There's a difference between city transportation and smoking in regards to necessity. Although we need more environmentally friendly forms of transportation, the idea that transportation is a necessity within our society puts the subsequent pollution on a different level than cigarette smoke.

Not sure if anyone has said this yet, but it's less about the fear of getting cancer and more about not wanting to be forced to be exposed to the disgusting smell of cigarettes. There may be studies saying it's not much of a health risk for people to be exposed to others taking a shit in public but I certainly would not want to smell it.

All participants aged 16 and 17 may be referred to me.

But you're NOT forced to do anything. You don't HAVE to go where people smoke. OTOH, people who smoke, and people who have private property that want to allow people to smoke ARE being forced to "take it outside" or not allowed at all.

How is this a political issue?

I do HAVE to go to the grocery store, I do HAVE to leave my apartment sometimes.

I can understand bars being able to decide if smoking is okay or not but under no circumstances should I have to deal with that disgusting smell that sticks to my clothes and hair and smoke that fucks with my Asthma/Allergies just because some junkie can't be considerate and wait a bit for their fix.

Technically true. I'll rephrase it.
I shouldn't have to go out of my way/not do something a rational person would ordinarily choose to do (i.e. go to a restaurant, bar, take public transportation, ...) just so I can avoid the odor of cigarettes.
By smoking, you're infringing on my rights to only somewhat toxic air, eyes and lungs that don't burn when I'm in public ...
As a result YOU need to take measures to mitigate the potential damage.

Also, on a side note, I'd be curious to know how many of the studies downplaying the risks associated with second hand smoke were funded either by someone who profits from the tobacco industry or who themselves is an avid smoker.

This post was edited by someone3 on Jan 15 2011 10:19am

Know any grocery stores that allow(ed) smoking?

Before it was banned here? All of them allowed smoking at the entrances/exits. One even allowed it in the store.

every single one in China...
Seriously, people smoke in elevators, metro system, in office buildings...
I've seen people smoking while pumping gas