Letter: Smoking should be banned in all public places

Friday, April 11, 2003 | 5:19 a.m.

Recently, while visiting Anaheim, Calif., I read in a magazine a ranking of America's healthiest cities. Las Vegas was far down on the list. A number of reasons were given. One main reason was the heavy cigarette smoking. Smokers, of course, never tire of their old bellyache, "We have a right to smoke," which precludes nonsmokers the right to try and breathe clean air. But smokers couldn't care less.

A short time ago I was on a five-hour flight from Atlanta back to Las Vegas. No smoking allowed! Now if smokers can sit in a plane for hours without smoking, why can't they sit in a restaurant or casino for a few hours, without feeding their nicotine addiction? I am not against that filthy habit for those who care to partake in smoking in its place. I am, however, against smoking where it can damage my health or jeopardize my life.

Smoking should be banned in all public places. New York is now following California's lead in banning smoking. Needless to say such action will not take place in Nevada. The greed of casinos, and the collusion of state politicians in protecting casinos, would negate such laws. Dollars in Nevada will always take priority over the health of the people!

WALTER GUNTHER