[SheLion]

What is to stop overzealous legislators from outlawing smoking in private residences? The second-hand smoke issues for any non-smokers (children, visitors, etc) are the same, if not MORE compelling (when you consider households with children).

If smoking and second hand is the big killer the highly paid professional anti-smoking zealots say it is, don't you think they would have issued an all out ban and just pulled tobacco products off of the market?

They would have to have an all out ban before they can go into a person's home and forbid smoking.

[TheForceOfOne]

I wonder what these zealots would feel is a justified jail sentence for smokers?

6 months - First time.
1 year - second time.
10 mandatory sentence - third time.

Accidental smoke in nonsmokers face - Death Penalty!(No prior offenses required) Offended gets to watch the execution!

[armydoc]

"If smoking and second hand is the big killer the highly paid professional anti-smoking zealots say it is, don't you think they would have issued an all out ban and just pulled tobacco products off of the market?"

Tobacco products would never be approved for sale if developed today (probably not alcohol either). The reason they continue to be legal is mostly about money- its a huge business, and it rakes in huge taxes for the government. Also, our government (rightly) recognizes our right to make poor health choices. As a vascular surgeon, I see the effects of smoking every day. I have seldom met a patient that doesn't acknowledge the health effects of smoking. But, you won't find a more ardent opponent of government imposed smoking bans than me.