Exactly my point.
Ford made airbags standard equipment in 1990. Airbags weren't mandated until almost 2000. Let that sink in.
In other words, consumers had already dictated the change and the govt, being the laggards that they are, legislated something that was already common place.
As for smoking, I again agree. Public sentiment towards smoking in restaurants had already turned the corner and very few places allowed for unfettered smoking inside (I’d concede that sketchy bars were different). Once again, the govt simply put the nail in a coffin that consumers had already shut years ago. Smoking bans are created by the states (and originally even on a more local level). If you think the people you elect are doing a poor job, boot them out...Or better yet, run for yourself and change the status quo.
Oh and if restaurants felt like smokers were a big enough portion of their business then they could simply change their charter to private dinner club or sell cigars too and viola, you can smoke there.
I never thought we'd agree this much!!