[flintsilver7]

The only sort of smoking ban I would support is one in which the people decide through voter referendum that they would prefer it. And I’m not talking a 51-49 vote. I don’t want city councils deciding this, I don’t want state legislatures deciding this, and I certainly don’t want the federal government deciding this because I don’t think it’s within their power. Restaurants can decide this on their own if market forces dictate as such (and many have).

You know, the problem with these types of issues is that they get to be way too emotional.

[Gabz]

The only sort of smoking ban I would support is one in which the people decide through voter referendum that they would prefer it.

This statement of yours seems to be in conflict with the final sentence of your paragraph:

Restaurants can decide this on their own if market forces dictate as such (and many have).

A voter referendum forcing a smoking ban is really no different than a government entity enacting a ban. It is still someone else dictating to business owners.

The best referendum is the market. People "vote" with their wallets by not patronizing establishments with policies they do not like. And as you correctly point out, many restaurants have already adopted this policy on their own. Why force all to be the same?

[Old Professer]

3 of 4 people are non-smokers; as long they think that they will be less inconvenienced than the small minority, their conscience will not bother them very much; now if three lions and one wildebeast begin discussing dinner we might see some fur fly.

[elkfersupper]

The only sort of smoking ban I would support is one in which the people decide through voter referendum that they would prefer it.

Mob rule. Always a good prospect.

[SheLion]

The only sort of smoking ban I would support is one in which the people decide through voter referendum that they would prefer it. And I’m not talking a 51-49 vote. I don’t want city councils deciding this, I don’t want state legislatures deciding this, and I certainly don’t want the federal government deciding this because I don’t think it’s within their power. Restaurants can decide this on their own if market forces dictate as such (and many have).

That is what we have wanted for years!  This smoke or not to smoke should have been left up to the business owner and his patrons, and NOT city councils OR state government!!!!!

[Madame Dufarge]

The only sort of smoking ban I would support is one in which the people decide through voter referendum that they would prefer it.

A referendum supporting the abolition of property rights is no more legitimate than abolition of property rights by government fiat.

[CSM]

“Restaurants can decide this on their own if market forces dictate as such (and many have).”

This is the ONLY valid solution for this situation. Now, considering that you are on the same side as the original poster of this article, why do you feel the need to emotionally attack those of us that feel the same?