[VRWC_minion]

However you might wish to check with the local child Protective Service to determine whether or not smoking in the same household as a child is considered child abuse

Maine has decided to protect the children in its care from SHS, how much longer before they and other realize the duplicity of having a higher standard for children in custody than for children out of custody ? Its not long before states start passing smoke bans for parents around children.

As for the level of abuse, I agree that smoking isn't the same level as beatings but its still abuse and the parent that insists on smoking in the same room.car etc is still selfish.

[Gabz]

I'm sure there are more important things Maine, and all other states for that matter, can do to protect children than worrying about cigarette smoking.

You and the rest of the anti-smokers belittle the true nature of child abuse by equating tobacco smokers with child abusers.

As the recipient of physical and verbal abuse from an alcoholic I look at your statements regarding child abuse with about as much credence as those that claim alcohol hurts no one but the user.