Respect smokers and nonsmokers

Martin McColly, Las Vegas

Sunday, July 6, 2008 | 2:02 a.m.

Since I stopping smoking, I realize that we have a complacent attitude about important issues directly affecting our health.

My addiction to smoking seemed to give me the right to ignore nonsmokers’ rights. As long as I got my craving for nicotine satisfied, that’s all that mattered.

Casinos were my sanctuary. It didn’t bother me that casinos are more concerned about taking my money than looking out for my health.

Now I understand that action taken by Atlantic City has improved matters for all. In terms of smokers, casinos made sure floor space allocated for gaming was equitable. They matched the percentage of the general public that smokes to their gaming floor space for smokers, which is 25 percent. Now there are no bases for complaints by smokers or nonsmokers.

Not that long ago we adjusted to not smoking on public airlines, in buildings, then airports, which was followed by restaurants — but we adjusted. We want the freedom to smoke but it shouldn’t be at the expense of others who don’t want to inhale secondhand smoke.

Now I understand what the big deal is. As a nonsmoker, I’m more sensitive to smoke now.

We’ve been way too complacent about this issue.

A point in fact, though: Nonsmokers need to be more understanding. It isn’t easy to quit and most of us don’t have sufficient will to counteract our addiction. However, it’s time for all of us to speak up and come to terms with the smoking issue once and for all.