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"Whenever smoking and smoker's rights are discussed."
I wasn't aware a smoker had "Rights". I thought it fell under the same catagory as driving. It's a privilege not a right. I must have missed it when i studied the constitution in school. I'll read it again, i'm sure it's there.
"On the business side, the scale is still leaning toward the smoking side if it is allowed by law."
Exactly, and now that smoking in my state is no longer allowed by law in public places, it's a level playing field for all indoor seating establishments. Which is a plus for the small independent business operator. He no longer has to compete with huge chain resturants and bars, because they are now also by the will of the majority to be smoke free. Private clubs fall under the clean air health act just established by the majority in my state. The only places that are exampt, are vehicles private of course, casinos, and your own home.
As far as government and your rights, you would have no rights if it were not for government. You would have mayhem, confusion, and no rights at all essentially. We elect of government to represent the will of the majority. Non smokers are the majority. Majority rules. Now...if i wished to change this law, and i could if i were to find enough people who were smokers, and oppose it. But not going to happen in this case. Because as i said..majority rules.
"And this is exactly what our (U.S.) founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the constitution. Property owners using THEIR property in a way that best suits them (as long as it does not interfere with their neighbors property rights)."
There are no laws that i know of that prohibit you from smoking on your own property if you so desire to.
"We have a right to free speech on our property"
Yes and no... you do have the right of free speech on your property, as long as it does not interfere with the health and safety of others. You cannot for instance... umm lets say... stand in your front yard, and yell that a bomb will go off in 30 minutes, so everyone better get out. When in fact you know for a fact there is not one. Yes you have the right to say it, but not in the presents of others if it's an untruth. And here in lyes the non smoking VS: the smoking controversy. Notice, i didn't say "Smokers Rights VS: Non Smokers Rights" because smoking is not a right. When smoking interferes with the health and safety of others, its a no no. And that is what we have done here in michigan. It's that simple.
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