I do not want the public to be subjected to smoke without its consent but don't want smoking to be banned. Most of the more ridiculous intrusions have been stopped like smoking on airplanes, busses, anywhere you want in eating places, workplaces etc. Hard to believe that when I started working people even smoked cigars at their desks. I would walk into my boss's office and a layer of cigarette smoke hung about two feet above his head. Trips would leave me smelling like cigar or cigarette smoke.
Why on earth did you continue working there if it was so
difficult for you?
Even if this is the majority view, a republic exists to ensure that minorities are protected. There was once a notion that 'the (white) public' should not be subjected to the same drinking fountains that 'they' use.
"Most of the more ridiculous intrusions have been stopped like smoking on airplanes, busses, anywhere you want in eating places, workplaces etc."
Personally, I think these are examples of the onset of ridiculous intrusions. Why the owners of airlines, busses, restaurants, workplaces, etc. can be told how and what can be done on their private property, we have moved in the direction of fascism. It may just be the first step on a journey of a thousand miles, but between you and I, I see any movement in that direction as a bad thing. The restaurant example is especially evocative of Jim Crowism..."No smokers allowed," "Smoking in the rear," etc.Once you have dictated this, you've really set a bad precedent for the legislation of private activity on private property. What's next? No Bible reading at tables?
"Hard to believe that when I started working people even smoked cigars at their desks. I would walk into my boss's office and a layer of cigarette smoke hung about two feet above his head. Trips would leave me smelling like cigar or cigarette smoke."
I'm sure you've been greatly heartened then, by the recent announcement by some employers that will fire all employees who continue to smoke (they've been given a year to quit) and others who will no longer employ persons who smoke (even if not on the job and just at home.) You may be surprised, but I fully agree with and support the business owners right to do so. Likewise, If an employer wants to allow smoking at desks, in offices, cubicles, etc., they should be allowed to do so; however, governments at all levels have decided they know what's best for everybody in these cases.