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I am highly concerned with the laws that have been going into effect in the past couple of years regarding smoking in public places. I, for one, do not smoke. Never have, never plan to. I am not a fan of cigarette smoke either, however I think it is very troubling that our government has the power to dictate whether or not a human being may choose to smoke tobacco and where that person is allowed to smoke it. By now, I believe it is common sense that tobacco can kill. Yet, every day people continue to keep smoking. This is called freedom of choice, something that each and every American is afforded. I think it is not only ludacris, but very frightening that our government has tried taken every action just short of banning cigarettes from being sold.

If an individual chooses to smoke and endanger his or her life, then that is that person's choice, and I have no qualms with that. Just as when I go to the store and feel like splurging on Ben & Jerry's ice cream, I don't want anyone stopping me, or giving me dirty looks, or saying, "You know, fat and sugar kill."

I can understand smoking being banned from public arenas, however when the government tells private establishments that they cannot allow smoking in their bar/restaurant/club/etc., I believe that is taking it too far. With private venues, it should be up to the owner to make that decision.

Changes are continually happening concerning this issue, slowly, yet consistently. I fear that if the government has the ability and the support to put these laws into effect, what will be next? Perhaps like the example I used, all fatty and sugary foods will be banned from groceries stores in the 'fight against obesity' because certainly, the public cannot be trusted to make individual decisions regarding their health.

Learn more about this author, Kellyn Miller.
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