This letter is in response to the letter from Dave Johnson of Arlington, Texas (Press & Dakotan, Feb. 2).
I’m tired of non-smokers pushing their agenda using “facts” that aren’t “facts” at all. While I agree that smoking is harmful to the smoker, I don’t agree — based on scientific research — that second-hand smoke is harmful to anyone. This has become such a theme in our society that most people take it as gospel, without ever doing any research.
As a former California resident who fled the state, I can attest that anyone in Los Angeles regularly breathes in more carcinogens every day than a non-smoker in the same room with a smoker.
The anti-smoking hoopla is another example of one segment of society pushing its agenda on another segment. I smoke, and it’s my problem. While others may not like the smell, I am NOT affecting anyone’s health other than my own.
Mr. Johnson emphatically states that “ambient tobacco smoke kills 65,000 innocent Americans every year.” I don’t know everyone, but I have never encountered someone who died as a result of second-hand smoke. I have never even encountered someone who got lung cancer as a result of second-hand smoke.
I have, however, encountered LOTS of people who are convinced that I’m killing them slowly by spending five minutes in the same room with them while I smoke.
Many people don’t like the smell of cigarette smoke, so they don’t want ANYONE to smoke ANYWHERE they might be. It bugs them. So, I think we should ban Estee Lauder perfume — I’m offended by the smell.
I’m also offended by people who don’t bathe once a day, people who work around cows and smell like them, men who wear Brut, the smell of lamb cooking and folks who don’t use deodorant but should.
Or maybe, when I encounter those smells that I don’t like, I’ll just move away from them. Wow! What a great idea!
Originally written By: Barbara J. Stahlecker, Yankton
