Dear Editor,
Let’s make the argument regarding the smoking ban brutally simple. While many have raised the issue about the rights of smokers few have articulated a solid argument regarding the rights of nonsmokers.
Simply, the issue at hand boils down to a simple equation: Are nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke while smoking is allowed on campus?
It’s a yes or no question. If the answer is ‘yes’ then while smoking is allowed on campus there are no nonsmokers. There are only smokers and second-hand smokers. As such we cannot deny that the rights of those who desire to be nonsmokers. These rights are non-existent without a ban in place.
Arguments against the smoking ban are simple rationalizations to continue exercising our rights while ignoring the rights of others. This philosophy that one has a right to do something even when it comes at the cost of another who wishes not to has led to a parade of injustices throughout the course of history, from war to pollution.
Though it may seem trivial given we are only talking about a college campus, the principle of the matter demands consistency.
We can not address injustices in others if we continue advocating our own. For this reason, as a smoker I embrace the ban as fairly constructed when you consider the consequences the lack of the ban has imposed on nonsmokers who have until now had no genuine voice in the matter of their health.
The campus has elected to consider the rights inherent with the healthier decision. I agree with this logic and its outcome.
– Kenneth McDonald

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