Smoking reaction
Today's column on smoking bans forcing people outside to loiter got a long response from a reader. He gave me his permission to post it here:
Mr Hermann,
1 - Respect??? Respect would be compromising and providing a decent place where I could enjoy a cigarette. Why does respect mean the smoker is not allowed to smoke anywhere, and the non-smoker does as they please? That doesn’t sound like respect or a compromise to me. That sounds like you do it my way, period.
2 - I also like your comment "yes, even Doctors and Nurses." It is clear you can easily understand how those dumb janitors can smoke, but Doctors and Nurses, shocking! I believe this is a very telling statement demonstrating your views.
3 - "Hospital Administrators have warned people not to smoke during working hours." As a decorated veteran who fought for my country's freedom, I am watching us give those freedoms away. I am really worried about our future, as a country. We have lost our way. I know it is difficult for you to see how this smoking ban demonstrates that, but it does. It always starts small...
By the way, I completely agree with no smoking in offices, buildings, restaurants, malls, etc. However you and I both know, smoking has become the one subject everyone can spout their righteous indignation with impunity. Just a bunch of bullies. Once everyone quits, what will they come for next, cheeseburgers? OOPPSS, already happening, Mayor Dixon has suggested banning trans fats in the city.
What will you (and I) do when overweight people are denied health insurance? Trust me, its coming!
Andrew Kelly
I told him I'm not against people smoking outside but rather against people being noisy and littering by throwing cigarette butts in front of people's homes. He responded:
I agree about respecting people's homes. I work on the water, when I smoke at work, I do not throw my butts on the ground as they will definitely wind up in the bay, I throw them in the trash. I know not everyone is like that but if we all started showing some respect for each other, maybe things would improve.
