by K.C. Neal

Created on: September 19, 2007

Smoking is a personal, not public preference. The debate is whether smoking should be allowed in PUBLIC places. The answer is no.

Based on just the results of the survey here at Helium, more people think smoking should not be allowed in in public places. And, if even one person was to feel violated by someone smoking a cigarette in the same room where they were eating, flying, drinking, dancing or just breathing, that would be enough cause to stop. For second hand smoke has been proved to cause health problems.

Not just a cold or brief fever, but life threatening diseases, such as cancer, asthma, and pneumonia. Carbon dioxide is a gas that is released in cigarette smoking, and by reading the latest (and basic) scientific data, it can be found that carbon dioxide is a gas that is released from our bodies, not one that is to be taken in.

The goal in banning smoking in public places is for the GOOD of mankind. It is not to try and prohibit any rights in any way. It is not a punishment against those who smoke. It is to try to improve the overall health of our nation.

Also, it does not matter if you are going to a public place for adults only. Adults are as susceptible to lung cancer as children are. It is a far reach to find someone who is unknowing to the dangers of second hand smoke. So, to knowingly smoke in front of people who do not is as insulting as a smack in the face. The effects of a smack, however, will fade in minutes, whereas the danger of inhaling cigarette smoke could very possibly last for many painful years.

Smokers can go to their cars or to a designated smoking area, if the urge is strong enough. But, it is unreasonable to ask a patron or guest to go to their car or designated NON-smoking area because of someone else's unhealthy habit. As a freedom of the incredible country we live in, we should be allowed to eat or play in public places without the fear of illness. And, if those that smoke find it too inconvenient to go outside for their habit and must resist the urge while they are in a public place, is there really any harm done by them NOT smoking for that duration of time?

It's 2007, the new health-conscious millennium. We should be proud that our policy makers care enough about us all to impose these restrictions.

Learn more about this author, K.C. Neal.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.