Yes, governments (or taxes specifically) are the most efficient way to steal other peoples productivity. It would take a person way too much time to do this by themselves.

If you go by the Pledge of Allegiance, you would think that the republic is indivisible. What about the Civil War? The southern states tried to leave and Lincoln sent the military.

To secure our unalienable rights comes to mind; "That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness."--The US Declaration of Independence, 1776

Being terrified does not necessarily have anything to do with your spiritual beliefs. A person might be terrified for any number of reasons such as fear for their life or limb. Some people are terrified by not knowing what might happen in a dangerous situation. Some people are terrified by the prospect of great pain such as burning to death or torture. Having a lack of belief or understanding in something does not excuse you from its effect.

Yes, allow smoking in public if the smoker is at least 50 feet away from anyone who objects. Smoking is a premeditated act, not like a dog fart. As long as the smoker takes precautions against polluting other peoples close air space, smoke away as you please.

The government never had the right in the first place to dictate how anyone should or should not spend their money or resources, this latest ruling corrects that. I understand the concern that some people will be swayed in their decisions by clever political ads, or even simply by being bombarded with images, but that is the chance we must take in order to retain our freedom to spend our money as each individual sees fit. The real problem is that most people don't educate themselves on the issues or the candidates. I have hope that after these ignorant people are tricked a few times, they will realize the error of their ways and begin to slowly change. You cannot protect people from their own ignorance, just let it run its course.