I found the recent opinion piece by Jennifer Cadenas on second-hand smoke at PrideFest and the Pride Parade interesting. While I am a non-smoker, I do have several smoking friends and am more than pleased with the indoor smoking ban now in effect. But I’m disappointed with Cadenas’ willingness to impose her rules on smokers. All of her ground rules affect areas which are open air, whether at Pride Fest or on 2nd Street. I recall very many spots on the parade route and at PrideFest where parents, children and strollers could sit well away from smokers. I hate to imagine the car exhaust inhaled by spectators that day.
I also can suggest additional ground rules that could be added to her list. 1) Do not bring children into areas where smoking is going on. 2) Always ask others if it is ok to bring your children into the area. 3) Do not bring strollers and walking toddlers into well traveled areas and paths. Common areas should not be taken over by over indulgent parents with their children in tow. What I am getting at is the all too frequent desire of well meaning people to impose their beliefs on others. We have enough politicians and moral majorities out there willing to do that. Creating rules for others to follow reeks of intolerance. Perhaps we should be careful in getting what we wish for.
