In response to Penchiefs screed against the evils of business, and the virtues of his idealized view of our founders intent.
Hope you don't mind my condensing your post.
I don't think Government is "evil". I think Government, like any tool, can be used for "good" or "evil". History leaves me wary of granting powers to government, as they seldom relinquish them.
While we are at it, I'd prefer a government that didn't feel obliged to protect me from my own decisions.
Now, with that said:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by penchief
If an individual is going to go into business to serve the public he cannot discriminate in any way, shape, or form. That is part of the price of doing business with the public.
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Bullshit. If I own and operate a business and want to adopt a strict policy of not seating folks who haven't bathed in a week, I have every right to refuse service. Likewise if I run an upscale eatery, and don't care to serve the Lady and Gentleman with matching facial tattoos and piercings with several chains connecting the two lovebirds.
Would it be silly for me to discriminate like that? Depends. In both cases, it might help me keep my customer base, but it opens me up to a frivolous lawsuit from the unwashed or excessively holed.
The only ones I can't "discriminate" against, are those specific classes recognized and protected by law.
You're suggesting that a non-smoker should be accommodated under the law and require service as (say) those protected by the ADA are.
I suggest the non-smoker is no more deserving of accommodation than someone hyper-sensitive to perfume is at the cologne counter.
Or, the other way, if the owner wants non-smoking, the smoker has the same right to demand accommodation. IMO, none at all.