^^^ The big difference is that Smoking also brings in billions of dollars each year in excise taxes. Here in NJ the cigarette taxes are $2.50 per pack!
I am a non-smoker and I despise when people light up near me at parks. I think designated areas are great ideas, but again, only when enforced. Should smoking be illegal? I don't think so, it's your body, do what you want to it in your own house, but when you start blowing it on me, that is when I have a problem.
Everyone who has said "I try to be respectful and not smoke near people", that is all well and good for you, and I wish everyone was this way, but unfortunatly you are not in the majority. When I am in line and the group of 15 year old girls behind us all start smoking, do you think they would listen to me if I asked them to stop? Keep Dreaming...