To the editor:
Tuesday's Journal-World featured a story about a veteran who claimed to have fought in two wars and believes that because of that service he should be able to smoke in bars and restaurants in Lawrence. He views this as a freedom he has earned as a result of his service.
I am a veteran as well, and would like to remind the Journal-World that you are called upon to serve to defend your country. This service has nothing to do with one of your social habits. Can I, as a veteran, claim that I fought for the freedom to endanger others by spitting in the streets, driving well over the speed limit or firing rifles within the city limits? That has just as much logical credibility as being able to smoke in bars and restaurants. You do get certain benefits for risking your life in defense of your country: home loans, health care for service-connected problems, funerals, etc. Military service does not entitle you to smoke in public places.
Stewart Nowlin,
Lawrence
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.