frantic, what perhaps, but not neccessarily so, should have included in my post is that my son, prior to learning the evils of smoking as part of his primary schooling had already developed a physical revulsion to secondhand cigarette smoke, it really is a physical irritation to him. Before he learnt the dangers of smoking in school he used to remove himself from any smoke, but once he learnt that he had a natural right to expect that his personal space should not be invaded by others, which is what bullying is all about, then he felt that he had to stand up for that right.
But really his physical revulsion is irrelevant to the argument, it is basically about rights and principles. I think that perhaps that you should ponder on what you wrote and reconsider who is actually the bully, and who is the one being rude. It is entirely your right to associate with smokers and put up with their smoke, but it is rather arrogant to think that the smokers have a right to force anyone else to suffer at their expense. The world has moved on greatly in recent years. Remember also I am writing from the perspective of a former heavy smoker, and when I look back at my smoking behavior I am ashamed of how I really took advantage of many peoples goodwill, and often abused their hospitality. I like most smokers have no consideration for others, that is why the politicians have to draft laws to protect the rights of the non smokers
