Letter: Clean up the air outdoors

Thursday, March 21, 2002 | 8:55 a.m.

I am a smoker, having smoked for 53 years. OK, I see your noses wrinkling and hear your yucks. My own children and grandchildren do the same thing, so I'm used to it.

The thing that's troubling me though, is the lack of response from both the media and public to a study which stated the air outside causes as much cancer as second-hand smoke. Come on folks, don't you want to get rid of the awful, carbon monoxide-spewing vehicles you are filling the valley up with.

Hey, we can also eliminate any plants burning fossil fuel for energy. Of course, it would create some sacrifices on everyone's part. No more racing at 70 and 80 miles per hour in those tanks out of Detroit masquerading as SUVs. And you may have to do without some electricity.

But what the heck, what's a little sacrifice for better health for our loved ones, especially our children. So I'll tell you what, you get our air cleaned up, and I'll give up smoking. Deal?

J. C. MACCHIO

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