A few years ago when I lived in Georgia, Lawmakers were pushing for a measure to ban smoking in cars where children were present. Now it appears as though they will finally pass such a law, under the mistaken premise that secondhand smoke causes cancer.

Georgia lawmakers are considering a first-in-the-nation law that would require drivers who smoke to roll down the windows before lighting up with children in the car.

The measure, approved 9-0 Wednesday by a state House committee, would impose a $15 fine.

Supporters say toddlers need legal protection from secondhand smoke. Opponents consider the measure intrusive.

The measure passed because they were able to soften it by stipulating the driver had to roll down the window. (They don't say if that means all the way down, or just cracked a bit.)

Of course the concession is only temporary. Anti-smokers know that they could never get a total ban, so they'll settle for this. The next step is to change the law to completely ban smoking in a car when children are present. Eventually the ban will extend to your home, and "children" will be slowly expanded to include everyone.

I'm beginning to think that total prohibition cannot be avoided.