perfidy

In a blow to those who think slippery slopes don't exist-- and in a spine-crushing suplex to decency, common sense, and responsible government-- the city of Port Orange, FL has outlawed outdoor smoking on public property when kids are present.

That's right. If you're in the park, and even one scabby-kneed diaper-wearing drool factory is around-- even if said drool factory is thirteen and ho'ed up like Britney Spears-- you're in trouble. You get three warnings. Then you get up to 60 days of jail.

I'm of two minds about smoking bans. My libertarian side opposes them unequivocally, but my opportunistic side absolutely loves that I can go out to a bar without reeking like an ashtray for twelve hours afterwards. I mean, loves it. I love it. Love it.

Love. It.

Here's a question-- in towns that ban smoking in bars and restaurants, why can't the town government regulate smoking like they do booze? If city hall issues, say, 300 liquor licenses, why can't they draw up and issue 100 smoking licenses too? That way we would ensure that the spirit of the law-- that patrons and workers not be automatically exposed to dense clouds of toxins-- is observed, while at the same time giving those people who do enjoy cancer the opportunity to do so.