I enjoy reading, and occasionally writing, letters to the editor in our local Newspaper.
Some letters are very timely and focus on social events at hand.
Others are somewhat amusing and one can't help but read with a smile and an occasional giggle.
A recent series of letters focused on the smoking debate and whether or not smoking should be banned from public places.
One side of the argument suggested smokers have the same rights as any other person and should be allowed to do as they please.
The opposing argument centered on the effects of passive smoking in adults and children.
The health issues associated with smoking are not new.
Even cigarette manufacturers have admitted they are aware of the addictive nature and associated health risks.
When my mother had a stroke in her early 50's my head switched to her often 2 pack a day habit.
My mother was a heavy smoker, even she would admit that.
I have not however heard her mention the connection between her cigarette addiction the stroke that nearly took her life.
Fortunately, she hasn't smoked since her stroke because of difficulties swallowing.
When she tried to light up a couple of months into her recovery it literally choked her.
The argument against smoking is quiet clear.
Do it and chances are, one way or another it WILL kill you.
Cigarettes are legal however, and anyone of legal age can go to most stores and buy a packet.
I am a strong believer in Autonomy within the bounds of governing law.
Cigarettes are legal and users should be able to govern their own life as to whether they do or don't smoke.
If the user understands the associated risks, its only themselves they are hurting..
..
but that's where it gets tricky.
Passive smoking, (breathing someone else's second hand cigarette smoke) has been connected to similar health issues to those of active smokers.
According to QUIT Australia a Non-Smokers exposure to cigarette smoke can increase the chances of developing Lung cancer by 20-30%.
So, the question still remains.
Should smoking in Public Places be banned? To be fair, smoking is banned in many public places, in Australia, smoking is no allowed on Trains or buses or within shops, offices or office buildings.
I have heard the same applies in many countries where smoking is legal.
Smokers can however still light up in and around most outdoor gatherings, around shop fronts etc.
We like to take our kids to the Christmas parades in our area each year, one of our kids is disabled and confined to a wheelchair.
It is getting increasingly difficult to find somewhere to stand in a busy packed street that gives a wheelchair bound individual a good viewing spot and not have smoke drift past from nearby smokers.
I need to clarify again, that I am not against smokers choosing to partake in their habit.
It's their life and they have the right to their Autonomy within it.
I have never smoked but my Dad did for years.
He would never light up in public because he didn't want to offend those who didn't smoke.
My dad would always say, Because he chose to smoke it was HIS RESPONSIBILITY to do so in a way that was respectful to those who didn't.
If all smokers thought like my Dad we wouldn't have the debate.
Unfortunately we do not live in a Utopian society.
Without Utopia, freedom can only exist in a selfish world - For one person to enjoy their freedom another has to lose their freedom as a result.
That's how democracy works.
In this example, Smokers enjoy their right and freedom to light up.
Non-smokers lose their freedom in the process.
The opposite could also be true.