COOL OR NOT COOL: Banning Smokers From...Well, EVERYWHERE?

So by now we've all heard about NYC's latest ban on smoking that went into effect this past Monday. In addition to bars and restaurants where smoking was banned back in 2002, smokers are now prohibited from lighting up in parks, beaches and pedestrian plazas, and could be fined $50 per violation.

Here's the thing though: Cigarettes are legal and the government is making money by taxing them. Make money from both ends by taxing the smoker and then fining them for using what you’re allowing them to buy? Get the fuck out of here. Not cool.

As a recent cig quitter, I actually don’t mind not having it shoved in my face thereby tempting me to want to smoke, but I still can’t shake the feeling that this ban is fucked up. Maybe I feel bad for the smokers being pushed out of society as if they’re lepers…maybe I’m biased by my former smoker status. I don’t know.

I decided to ask a few smokers their thoughts on the ban. To my surprise they all seemed to feel okay about it; they said they understand that it’s unhealthy and it bothers people and blah blah blah. But you know what they also said? They’re still gonna smoke in public places, they’re just gonna try harder to not get caught. Yep, that sounds about right. Ban schman, damn the man.

What do you guys think? Cool or not cool?