Dear Editor,
I have been reading the back-and-forth letters about smoking on campus.? I believe that Cynthia (“Be courteous to nonsmokers” Sept. 17 edition) made a great point that one’s choice to smoke should not infringe on others’ choices.? Which is why I believe that automobiles should not be allowed on campus.?
I do not own a car.? That is my choice.? Someone else’s choice to own a car should not infringe on my rights to breathe clean air and walk safely across an intersection or a crosswalk.? Cars emit pollution including carbon monoxide, which is found in cigarette smoke and so we that choose not to own cars should not have to breathe that filthy air.? In order to accommodate so many cars on this campus, vast amounts of trees and grass, which turn carbon dioxide into clean, breathable air, had to be destroyed.? I for one did not make the choice to cut down trees, uproot bushes and chase animals out of their natural habitats.?
Furthermore, motorists tend to be caught up in their own little worlds and generally fail to notice pedestrians.? I have been nearly hit several times by someone who was turning right on red and failed to look to the right as I legally crossed the intersection.? I have seen countless pedestrians on campus, in the crosswalks where they have the legal right of way, who had to scurry to get out of the way of an oncoming vehicle, or jump back onto the curb because a motorist was speeding and not watching for pedestrians. And I don’t feel the need to get into those who are dialing the phone and changing CDs while driving. No one is forced to drive an automobile.? I have been without a car for several years and have yet to have this cause a true problem.
In fact my health has improved with the increased exercise and I can enjoy the sights and sounds and smells of nature.? That is when I’m not trying to dodge thoughtless motorists and being forced to breathe their pollutants.
?- Neil A. Haefs

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