I know, because I smoke.

I don't say that with any degree of pride, merely as a matter of full disclosure.

So, as a puffing pariah, I'm here to say that I'm flat-out fed-up with government trying to be my mommy.

Case in point: Snohomish County and its second-hand smoke campaign.

In part, it involves kids being sent home from schools with cards that urge people to not smoke in their cars, or in their home.

Now, let me insert something here: I know that smoking is a vile, filthy addiction.

I support most efforts to minimize second-hand smoke.

But at the same time, I object to government constantly poking around this issue with an inflated sense of moral superiority.

The same goes for business owners who feel they have the right to insist that I not smoke in a public area outside their establishment.

I believe in educating people about the risks of smoking.

I believe in efforts to keep young people from becoming smokers.

But Snohomish County should just put a lid on this bit of political flatulence and quit thinking it can start dictating whether people should be permitted to smoke in their own cars, or in their own homes.

There's a point where government should just butt out.

Want to share your thoughts with Ken Schram? You can e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com