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EDITORIAL: Montgomery Butts Out 

Thanks in part to local resident and syndicated columnist George Will, smokers residing in Montgomery County, Maryland, won't be dragged before a judge for lighting up in the privacy of their own homes. After a barrage of public criticism, including a nationally televised comparison to the Taliban by our friend Mr. Will, the Montgomery County Council performed a political pirouette this week, abandoning legislation that would have made home-smokers pay a fine of up to $750 if neighbors complained. Perhaps Mr. Will's analogy is too kind. We're told even the Taliban appreciate the soothing effects of tobacco from time to time, no doubt more so now when their nerves are a bit frayed. [This graph only]

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