Let me start by saying I truly sympathize with the writer's lung condition and in no way wanting to enhance or be responsible for furthering her illness by my cigarette smoke. I, too, have questions as to how those on public assistance can afford the high cost of cigarettes. But that is totally a different issue.
The writer had asked that we "speak out and make a difference." Soooo ..., Mayor Wiggins, I am finally speaking out for those of us who smoke (whether they admit it or not), by saying "enough is enough." For the past 30 years, we have seen "non-smoking" signs go up along with the tax hike on cigarettes. I was born during a time when most rooms were smoke-filled (including our home and during the duration of my lung growth), and I show no signs of lung problems or from my 30-plus years of tar intake.
I'd like to know how statistics are truly proven. Like the one from the American Cancer Society stating that we (smokers) are responsible for more than 4,000 deaths a year from "second-hand smoke." I'm surprised I could even muster up enough strength to learn to walk.
We (smokers) are now a minority and yet, lung cancer continues to climb. I've asked myself why those that don't smoke miss more work than those of us who do. As far as the writer having rights, well, what about our rights? The last I looked there were more "non-smoking" establishments around town than there are "smoking." My place of employment is a "no-smoking" company. The few public places that I'm allowed to indulge are in the park and now at the bowling alley on 15, until you take that away from us as well.
Sorry you're so angry about your illness, smokers, cost of medicine and those on public assistance. But the next time you decide to express your harsh opinion, please consider our soldiers who are fighting, right now, in order for you to have your freedom of speech.
I happen to be a very considerate smoker. Not all of us are rude and disrespectful. You mentioned "taxpayer" ..., we are the tax payer ..., trust me.
