking is legal, I see no cause to punish smokers any more than we should punish anyone for doing anything that is perfectly legal, and wihin their rights to do, no matter how repulsive it might be to us personally.