What A Pain in the Ashtray
There exists a balance between freedom and laws that restrict freedom. Some people of a conservative nature will, in the name of freedom, resist any legislation that intrudes on the personal right to do anything you want, anywhere, anytime. Some libertarians go as far as to endorse legalizing all drug use. In all cases, we need common sense to prevail.
I fully believe in the freedom to do whatever you want - until you infringe upon someone else’s freedom. I believe people have the right to be in public without having to subject themselves to foul odor, health hazards, and allergic reactions.
I don’t consider smoking a vice any more than any other pleasurable habits. Some people can’t get through the day without their Starbucks coffee, and nobody complains about that. But, the difference is that drinking a cup of coffee doesn’t cause harm to anyone else. And that’s a big difference.
And while I support the right to smoke in your own home, I don’t believe that the working class, which is already subjected to high insurance and Medicare costs, should have the added responsibility of funding medical care for people with self-inflicted diseases. And if you have children in the home, you are subject to child endangerment laws.
Aside from smoking itself, one extremely filthy and inconsiderate habit of smokers is littering. There is no need to treat the world like your own personal ashtray. Flicking cigarette butts onto the street while walking, or tossing them out your car window in traffic, is highly offensive. Just because your life is polluted doesn’t mean I want mine to be.
Some smokers claim they’re being singled out, going as far as saying they're victims akin to those of racism and sexism. That’s ridiculous, because remember, smoking is a choice. Littering is a choice. Unlike judging people by their race or gender, we DO have the right to judge people on their actions.
Smokers tell people to mind their own business. I say fine. Stop making it my business, and in kind I’ll leave you to yours. |
