Secondhand smoke kills an estimated 46,000 Americans every year from heart disease alone; whose rights got violated?

Smokers don't have a right. They have the privilege to smoke, when it doesn't bother/offend/harm anyone else, but other people's right to be free of tobacco smoke trumps their privilege to smoke. Smokers need to learn that. They don't have a right to smoke in public; it is entirely an indulgence ... and society is removing that indulgence.

If they want to smoke, do it in private like the rest of the addicts. Or better yet, admit that they're addicts, get medical help and quit.

In addition there is always a gnashing of teeth from bar owners and restaurants about potential lost revenues. I must say that I have never noticed any downturn in the amount of business conducted in bars and restaurants when I have visited Austin, Texas where smoking inside venues was banned several years ago.

Sure wish that ban had been in place while I was tending bar in that city. Who knows what damage was done.

It is so much more enjoyable to go to a bar or club and catch a great music act without coming home smelling like a smoke stack.

Former smokers are especially sensitive to second-hand smoke. With good reason. They know how dangerous it is because they fear that it it will lure them back into the addictive prison of First-Hand Smoke.

Long after smokers have left a venue, the vestiges of their tobacco smoke, which insinuates itself into every Nook and Cranny , still lingers.

For this reason, when renting a Motel or Hotel room, be sure to insist on a room designated as "Non-Smoking."