Interesting article--I can relate. I missed the first thread. My grandparents, nearly every aunt and uncle, and most people we knew smoked cigarettes, from the time I was old enough to remember. So I associated it with people I liked and even looked up to. I never noticed or heard about any effects from second hand smoke back then or verified now.. I smoked cigarettes until my mid twenties (I'm 65 now), I suppose because it was the acceptable thing to do--and maybe because we were all addicted to it.
There are lots of social issues much more important for legislators (so many of whom smoke themselves) to spend their time on. But it's really about money I suppose.
Warning: Every cigarette you smoke adds one year to Keith Richards' life.