This discussion is based on a misunderstanding that can't be reconciled. Non-smokers will never be able to understand the reasons why smokers choose to smoke. Smoking is an integral aspect of smokers' lives, which can result in the belief that it is a 'right,' offending non-smokers. As a smoker, obviously I can identify with this idea of smoking as a right. I also sympathize with non-smokers, because I used to abhor cigarettes and lived in a country where it was legal to smoke everywhere, inside cabs, restaurants, shopping complexes, etc. I try my best to be mindful of others when I am smoking, and will not smoke in the presence of someone who minds. I also try to avoid walking past children if I'm smoking on the street. I don't mind smoking 15 feet away from an entrance, but would obviously stand in the entrance to smoke if it were raining or snowing. I don't want my choice to be a detriment to the health of others. But I also want to enjoy my right to make such a choice, as my choice to smoke has shaped my life and my relationships with others. If there was an area that I was allowed to smoke conveniently and comfortably in (without getting rained on), I would not hesitate to go there to smoke. But as of right now, this place does not exist, which makes me seek the coverage of my dorm's small doorway, especially when it is raining. The choice of smokers should not affect the health of non-smokers; I certainly would not want to infringe on their right to breathe clean air. But I just wish there could be designated smoking areas where smokers could exercise their choice, and be comfortable with doing so.
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mz
Nov 06, 2009
1:48 p.m.
This discussion is based on a misunderstanding that can't be reconciled. Non-smokers will never be able to understand the reasons why smokers choose to smoke. Smoking is an integral aspect of smokers' lives, which can result in the belief that it is a 'right,' offending non-smokers. As a smoker, obviously I can identify with this idea of smoking as a right. I also sympathize with non-smokers, because I used to abhor cigarettes and lived in a country where it was legal to smoke everywhere, inside cabs, restaurants, shopping complexes, etc. I try my best to be mindful of others when I am smoking, and will not smoke in the presence of someone who minds. I also try to avoid walking past children if I'm smoking on the street. I don't mind smoking 15 feet away from an entrance, but would obviously stand in the entrance to smoke if it were raining or snowing. I don't want my choice to be a detriment to the health of others. But I also want to enjoy my right to make such a choice, as my choice to smoke has shaped my life and my relationships with others. If there was an area that I was allowed to smoke conveniently and comfortably in (without getting rained on), I would not hesitate to go there to smoke. But as of right now, this place does not exist, which makes me seek the coverage of my dorm's small doorway, especially when it is raining. The choice of smokers should not affect the health of non-smokers; I certainly would not want to infringe on their right to breathe clean air. But I just wish there could be designated smoking areas where smokers could exercise their choice, and be comfortable with doing so.