[Madame Dufarge]

So, it seems the unhealthiness of smoking has been common knowledge for some time.

This isn't new information, as you surely must know.

I've been smoking since I was 11 years old, and if I drop dead tomorrow, I blame no one.

The essence of freedom is making one's own choices in the crapshoot called "life."

There are innumerable choices people make in life that are "unhealthy."

The unhealthiest choice is the acquiesence to the notion that perfect strangers are entitled to dictate to other adults how to live their lives.

This is the critical point at which individual freedom breaks down.

The "second-hand" smoke canard had to be constructed in order for the usual suspects to sustain their viability.

Too bad they can't just live their own lives, as small as they must be.

[AlBondigas]

but the question remains: Why can't P.M., et al. present a credible (successful) defense against the ambulance chasers

[Gabz]

The "second-hand" smoke canard had to be constructed in order for the usual suspects to sustain their viability.

Of course it was.......and you gave the reason in a previous statement........

The unhealthiest choice is the acquiesence to the notion that perfect strangers are entitled to dictate to other adults how to live their lives.

The smokers wouldn't acquiesce and so the busybodies needed a new tactic.....and when folks weren't buying into it regarding workplaces and hospitality places, they then resorted to the big guns........THE CHILDREN........