Ignoring Smoke-free Law In Illinois Is Not A Virtue!

I am reprinting a Letter To The Editor recently submitted to several newspapers in Southern Illinois by a local AHA volunteer. It speaks for itself....

Dear Editor:

(Herrin, IL) - As a doctor, I am writing to speak out in support of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act and to urge local authorities to enforce it. A majority of people throughout the state – including here in Southern Illinois -- share this position. The seductive notion of rebellion against the government not withstanding, flaunting the smoke-free law is not a virtue.

Imagine being one of my patients. Before the smoke-free law went into effect, once they got sick, many could never go back to any of the places they frequented their entire lives. They simply could not afford any exposure to secondhand smoke. This law expanded their universe and enriched their lives. These are our relatives, friends and neighbors. Do we really want to exclude them?

Unfortunately, debate on this issue has produced more heat than light. It has drowned out the voices of the majority, who are delighted to have equal access to all establishments while avoiding secondhand smoke. While I believe that going smoke-free was the right thing to do, I realize that some people disagree. I respect their right to try to overturn this law but not to ignore it. In the mean time, smoke-free opponents can be comforted by the fact that avoiding secondhand smoke reduces the chances that they’ll ever need to meet me!

Regards,

Paula F. Guinnip, M.D., FACS, FCCP,
Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates, P.C.
Volunteer for American Heart Association