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Viewpoints

The Majority does Rule
By Samuel Bergeron

 

July 16, 2007
Monday PM


When I'm alluded to as being bigoted and un-American for infringing on the perceived rights of smokers by bringing a clean air initiative to Ketchikan, it makes me wonder what it is they're smoking.

Just for the record I celebrate your freedom to smoke but I don't celebrate your smoking where it affects other people. This is indeed the land of the free but with caveats: Keep it to yourself.

Without a doubt, smoking kills, second hand smoke kills and in some cases makes others instantly ill, sometimes sending them to hospital and worse. It is a scourge.

A clean air initiative sends a message to our children not to smoke. It helps those who wish to quit smoking quit. It makes our community safer and healthier. A civilized society demands limitations on personal freedoms as not to infringe on other's rights of life, liberty and happiness. This proposed initiative is good public policy and I am confident, when given the opportunity at the ballot box, the majority of my fellow citizens will agree.

Samuel Bergeron
samuelbergeron[at]gci.net
Ketchikan, AK

Received July 15, 2007 - Published July 16, 2007

About:"I'm a life-long Alaskan and clean air advocate who has had enough of second hand smoke."

 

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