[SheLion]

Many of these anti-smoker laws will pass into history’s trash heap as soon as Democrats get the perception that smokers are 25% of the population and ripe to become an organized constituency, who can vote as a block, and therefore must be catered to. Republicans, on the other hand, are a little slow to grasp the concept of “organized constituency,” “voter block,” and other advanced political concepts.

Excuse me, but I don't see anything mentioned about Republicans or Democrats in this thread.

Actually, it was somewhat of a "win" or smokers.

voted Tuesday night to repeal a city ordinance pertaining to smoking in buildings owned by, or under the control of, the city of South Houston.

Eloise Smith, South Houston mayor, explained that the ordinance was repealed in an attempt to provide smokers an area that would protect them from being required to stand outside in the elements.

"People who smoke have rights, too," Smith said. "The old ordinance specified no smoking in any city building. We have a more in-depth ordinance now that will allow smoking in the old fire station behind City Hall."

"As the mayor and council of the city, I must represent the rights of all people," she said.

Bimbo, are you sure you have the right thread?

[bimbo]

Bimbo, are you sure you have the right thread?

Sorry if I offended you or anyone else by injecting Democrats and Republicans into this "smokers victory." But I still maintain that if smokers want real, nationwide, significant victories, I'm afraid they'll have to organize into a voting block - be someone's special interest group! Individual's rights (smokers or not) get short shrift these days, while "group rights" are catered to.