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Look around you at your local Applebee's, or your favorite bar. Notice anything strange?
People aren't smoking.
What is really fascinating, is that smoking has now become a political and legal issue for many city and state governments across our country, with some even trying to ban smoking outdoors. Something that used to be chalked up to a personal lifestyle choice, like what kind of car you drive, or what color shirt you wear, is now governed by new laws.
Bars, clubs, music venues, malls, and virtually every store that exists today has either banned smoking indoors, or they're planning to do so in the near future. Why? Because it's no longer socially acceptable, and when something is no longer acceptable, you ban it. Signs are everywhere, informing you that even though you used to smoke at your favorite local bar, you're no longer allowed.
Many state legislators have pigeon-holed small bar and restaurant owners by putting these new law into effect, forcing them to either not allow customers to smoke, or not allow anyone under the age of 18 into these establishments.
Tobacco companies and political lobbyists have been in bed together for many years, could this signal the end of the relationship between "big-tobacco" and the government? Or are we merely looking at a repeat of prohibition? Perhaps they are actually realizing the serious health risks for those who smoke and the people around them?
Is this government sanctioned law regarding smoking a danger to us in America? Do we stand to lose more of our personal choices in the coming years?
