To the editor:

I can’t believe the City Commission would consider backing down to those who want to smoke in public restaurants. It reminds me of the official that has been bought off. And to think they are going to monitor the smoking level to determine that it is safe. I don’t remember the U.S. surgeon general being able to recommend a safe smoking level. I believe the statement is “ALL” secondhand smoke is a health problem.

What the smokers fail to understand is that smoking is a privilege. Breathing clean air is a right. My right should trump your privilege. People didn’t stop flying when smoking was banned on airlines. They got used to it. People didn’t quit their jobs when they had to go outside to smoke. They got used to it. So surely, you can get used to it. Smoke outside or simply try to wait 45 minutes to continue your controlled suicide.

It’s just a matter of time before other cities follow suit. Get used to it. There is no “safe” level of smoke. What a joke.

Jill Powell,

Lawrence