Tobacco.org

LETTER: Smoke bothers others  

Jeffrey A. Brown's recent commentary (York Sunday News, April 5) comparing prejudices against gays and smokers overlooks one very important point. Unlike many controversial lifestyles or behaviors, smoking directly harms nearby "unwilling participants" (secondhand smoke). Smokers wouldn't encounter such strong opposition if their smoke was self-contained.

Mr. Brown's comment "like it's any of their business" regarding his right to smoke amplifies the fact that some smokers are ignorant regarding the degree their habit adversely affects others. . . .

The simple fact is your smoking does become my business from the moment your smoke invades my space. That, Mr. Brown, is why we want to take away your "right."

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