Letter: If you can’t stand the smoke, stay at home

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 | 8:59 a.m.

Regarding Walter Gunther's April 13 letter, "Smoking should be banned in all public places":

Smoking is already banned in all public places, such as all federal offices and facilities, all state offices and facilities, all county and city offices and facilities. These are truly public places, where the public must be.

Casinos, restaurants, bars, motels, hotels, almost all business are privately owned, used by private citizens going about their own private business. If you don't like what you see or smell in these places, don't go! There's no one forcing you to breathe their air. Stay home where the air is fresh.

People who are offended by the smell of tobacco smoke should have no problem avoiding the places where people smoke. Just as people freely choose to gather in any place to pursue their private entertainment, those who are offended by some behavior can freely choose not to gather or go elsewhere.

If they feel that they are being inconvenienced and "put upon" because they can't go wherever they want and have everything their own way, they should maybe stop and think how smokers have been inconvenienced all these years.

With all of the no-smoking areas, there are darn few places where they are still allowed.

Some states, New York and California probably among them, are considering regulations to prevent smoking in a person's private home or vehicle. This is an inexcusable injury to privacy, freedom of choice and personal self-determination. I sincerely hope that Nevada doesn't go down the same road. I hope we still value our freedom.

JEANNE CRAYTON