Too Much Government, Redux

Yesterday I wrote about Vancouver's decision not to allow builders to install doorknobs in new houses.  Today's story comes from the People's Republic of California (as if you're surprised):

The city of San Rafael, CA, recently passed one of the most restrictive smoking bans in the whole country -- it’s now illegal to smoke in your own home if you share walls with another residence.

There is no more ardent opponent of cigarette smoke than I am.  To me it's just nastiness and I don't like being around it at all.  But is it the place of government to make this rule?

But that’s privately owned property. As a landlord, you have every right to ask your renters to not smoke inside. Or have dogs. Or paint the walls neon pink. That’s fine and dandy -- but it shouldn't be illegal...

Over-regulation is ridiculous and unnecessary. There is absolutely no reason for the government to come into our private homes and dictate which legal activities we may or may not participate in.

This is what happens when one group of people think they're smart enough to tell the rest of us how we're supposed to live.  Prohibition didn't work.