State Update
Sound Off: Smokers might be killing themselves but rights are rights, many readers say
There’s a move afoot to make college campuses, business locations and other grounds totally smoke free — in other words, no smoking is allowed anywhere on the property.
We asked members of the Times-U nion Email Interactive Group if they agree with the concept and what rights they think smokers and non-smokers should have. Here is a representative sampling of the responses:
In addition to smoke free campuses and workplaces, there is also proposed legislation to prevent one from smoking in a car if children are present.
I am a non-smoker, so I appreciate not having to sit in a cloud of smoke in conference rooms, at restaurants and in airplanes. But, as we move forward, we need to think about the viability of enforcement. We should not be enacting more rules, regulations, or laws that we cannot or are not willing to enforce.
Judith Solano, Jacksonville
I am not a smoker, but I believe that a designated smoking area should be allotted for buildings designated non-smoking. It is not fair to discriminate against people’s choices, good, bad or otherwise. Not allowing them to smoke in certain area is not going to make them stop, but perhaps sneak around in areas they shouldn’t be in to begin with.
Jean Bowen, Westside
As a NON-smoker, I still have to stand firmly opposed to this movement. This is just another example of our Big Brother going too far.
I get the whole “it’s a private institution” thing and all, but I think there should be designated areas where those who do smoke can still partake in their habit. … It’s a wonder us older folks ever survived growing up without seat belts and bike helmets. Give smokers a designated area and let them enjoy. Heck, even the Jaguars stadium still allows smoking in designated areas.
L. Wayne Moore, Orange Park
