17% of Americans Want Gov't to Outlaw Smoking

Do you believe that the government is already intruding too much into your life?  Well, 17% of Americans believe it is not enough.  According to a new poll, 17 out of every 100 Americans believe that the government should outlaw smoking all together.

While the 17% is down from a poll taken in late 2008, which showed that 22% were in favor of a ban, the amount of people who want smoking banned is still astounding.  If 17% of Americans truly want smoking to be banned, based on the U.S. population, that would mean that over 50 Million people are in favor of such government action.

Despite this number, however, the vast majority of Americans do not want smoking to be banned.  72% believe that the government should not make smoking illegal, while another 11% are not sure.

The article goes deeper, stating:

"Nineteen percent (19%) of non-smokers like the idea of a tobacco ban, compared to just 11% of those who say they currently smoke."

Should be outlawed?

The poll does not go into detail about the possible effects a ban on smoking could have on taxed and government revenue, but it does discuss regulation:

"When it comes regulation of the cigarette industry, Americans are divided over how much is enough. Twenty-two percent (22%) think the level of regulation is too high, while 26% believe it's not high enough. Thirty-eight percent (38%) say the current level of regulation is about right.

Smokers feel more strongly than non-smokers that the industry is overregulated."

While millions of Americans are resisting what they see as the over-reach of government in Health Care, gun ownership, and airport pat-downs, it is almost shocking that so many people would be in favor of a forceful ban on smoking.  There are currently 303 Million people in the United States, which means that over 50 Million people are in favor of a ban.

It does not look like smoking will be banned in the foreseeable future.


Please bookmark!