by Kim Bonnalie

Created on: September 02, 2008

As a former smoker, I can very easily see both sides to this argument. As a smoker, I hated being "discriminated", forced to stand outside in front of everyone, and not able to sit inside and relax and enjoy my surroundings, yet as a non smoker, I can see how being around it is simply a choice everyone should have.
It's all about respect. I am not saying smoking in public is disrespectful, nor am I saying having smoking outdoors only is disrespectful, I am simply stating that smoking is a choice. Each individual has their choice of what to do with their body, to eat right, to drink or to smoke. If someone chooses not to smoke, and you do, you should have enough respect for them and their choices to give them some space where they can go and feel comfortable. They do not want the smell of cigarettes on their clothes, in their hair and all around them. They do not want the headaches, and what about those with allergies?

I am not saying that the smoker does not have rights either. They have a right to smoke of they wish, and to be comfortable also. The thing is, as a human being and a person, we should all look out for each others interests, not only our own. We should think about others when making our choices. This is the way life should be and if we do that with little choices, it could make a difference one day. Even as a smoker, I always chose to go outside. If I was at an outdoors event, instead of lighting up in the stands, I would go down to the ground level in the back, so as not to bother anyone else, simply because I would want to hers to be considerate of me.
Some smokers say that this ban is discrimination. Keeping smoking from public places is not discrimination. That word is used much too loosely in this manner. I have come to realize through much thought that the action of banning public smoking is merely trying to make everyone comfortable. Allowing smoking indoors could be seen as discrimination against non-smokers also, as allowing smokers to be more important.
When faced with this issue, for my choice I turn to my ideals. I try each day to be a better person, however I can accomplish that. I make the choice to be considerate of others and to think of how I would want to be given that choice, so I gave others the choice. I can see both sides, and I think that if everyone just brought a little respect for each other into play, we could all be okay with it.

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