Published Wednesday, April 02, 2008 10:49 AM
Updated Wednesday, April 02, 2008 10:50 AM

 

Smokers make clean air impossible

Dear Editor:

The government is in the business of passing laws to protect people from themselves; like it or not, that is exactly what the government does.

They pass drug laws, seatbelt laws, and other laws that protect citizens (not necessarily others) from themselves. Smoking should absolutely be no different.  

The thing with smoking is, people who smoke feel that they have the God given right to smoke. I for one would never infringe upon that right … even though many of them think nothing of infringing upon my right to clean air.

However, when their behavior affects me, whether it be indoors or out; then it is my business. I have the right to clean air, no matter where I go. The government has passed regulations to ensure that when I go into a restaurant or bar that 1) I get a clean place to sit; 2) I get a clean glass; 3) I get clean silverware; 4) my server is clean; and 5) the environment – bathrooms, serving area, kitchens – is clean. Should I not expect to be able to breath clean air?  

I cannot go into a single solitary Waffle House and breath clean air. Waffle House, by the way, has a separate "smoking section" which is much smaller than the non-smoking section and is in an area where smoke is easily trapped.

Waffle House's grills are already emitting smoke, and the smoker's just add to it, making enjoying a meal unbearable.

The mayor’s argument doesn't hold water as far as the employee's go. If you live in Goose Creek, and work in the food service industry in Goose Creek, do you really have a choice of where to work, where you are protected from environmental health issues?  I think not.  When I hear of mayors that are opposed to smoking bans, the first thing that comes to mind is how little they really are concerned about their constituents or the environment.  

The mayor of Goose Creek may want to do his homework on the overall affects of smoking and second hand smoke.  He also may want to rethink is condoning of smoking in public places because it is getting to be a less and less popular stance.

 

T. Edward Meservey

Ladson