Atlanta needs a no-smoking law
Since the 1960s, we have known that smoking is harmful to those who smoke. It also takes a financial toll on the economy, with $170 billion spent in direct medical care to smokers. And the cost to non-smokers? We are exposed to dangerous secondhand smoke in many of Atlanta’s bars and restaurants. Is it fair to patrons and non-smoking employees to be put at risk of disease and lost productivity so fewer than 18 percent of folks can enjoy a cigarette?
To Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council, I say that this is an easy problem to fix. We need to catch up with New York, New Orleans, and even Decatur and Athens, for heaven’s sake, in making all public places smoke-free! This issue has languished long enough. It is time to do the right thing: Please pass a comprehensive no-smoking ordinance for the city of Atlanta.
SUSAN C. RAWLS, ATLANTA
Tired of lesser of two evils
Are you free simply because you are told you’re free? Do you live in a free nation because you have a choice between option A or B in the coming election? Every time we take part in this democracy, we experience an illusion of choice, a decision to endorse a lesser of two evils. Option A and B are far more similar than your television allows you to believe. Your choice is narrowed down to two citizens who have accumulated vast sums of wealth and power. You then are led to believe that they have your best interest at heart. Despite the political party in office, poverty, violence, global warming, and war still plague this planet. As long as you believe simply voting will bring about change, you are part of the problem.
NOAH KLEINERT, ATLANTA
