The Digital Collegian - Published independently by students at Penn State OPINIONS
[ Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006 ]

Letter to the Editor
Smokers violate basic rights given to all citizens in public

I can't take it anymore. All I'm looking for on a Saturday night is a little fun to help me unwind from a long week. But every time I go out, I end up sick. Not because I drink too much, but because of the second-hand smoke I breathe in smoky bars. I've already heard the argument -- that it's their right to smoke. But those rights end when they reach my nose.

I have the right to not smoke and the right to not die from lung cancer just because I occasionally enjoy hitting the bars with my friends. I think people take advantage of the fact that they can smoke in the bar. I'm sure most of them are perfectly capable of going without one while they're there. It's just that they don't have to, so why would they? I think it's time for bar owners to start protecting the health of their patrons by declaring their bars "smoke-free." It only takes one smoker to ruin it for a crowd of non-smokers.

Heidi Heddings
junior - nutrition
 



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