A Law for Thee, But Not For Me

If anyone ever needs more evidence that smoking bans are at least as much about control and political power than "public health ", look no further than D.C.'s newly-minted ban on smoking in workplaces (including bars and restaurants). Guess what big public (at least in theory) building where lots of people work is exempt from the ban. Give up? The Capitol. Similarly exempt are the cigar and pipe lounges frequented by high-rollers. Like members of Congress. Granted, the law comes from the city government, not the feds, but it's pretty clear that they know where their bread is buttered.