Mayor Wiggins, Warsaw city councilmen and to all others that will listen, speak out and make a difference.
I would like to ask straight-forward that Kosciusko County becomes smoke-free in all public places ASAP. I would even like to see a ban on smoking outdoors when there is a tight crowd like ball games and concerts where people are close to one another. It does not take much for a smoker to put me into an Asthma attack as I am highly sensitive to tobacco and the burning of it, and the toxins. I would also like to ask smokers to realize that when you go through drive-thru lanes, fast-food, banks, otherwise, that you never realize the person servicing you might also have breathing disorders. It would be appreciated that your cigarettes be extinguished as a courtesy to drive-up service providers.
I went to the bowling alley on Sunday to enjoy a few games with a friend. By the third game, I was choking and gasping for air because of the people smoking in the next lane. I get tired of having to ask people to consider my breathing disorder and get "those looks," but also that I am forced to leave places of recreation way too early because of that one person who insists on lighting up. I feel discriminated against.
I will go to the bowling alley on Market Street from now on because they are smoke free and will not set foot in the one on Ind. 15 again until it is smoke free.
When we go bowling, we want to bowl, go to a restaurant of our choosing to eat, go to concerts and be a part of events and not dread that we will have to leave early because I get an attack. I realize fully that smokers feel that their rights are being snuffed out, but what about mine? I am a part of society. I have a right to live my life in a safe, healthy environment also. Smokers should be able to go an entire meal without having to light up, they should also be considerate around others and not just (assume) that everyone is accepting. There are no medicines out there that will keep one from having attacks, only medicines that cost over $100 each month, such as Singulair that helps but does not cure. Maybe lawsuits to pay for my medicines, doctor/hospital visits and loss of time/wages would get someone's attention of how loud I am speaking out.
If you want to make a difference, you need to voice your convictions to the leaders of Kosciusko County to get results. You need to voice to your favorite establishments as well. My world is limited to places and events that are smoke-free, what is wrong with this picture? People with breathing disorders and children should not have to be subject to cigarette smoke just to have fun.
The final question I have for our leaders is why there are people out there that have food stamps, WIC, and other means of assistance and yet can whip out $50 for a carton of cigarettes? I feel that if someone wanting assistance is a smoker, they should get less because they can somehow still somehow afford their habit/addictions despite public assistance and really doesn't need taxpayer help.
