Jump to full article: Dallas Morning News blogs, 2008-07-06
Author: Tod Robberson
Intro: We had an interesting discussion this week about smoking. It is the centerpiece discussion on today's Letters page in Points. The editorial board is divided on whether the city should pass an ordinance banning all smoking in bars and other public areas.
I'm sure lots of people, mainly smokers, will insist that they have a "right" to smoke in bars . . .
But I had an interesting experience a couple of months ago. My 82-year-old mother came to town. She's asthmatic. . . .
We went in, and my mother instantly started wheezing. She could not breathe because of all the smoke.
What if a business were to post a sign saying, "We reserve the right to refuse service to asthmatics." Would that not be discriminatory? Or replace "asthmatics" with your favorite racial minority, or your favorite disability. Wouldn't it be just as discriminatory? Don't all businesses have to be wheelchair-accessible specifically because you're not allowed to discriminate on the basis of physical disability?
In effect, by giving smokers the "right" to pollute the air, the bar's owner is posting a sign telling asthmatics they are not welcome. "You type a folk ain't wanted 'round here. Now get outta here and go back with yer own kind."
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