" In the sense of disclosure, let me state that I need to lose weight, so I am not cricical of smokers from a "holier than thou" platform. It is an addiction that is very very hard to break - I've known people who have quit successfully and others who have not been able to stop. What I do have an issue with is the amount of trash smokers leave around. I went to SBLHC today and looked on the ground from my car window as I waited to turn - it was filthy, and most of the trash was cigarette butts. When I walk around town to go into a store or to walk for health, I see trash and most is cigarette residue. If people wouldn't toss their butts down everywhere I wouldn't be as disturbed - I don't through food or drink wrappings on the ground when I am done - please show us the same respect. "

" Dear Mr. Wayne, I'm afraid you would be quite disappointed at the outcome if this issue had come to a vote as you suggest. People who smoke inside a building should be able to realize why there is such an outcry to stop it...just look at the haze, residue, and smell left on everything it touches. Please don't use the freedom our armed forces fought for as a reason that you have a right to disregard the health and welfare of the majority of those around you. "

" Amen. I think this should be an issue on the ballot for all to vote on. The people we elect to public offices are not there to make new laws at their whim The laws we have are not enforced, why make new ones? "

" that was a good read. good job. (the one, the only.) "

" Do you know that what you do harms everyone your around?? Sure you claim you have the right to do what you want but do you have the right to harm the health of everyone around you even though you dont realize you do it?? just wondering if you actually realize it. "

" I do not smoke, but realize some of the nonsmoking bans are beginning to dictate when where and if you may smoke. True I do not enjoy breathing second hand smoke or getting a breathing disorder from some body elses smoke. Can you imagen how many breathing disorders just might go away forever if people just did not smoke. That could save a fortune when it comes to insurance prices and hospital expenses. Next thing I expect to hear is if you smoke then you could be denied insurance coverage or medicare coverage concerning smoking related problems. Some people are considerate of others when they smoke but there are others that are just rude about it. My advice is to quit smoking or just start cutting back to give yourself a better life with age. Not one person you know wants to watch a smoker die from a long suffering lung disease. Just try to quit, that is better than doing nothing for your personal health, along with making nonsmokers not have to suffer for another's smoking habits. "

" Before any law or ordinance is enacted, it should be brought before the voting public. Then lawmakers would know how the public feels about that subject. Concerning smoking in restaurants, it should be left up to the owners of the restaurant, they are trying to make a living and will decide yes or no according to what the most people want. "

" Ray Waynes letter has so many holes I don't know where to start. First, we elect officials at all levels of government to represent the people so we, the voting public, do not have to vote on every issue of concern. Second, restaurant owners DO NOT have the right to decide to harm the health and well being of their patrons or employees, ever heard of health codes? Third, having lived previously in a smoke free state, people do not stop smoking and buying cigarettes or stop going to restaurants and bars due to smoking bans therefore tax revenues are not affected...however the public health and well being is affected in a positive way. As a husband of a wife with asthma and a father of two children with allergies to smoke, even sitting in a "non-smoking" section at many restaurants can be seriously problematic while I doubt you or any other smoker will need medical attention if you are unable to smoke at your table! Finally, there is no more a right to smoke cigarettes found in the US constitution than there is to smoke crack or take meth...your liberties are subject to the laws of the land and end where anothers liberties begin. Therefore it is the duty of lawmakers to protect the public at-large and not the mythical right to smoke. "

" Ray Wayne's editorial against the smoking ban is excellent. I would very much like to be in email contact with him. Is it possible to pass this along to his email address so he may get in touch with me? Thank you. Michael J. McFadden Cantiloper@aol.com "