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Politics : A Neutral Corner -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TimF who wrote (2203)	7/13/2007 12:06:07 AM
From: Constant Reader	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 2253

While smoking inside probably won't kill anyone, it can make breathing difficult for asthmatics and others with respiratory ailments so it could be reasonably argued that banning smoking in confined spaces is within the realm of reason. The problem with your argument about laws relating to "public accommodation" is that virtually the same argument was used to justify segregated lunch counters and denial of services based on race and that, in my experience, is where almost every conversation of this sort tends to end up.

To: TimF who wrote (2203)	7/13/2007 9:58:14 AM
From: Lane3	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 2253

I have a problem with the whole group of ideas behind laws that apply "to those providing public accommodation". I appreciate the principle involved. I also recognize that the market doesn't cater to niche users very well. It does a great job with some niches but others are ignored. It's hit or miss. When some of those niches are disadvantaged users and the goods or services involved aren't frivolous, there's enormous pressure to do something about it. Not being able to eat in restaurants is a hardship in our society, after all. Who is going to look after that but the government? I suppose some private leader, maybe a billionaire or movie star, could pop up to advocate for niche providers but that hasn't happened. If the government were not looking out for the disadvantaged niches, would that private leader be more or less likely to step up? To be effective? Dunno.