Yesterday's Daily Caller reported that the New York City Council is preparing to ban smoking in all parks, beaches, boardwalks, and even Times Square.
The article reports:
"When this legislation is passed, all New Yorkers will be able to enjoy a walk in the park or a day at the beach without having to inhale secondhand smoke," said Council Speaker Christine Quinn when she and Mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled the proposed bill last year. "This bill will save lives and make New York City a healthier place to live."
I am not a smoker. I am also fairly sensitive to cigarette smoke. However, I am concerned about what I see as the continuing erosion of the rights of smokers. I have really mixed emotions about this. I appreciate not having to deal with smoke in restaurants. I appreciate not smelling smoke at the beach. However, if secondhand smoke is that toxic, why is smoking legal? Why is the government subsidizing tobacco farmers?
Why is the City Council targeting smokers? Don't they have anything better to do? Is second hand smoke a major cause of New York City's air pollution?
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