I didn't know this, but there are other countries trying to ban smoking altogether. Even in cars! I read on Slate they are trying to keep adults from smoking in cars with children present.

To me, this is plain nonsense. There are two propositions on our ballot in AZ that would further restrict smokers. I see nothing wrong with the way things are now. Smoking sections in public places such as restaurants are voluntary now, and work fine because they follow the basic tenets of individual capitalist concepts. I don't smoke, and generally avoid the smoke that smokers produce, but I certainly don't want to infringe on their right to do as they will with their own body. The basic argument used to defend smokers is that it does no harm to others, following the concepts that are the foundation of basic individual liberties touted by Mill and others like him. Proponents of a ban on smoking is that second hand smoke is harmful to others, but I think that any evidence to support this can only be superficial and circumstantial at best. I can't see how it could be shown beyond reasonable doubt that second hand smoke is harmful.

Proponents of any ban on smokers also use the reasoning that it puts a strain on any public health care systems. This is a big issue in Europe, where public health care is more prevalent. They have a point, but I think it is just a ploy to push their preferences on others. If people were really concerned about the burden smoking puts on health care systems, they would fix the problem there and advocate legislation that would force smokers to pay for any costs incurred by ailments from smoking, rather than force smokers to act against their will.

As I said, I don't smoke, and think that others only hurt themselves when they do. But I follow the belief that a person has to a right to smoke if they so choose because it really doesn't affect me. I can understand how it would inadvertently do so, but there are no solutions being championed that address the issue where it does affect the public in general.