> "we are capable of doing it ourselves"

Wish that was true.

But many people are far from capable of making the right decisions, jgoins, and you know that. Hey, you're the one who keeps trumpeting "you people are idiots". Would we need any laws if people were able to make the right decisions? Taking your argument to its logical conclusion, are you suggesting we get rid of all laws ?

As for riding bikes w/out helmets, that's probably a state anomaly. I dunno about the US but Aussies have had to wear crashats for as long as I can remember. It's just common sense.

Your "money can stop smoking in restaurants" argument holds no water at all. If what you say is true, then, why weren't there all these restaurants that banned smoking? Clearly that didn't happen, so why on earth are you suggesting it could have? I think you are dreaming that the market can solve all human problems.