Letter: Smokers inflict deadly harm

Monday, Feb. 9, 2004 | 9:06 a.m.

This is in reference to the Jan. 21 letter by M. DeMarco that was in reference to my Jan. 18 letter on smoking. Protecting a person's right to breathe is an act of a petty tyrant? There is nothing petty or tyrannical about wanting to be able to breathe without being asphixiated by toxic, deadly smoke.

I believe that if our legislators were doing their job that any product containing nicotine would be classified as a dangerous drug. Also, smokers are in the minority, nonsmokers are in the majority. According to our constitution, the majority is supposed to rule.

Casinos and other public places are making a big mistake in harboring smokers. The anti-smoking laws in California and New York have proven that business has gotten better with these laws.

Let me add that I do not own an SUV -- this seems to be an accusation that smokers like to throw at nonsmokers. M. DeMarco suggested I move to California. For the record, I have no intention of moving. I have as much of a right as he does to reside in Nevada. In fact, I have more of a right because I am not inflicting harm on anyone, as are people who smoke.

SANDRA HANSON