Up In Smoke

We are all free to choose what we do with our bodies, in this the author is correct, however the lack of recognition the effects of second hand smoking can have on non-smokers is astounding. While it is true that a person can live a healthy lifestyle and get cancer, I see no reason for that person chances to increase, no matter how slight that increase may be, because someone wants to light up. Even if cigarette smoking only accounts for less than fifty percent of lung cancer in the United States, if my risk of contracting it is raised, even in the slightest, then that is unfair to me.  For as much as smokers have a right to smoke, I have the right to breathe smoke free air.

                Another fact the author fails to realize is that, as citizens of America, we are free to do what we want however, business owners and managers are also free to disallow behavior they dislike on their property.  Bars, schools and churches have recently started voluntarily banning smoking in their establishments.  Because this property is owned or managed by them, they are within their rights to prohibit smoking in or on their establishments.  I appreciate these places taking precautions to protect my health.

                One of the most important things we should remember is that we are completely free.  No one can force us to attend ACC or to patronize a certain business.  If we do not approve of the rules of any establishment, we can choose not to support them.  We can choose not to attend classes at ACC and, instead, to take online classes so that we may smoke at our leisure.  Personally, I am not a smoker.  I am allergic to the smoke in the air and lung cancer runs in my family which makes me more susceptible to  contracting the disease from second hand smoke.  I appreciate that certain businesses value my health and will continue to patronize them to show my support.

                I do agree that this is not a decision that should be made by our legislature; however, the smoking ban in Austin was put on the ballot and passed by 52% of the vote.  While this is not a large percent it is still a majority.  Smoking was not declared illegal by the Texas government.  In fact, just this week, the University of Texas voluntarily banned smoking on their campus.  One of the reasons as quoted by Patt Clubb, vice president of university operations, was "This is an institution of higher education, so it's logical that we emphasize education, awareness..."  I am glad that this university, as well as our own college campus, recognize the effects that second hand smoking can have on non-smokers.

                If one does not agree with the decisions of an establishment, not only can they choose not to patronize said establishment but they can also vote.  If you passionately believe in something, then talk to your representatives and get it put on a ballot.  Find support in others who think as you do and get them to the ballot box. That is the beauty of democracy, if you don’t like something, you can actually do something to change it.