As I've said a few times here, I think smoking should be legal. I also believe that those of us who don't want to be forced to breathe their smoke should have that right.
For years I had to endure smoke in public places and suffer in silence. I have a season ticket for hockey. Before the restrictions on smoking there, by the third period the arena was filled with a smoke filled haze that caused me to sneeze uncontrollably for 45 minutes. It couldn't have been good for me.
This, of course, is the crux of the argument, the notion that you were forced to do so. In fact, you had a choice. I went to an air show once, which I enjoyed. However, the noise adversely affected my daughter so I left earlier than I otherwise would have and never went to another. I had a choice. One thing I didn't choose to do was insist that the government mandate noiseless jets at air shows.
That said, I have already posted that smoking at the hockey arena, provided it was public ally owned, is fair game for regulation. My concern is private property. I don't believe I have any more right to walk into McDonald's and insist my preferences be met there anymore than I do to walk into your house and demand the same.
"For years I had to endure smoke in public places and suffer in silence. I have a season ticket for hockey. Before the restrictions on smoking there, by the third period the arena was filled with a smoke filled haze that caused me to sneeze uncontrollably for 45 minutes. It couldn't have been good for me."
Who held the gun that forced you to attend these games?
And the government has no business regulating their use on private property by adults either.