ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, June 6, 1996 TAG: 9606060005
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: talking it over
THINGS HAVE changed for the better at the new Salem Memorial baseball park since my letter to the editor was published Sept. 6, 1995, complaining about the lack of a designated area for smokers at the facility.
Baseball fans, especially those who smoke, are being shown that their patronage is appreciated, and that a 6,000-seat open-air stadium is capable of accommodating everyone's needs.
The ownership has decided to allow smoking in the newly constructed picnic area along the third base line when the area is not in use by a picnic group.
Now fans have a terrific view of the game while seated at a picnic table, and they can enjoy their cigarettes (ashtrays are provided - use them!) without disturbing others.
We thank and send kudos to Kelvin Bowles, the team's owner, and the rest of the management for this generous policy of allowing smokers to view the game uninterrupted. Previously they had to go to the back concourses to smoke.
Bowles can count on our continued support in season-ticket purchases. We'll also bring family members and friends to the new stadium, and help support it by consuming the best concessions from the best vendors in the Carolina League!
|- Ron W. Crowner
IN AN open-air stadium, this sounds like a nice accommodation for smokers. But wouldn't you agree that, in general, the practice of banning smoking in most public places has merit?
Some nonsmokers - those with asthma, for instance - are physically bothered by smoke. The odor from burning tobacco is repugnant to many others. And there's the not insignificant fact that second-hand smoke, according to reputable studies, can cause cancer.
You sound like a polite and considerate smoker, but many are not so. They feel it is their right to blissfully puff away, never mind if it makes others uncomfortable or sick. Owners and managers of public places must set smoking policies to protect the majority of their patrons.
And for all that you and other smokers may resent being made to feel like pariahs, perhaps you can also agree about this: Social stigmatization has helped reduce addiction rates in the adult population, and may help send a message to youngsters that it's not cool to take up a habit that kills more than 400,000 Americans yearly. Surely, stigmatization is preferable to government prohibition. |- The editors
YOU HAVE missed the point. And you have taken extreme journalistic/editorial license to stand on your soapbox proclaiming the ills of smoking. That's nothing new for your newspaper.
This is the point: There are 50 million smokers in this country. If you want our patronage, you will accommodate us. Or we will take our business elsewhere where we are appreciated. |- R.W.C.
Ron W. Crowner is a Roanoke County resident and a Salem Avalanche season-ticket holder.
LENGTH: Medium: 65 linesby CNB