Letter: Law shouldn’t ban legal substances

Friday, Aug. 17, 2007 | 7:27 a.m.

In response to Steven Watkins ' letter of Aug. 14, "Some smokers just don't get it," all I can say is, "Some nonsmokers just don't get it."

Not once has a smoker said a nonsmoker doesn't have the right to a smoke-free environment. Not once has a smoker said the right to smoke should be universal.

Most smokers simply want options for all. If our system were truly free enterprise, businesses would be free to decide which clientele they wish to serve, and consumers would be free to choose which businesses to patronize based on their personal interests.

Why shouldn't a smoker have the same right to a smoky environment that a nonsmoker has to a smoke-free environment? So much for "liberty and justice for all!"

Though nonsmokers like to cite the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, they are demanding public restriction on use of a legal product. I suppose these same individuals are teetotalers and would probably be only too happy to see cocktails banned in establishments where food is served as well.

Michele Rousseau, Las Vegas

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