Where do rights begin and end?

These days it seems everyone worries about their freedom and their rights.
Take, for example, smoking vs. non-smoking in public. A non-smoking section in a restaurant doesn’t help those of us who are bothered by breathing in and smelling cigarette smoke. Smoke wafts throughout the building or room. Where there is smoke, I’ll have to breathe it, “non-smoking section” or no. Isn't having a smoking section in a restaurant like having a peeing section in a swimming pool?
I know, people who smoke have rights. However, do those rights include forcing me and other non-smokers to breathe in their cigarette’s carcinogen-filled smoke? Non-smokers have rights also, and choose a smoke-free way of life. Even smokers know the dangers of smoking, yet they get upset when those of us who choose not to smoke speak out about our right not to join their habit by breathing their smoke. Is it more important for them to smoke, or me to breathe? Which is really a right? A necessity?
There are people who are health-conscious. Smoke-free places would contribute as much to their good health as eating all the right foods and exercising. I know a gal who claims to be a health nut, eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water and always concerned about her health and weight. Then, she goes outside to smoke. I’d be more worried what the tar and smoke are doing to my lungs and throat than eating a cheeseburger and fries.
My sweet, non-smoking grandmother used to say, “If I only had all the money your (deceased) grandpa spent on cigarettes over the last 40 years…” She lamented over the clean spots where pictures hung on the wall, the rest of the wall dirtied by his smoke.
We were in a public auditorium recently where I was happily surprised to see “no smoking” signs posted very prominently. Also posted were signs directing smokers where smoking was permitted.
Inside the auditorium, two teenage boys sat in front of us. One of them took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. I thought he was going to light up, but to my surprise, he asked the usher if smoking was allowed. She told him it was not and he thanked her. I told my husband how nice it was to see that he asked. My husband, cynic that he can be, informed me he was only asking so he’d know whether or not to hide it. Lo and behold, within 10 minutes, he lit up, his smoke rising directly into my face. I blew it back towards him, but he didn’t notice. I fanned my hand through the smoke to redirect it, to no avail. With that, I leaned up and asked the curly-haired teen if he’d mind not smoking please — and thank you. He turned around to look at me and put it out without a word.
Soon, he and his non-smoking buddy relocated. They found other seats, but I suspect were kicked out of them by the ticket holders, so minutes later, they returned. Thankfully, he didn’t smoke again.
I know I’m stepping on some toes here, but I know that I wouldn’t wish my bad habits on others, giving them no choice in the matter. I won’t pick my toes near their table in a restaurant. I can wait until I get outside, in my car or home.
I’ll take this chance to thank the eating establishments (and shopping malls) that have banned smoking. People do have the right to smoke, but people generally go to a restaurant to eat. Yes, EAT. Do they really need to smoke while there? Can they not refrain for 30 minutes? Smoke before you enter, and when you exit.
All a non-smoking section accomplishes is separating people. It doesn’t keep smoke away from people who don’t want to smell/breathe it.
I also want to make clear I don’t dislike smokers. I dislike rude, thoughtless smokers (their actions), just as much as I dislike rude, thoughtless people’s actions in general. I appreciate when someone takes his/her smoking outside, even when the weather is extremely cold or hot.
My husband suffers from asthma, which is aggravated by smoke and other irritants. (I can't even use candles or air fresheners in the car or house). Should he be forced to stop going to restaurants or public places? It makes me feel nauseous, should I just have to stay home? Maybe restaurants should consider the business they lose from people who can’t breathe when there is cigarette smoke. There are places where smoking is prohibited, and those are the places we’ll choose first. I’d like to hear from people who agree with me, just to find out how many of us would patronize a new restaurant if they changed their policy to non-smoking.
I’ve seen people smoking in their cars who fail to use the ashtray I’m sure is built into their car. Why is that? They don’t want the butts to stink up their car’s upholstery? Instead, they flick it out the car window and I hope it doesn’t ignite a drop of gasoline or something as I pass over it. (I know, pretty unlikely, but it could happen).
I feel the same way about my hair and clothes as they feel about their car’s upholstery. I don’t want to smell that way. I don’t want to be in a restaurant or public place and have to go home and take another shower because I smell as if I’ve been smoking. I don’t want others to smell smoke on me, and I hate the smell. It’s frustrating to go somewhere, freshly showered and smelling nice, only to smell like smoke within minutes.
There are other places, such as auctions and outdoor events where we have to put up with it. At the amusement park (a place we visit frequently and where we would consider discontinuing our practice of spending $500-plus per year on passes for the family), people smoke in the lines to the rides, even though smoking in the lines is prohibited. It’s a family place. Where is the enforcement? I think I need to just stop being intimidated and ask people to put out their cigarettes, or go to the management. Does our non-smoking offend them or cause them any discomfort? Does it affect their health in a negative way?
Let’s make a deal: I won’t pick my toes in front of you and you won’t smoke in front of me.
One last thing, while I’m airing things…what’s up with people of the male persuasion who leave the "turlet" seat up?