In recent years there have been more and more smoking bans in the country as more and more people have fought to have a smoke free environment. Most places now ban public smoking but there are still some private environments where smoking is still acceptable to do.

We are told these smoking bans have been implemented so that people who do not smoke are protected from the harmful effects of second hand smoke.

Supposedly, when there is smoking allowed in the environment, the air somehow becomes clogged with the smoke, which affects all the people who have to be in that environment. Most of the laws that have been implemented are based on the thought that people can choose to smoke if they want to, polluting their own bodies, but it is not acceptable that they pollute the bodies of others who do not choose to smoke.

In reality, the air does not become clogged and any second hand smoke encountered by others in the vicinity would be so dilute, it’s barely measurable.  While smokers may pollute their own bodies, it’s nonsense to ascribe any pollution done to others.  The second hand smoke issue is not about public health, it is about money, control, and jurisdiction.

There are many more dangerous pollutants in our environment than cigarette smoke.  And those pollutants are accepted in our environment as a beneficial by-product of technology.  And, they are profitable.

Now, I’m all for people having the freedom to choose to live in whatever environment they want, free of cigarette smoke.  I’m also for people having the freedom to choose to smoke.  I also believe most of the science claiming the dangers of second hand smoke is flawed and misleading.

When in America’s history has society permitted one choice to be dominate while another choice is criminalized? Our nation was founded on the idea of liberty and in particular individual liberty.  It’s sad to see individual liberty eroded in the name of some pseudo-science.

Public or Private

Smoking bans have been implemented in most workplaces, however there are still some that have rooms that allow smoking and there are designated areas outside of the building that allow for smoking. When people are traveling, there are also smoking bans in airports, bus stations and train stations. There are  decreasing smoking areas that are designated as such in these travel stations but smoking is usually prohibited every where else on the premises. Sometimes there is smoking that is allowed in bars in these travel stops, but this is not always the case.

Smoking bans in restaurants depend on the state in which the restaurant is located and the preference of the restaurant owner. There are some states that will ban smoking in public places so restaurants are all affected by this. In states that there is not a smoking ban, there is often a restriction put in place by the chain restaurant owners that bans any smoking on the premises. There is also smoking that is still found when there is a nightlife entertainment setting, such as bars or other venues where there is entertainment.

Each state has its own restrictions regarding smoking and laws are always changing in this area, often becoming more restrictive as the years go by and non-smoking in public arenas is more accepted.

There are growing restrictions placed on an individuals choice to smoke in the privacy of their home.  These are generally indirect restrictions in the form of a financial incentive.  For example, smokers not only pay higher premiums for health insurance, they also pay more for auto, home, and other forms of insurance.  Smokers might also be fired from their job if they choose to smoke at home.

I have no problem with those who choose to live in an environment free of cigarette smoke… in their private area. But, when they enter the public arena they must be prepared to tolerate the different choices others make.

I’m reminded of Ben Franklin’s quote, “Any one who will trade freedom for security deserves neither.” We are giving away our individual freedoms in exchange for so-called smoke free areas with the idea our health is more secure. In truth, our health is not more secure by restricting smokers, only more controlled by a collectivist ruling class.