Over the years, around the county and in most areas of the country, there has been the great debate of whether people should be allowed to smoke in public places. Most notably in restaurants and in work areas. I have even heard the argument of whether we should allow smoking in ballparks and stadiums. This seems ridiculous to some because we remind ourselves that it is "a free country and no one should tell us what to do." If this were the early 1900’s when no one knew the adverse affects of second hand smoke and when people were more sensible then yes, it might seem a bit ridiculous. But it is not. We have become a selfish people. If the second hand smoke affects others around us, so be it. We want to continue with our bad habits no matter who is around and that is okay with us.

With that thought in mind, our cities need to protect the people from what is dangerous to us and pass laws to keep it that way. I have always thought that too many laws in the books take our freedoms away and under normal circumstances it would. But this is a matter of life and death and when people are selfish with their bad habits. We are forced to take the matter into our own hands. Five of the eight towns in our county have passed an ordinance prohibiting smoking in restaurants and work places. This is commendable, as we need to breathe clean air. Even better is the fact that our state wants to follow suit and ban smoking as well, which will help everyone living in the state of Alabama breath clean air while eating and working. But somehow, it has gotten caught up in politics and won’t be passed any time soon.

About ten years ago, a neighbor of mine came home one day to find he had lung cancer. He was 40 years old and had a nice family. How could this be when he never smoked a day in his life? The answer was simple. He breathed in second hand smoke, which triggered something in his lungs, and gave him cancer. The fight was short and he died shortly thereafter, leaving his wife a widow and his children without a father. I would not have believed it if I didn’t see it myself but it happens. Second hand smoke is dangerous and we should be considerate to those around us and not smoke in enclosed buildings. So let’s encourage others to think about what we are doing to our neighbors and not be so selfish. Let’s keep our air clean.

Loxley resident Valerie J. Steimle is the author of two books, “Home Is Where The Heart Is, A look at strengthening the American Family,” and her latest book, “Home Is Where The Learning Is” (www.amazon.com/gp/product/1403379637). Contact her at valeriesteimle@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.stengthenyourhome.com.