At the moment, there is no unification, just fractious groups here and there trying on their own to stop this.And no one wants to take the first step. Some groups feel that if they are going to foot the bill to fight this, they don't want the other groups to benefit without contributing money. Other groups don't have the funds to fight back.
Remember we're dealing with Bloomberg and his cronies. They have been given chapter and verse on the studies that refute the 2nd hand smoke claims, etc. and they flatly refuse to even acknowledge a counter-claim. Ironically, Bloomberg used to smoke. You'd think that based on his own experience, if he doesn't have health problems, that should be enough evidence.
The argument by the pundits, legislators, et al is that it's an "irrefutable health issue". Period.
Your comment "Government should protect the public from things the public cannot assess for themselves, like the temperature of the refrigerator or the cleanliness of the kitchen. It is NOT now and never has been government's right or mandate to protect the public from itself. is the best argument so far. But unfortunately, that is common sense and we're dealing with sheep, not common sense people.
I'm at my wits end here, I know it's going to require creativity, money and a unified front to fight this. And right now, it looks pretty bleak. I will continue with my research and contact the appropriate parties to see what can be done.
As always, help is greatly appreciated.
Because deep down the average smoker won't do anything. Maybe its guilt, maybe they want to be forced to quit, in any case they haven't yet fought back so far and they won't.
Anyways the game is over. The current restaurant ban will be followed by all the other major cities and then be done statewide. Its a done deal.