Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jan 1998
Source: The Herald, Everett, WA, USA
Contact:  
WebPage: http://www.heraldnet.com

ANTI-SMOKING MOVEMENT 

SOCIAL ZEALOTS ARE WRONG 

Re: California's latest anti-smoking move. 

I am a lifetime pipe smoker, not an alcoholic prude. I do not frequent
taverns or bars. I disagree with the most recent move by the social-zealot
behavioral changers, otherwise known as anti-smokers. 

Theirs is a case for action precipitated by reason of legislative default. 

Wherein, anticipated action by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration would have required much better ventilation of shared oxygen
in public access areas. 

If the self-proclaimed experts are really concerned, why have we not heard
about public transportation and public gathering places in general, with
regard to airspace? 

Why is it perpetually OK to get on a bus, airplane, train, etc., and be
forced to share the air with others who may be packing the flu, TB, herpes,
bad breath, body odor, allergy-producing body-ointments, garlic, onions,
etc., let alone attitude-related deportment? 

It seems to me, I am 70 years old, if the social-activity manipulators are
sincere, they may be well advised to take a long look at history, and
examine their motives relative to the generally orderly progression of
human development. 

JIM CARDINAL Monroe