In November of 2002, I shared the story of smoke nazi physically assaulting a smoker on the streets of New York City. The smoker was breaking no laws, but that didn't stop the pleasure police from trying to physically intimidate and strong arm the person into putting out their cigarette. In defending the attacker, a smoke nazi writes:

If only she had actually lnanded those kicks and punches. Then we would have had a story. As is, we have someone that still thinks it's okay to smoke. Sad, stupid people they are. Eventually, when my reckoning comes, they will see why smoking is bad for your health.

If the drugs don't hurt you, I just might. [Ed. note: Is that a threat?]

In addition, it has recently been brought to my attention that attempted suicide is illegal, and that those who are found guilty of this crime are put into mental institutions. INTENTIONALLY INGESTING POISONS IS AN ACT OF ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AND SHOULD THUS BE PROHIBITED BY LAW>

Recently come to your attention? I didn't realize surfing the web was permitted in asylums.

Now first of all, the smoker commited no crime. Even had they been breaking the law, battery on a person is not an acceptable reaction to witnessing a crime when no one's life is in immediate danger. If I see someone parking illegally, I am not allowed to punch them in the nose; and the fact that they may be breaking the law, would give me no justification to do so.

Second, a simple assault on someone can easily lead to an escalation of violence. Let's assume for a moment that I smoke, and say this had happened to me one Saturday while I'm walking around my town. Since I regularly (and quite legally) carry a loaded pistol, my first reaction to such an assault would be to pull out my gun and place the person under citizens arrest. Further battery and threats to my person could escalate the situation and lead to the unfortunate circumstance of me having to use my gun in legally justified self defense. In any case I'm calling the police and having them charged for assault and battery. Legally speaking, I would be fully justified for doing so, no matter what the assailant's "moral" motive.

Third, as I stated initially the smoker had broken no laws. Advocacy for such anti smoking laws is indeed shocking. While there are negative health effects connected to smoking, it can hardly be considered suicide. Smoking is a leisure activity that carries with it certain risks. A smoker's risk of dying from smoking is similar to the risk a mountain climber assumes when climbing Pike's Peak. Change that Mt. Everest, and the climber actually has a much greater chance at dying than our smoking friend. Should we outlaw mountain climbing? How about SCUBA diving, bungee jumping or driving in heavy traffic? All of which carry certain "unnecessary" risks.

The fact is that smokers are harming no one except themselves and the ones they love. A smoker walking by you on the street is doing you no harm, unless of course you consider the worry and grief caused to smoke nazis such as this guy. Now a person that walks around striking people for seemingly no good reason is another story. They deserve what they get. The same person is the type of goon that feels justified for putting bombs on SUVs or throwing blood on someone who wears fur. When someone tries to use threats, force, or intimidation on someone, its hard to say they don't deserve whatever force they get in return.

Oh, and for the record, as a Libertarian, I could care less if you or someone else wants to commit suicide. Just jump already and don't be holding up traffic while standing out on that ledge.