Rudeness and Smoking

Of all the misinformation spread by the tobacco industry in its attempt to create a concept of smokers rights as a civil right, I never thought that such outrageous statements would come from someone who serves on the board of directors of an American Cancer Society chapter. June Cerza Kolf complains (Voices, Feb. 28) that “gone are the days of being able to stay in a nice, clean-smelling hotel room.” The smoking rooms in hotels are no worse than they used to be, the hotels have merely put aside some rooms for nonsmokers.

She asks why she should be made uncomfortable simply because she loves a smoker. I ask why should I be made uncomfortable because she loves a smoker? I agree that rudeness is a problem, and am also offended by foul language, but so far no one has died from vulgarities. However, it is the rudeness of smokers that got smokers into the legal position they now find themselves. If nonsmokers didn’t feel much more than mere discomfort about how smokers were behaving, they would not have passed legislation.

CHRISTOPHER MASON

Westlake Village

* How wonderful that Kolf has a considerate smoking husband, who understands that his habit does affect others and takes pains to avoid subjecting others to his smoke. But all the politeness in the world will not protect my asthmatic lungs if I encounter him in a public venue that allows smoking.

COLLEEN NELSON

Orange

* As a pipe smoker for more than 30 years, I welcomed Kolf’s essay. I am neither militant nor defensive about my habit. I am extremely sensitive regarding the concerns of others and try to avoid smoking in circumstances where others might be offended by secondhand smoke.

In spite of those considerations, complete strangers believe they have a license to make rude and derogatory comments. Are they indulging a secret urge to discriminate by showing they are better than smokers?

BILL TRIPLETT

Manhattan Beach