To the editor:

Speedy Perdue says the city has no right to prevent him from smoking in public places.

There is, I believe, a simple ethical rule of thumb that applies here.

Your freedom to act as you choose ends where my freedoms are compromised. And my freedom to act as I choose ends where your freedoms are compromised.

I completely agree that a controversial social issue like a smoking ban should be put to a vote. And if I could vote (I can’t because I live outside the city) I would unhesitatingly cast my vote to sustain the ban.

If the majority of Lawrence citizens do not agree with the ban then we have an education job to do.

Having an active voice in the decision making is a freedom all of us should share.

Artie Shaw,

Lawrence