Same here in Arizona Josh. Shocked me. I had always viewed Arizona as a state full of Rugged individualists, gun toting property rights defenders and all that. The land of Goldwater. Then in New Hampshire too.

Last year there was a ballot proposition which passed by a very narrow margin banning smoking in Bars and clubs with the exception of "fraternal organizations".

The day the new ban went into effect, I stopped in a local sports bar for a sandwich and a drink. Some poor bastard, half in the bag was standing outside puffing away. He said "can you believe you can't smoke inside anymore?" This was 6 months after the proposition passed. I suggested he might take a tad more interest in the goings on at the local polling places.

By the way, in AZ you must be 20 feet from the entrance.

Your example of the distortions are amplified here in Phoenix where the temperature was over 110° for 40 some days straight.

To your point re: education... why is it that libertarians and strict constitutionalist seem to be the only ones who at least start from a principled position. Movement from that position might be rationalized / justified and there may be some disagreement, but there is at least an attempt to be guided by principle.

This jazz where every damned issue is put to a democratic vote really is insane.

~ Philly Dave