By Robert Barrett Santa Monica
I try to be a considerate smoker. Every morning, I have breakfast at an outdoor restaurant on the Promenade, and I enjoy my cigarette after I eat. I always make sure that I am sitting next to no one, so my smoke doesn’t bother other customers. I check the wind direction. I even smoke non-filter cigarettes, so the litter problem of filter-tips is eliminated.
To those who object, I just say three calm words: “Relax. We’re outside.” I am stumped by the “study” mentioned that outdoor second-hand smoke is just as dangerous as indoor (SMDP, May 10, page 1). A moment’s reflection will prove that this is impossible. There is lots of air out there.
Speaking of air quality, how do those who are whining about cigarette smoke get themselves to the Promenade? Probably by car. This is rank hypocrisy. Until they put away their internal combustion engines forever and ride the bus, as I do, I expect to hear no more from these gross polluters, while I enjoy my cigarettes in peace.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 12, 2006. Read the original PDF.