If a bar's customer base had more non-smokers than smokers, the smoking ban would not have had such a great affect on their profits. Therefore, the customer base of most bars appears to have more smokers than non-smokers. This would indicate that a MINORITY has taken away the rights of the MAJORITY>
Others would say that the smoking ban is in place because a MAJORITY of the voters voted for it. What they fail to realize, is that it was the MINORITY, and their special interest groups, who obtained and/or bought those votes.
The fact remains that a minority, in this particular situation, has taken away the freedoms of a majority.
True. The "majority" is based on the total population, when clearly not everyone frequents these bars/taverns. I'd guess that while 25% of the population smokes, 75% of the bar/tavern customers smoke. At least while they are at the bar/tavern.
As a result, you are right. 25% of the customer base has convinced the government to use force (threat of fine/prison) to cater to the minority of a customer base, while the majority of that customer base is not given any choice and no market alternative to satisfy their wants/desires.
MPlsSteve, I also posted the following and would like your opinion on it:
If a bar's customer base had more non-smokers than smokers, the smoking ban would not have had such a great affect on their profits. Therefore, the customer base of most bars appears to have more smokers than non-smokers. This would indicate that a MINORITY has taken away the rights of the MAJORITY>
Others would say that the smoking ban is in place because a MAJORITY of the voters voted for it. What they fail to realize, is that it was the MINORITY, and their special interest groups, who obtained and/or bought those votes.
The fact remains that a minority, in this particular situation, has taken away the freedoms of a majority.
So MplsSteve, do you REALLY believe that this minority of Americans had the right to deny the rights of the majority? Isn't it possible that your personal bias is keeping you from seeing the bigger picture? The bigger pictures being that of PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.