A Little Hot Air

I think society has lost its collective mind! (How's that for a hook?) That statement may be a little bold, so let me clarify. Several members of society have lost their minds! If that's better for you, read on! :)

Last Wednesday evening I was a spectator in the bleachers at a local softball game. I was there because our youngest son was asked to fill in for another team in the league. They needed the extra players to avoid a forfeit. Ben and two of his teammates were happy to oblige.

I was the only fan representing Ben's "adopted" team, but don't feel sorry for me. I enjoy softball and have no issue sitting alone. It was a cool, comfortable summer evening in Wisconsin. Perfect for spectating!

As I sat in the bleachers, I found myself sitting among players from one of the teams that would be playing the game after Ben's. Not a big deal. However, when one of those players lit a cigarette it became a bigger deal. You can probably guess where this little story is going! That second hand smoke was blowing in my direction and I wasn't happy!

Happens all the time, it seems.  A single smoker's cigarette smoke can pollute what would otherwise be 'fresh' air.  What's a girl to do? In my younger days I might have asked him, in a nice way of course, to move. In this case, I coughed and moved my little self up three bleachers where I was free of the smokey air.

The point of relating this incident is to plead with all of the smokers out there. Please don't exercise your "right" to smoke in public. By smoking in public you jeopardize my "right" to breath smoke free air! Smoke at your home. Smoke in your basement. Smoke in your yard. Smoke in your garage. But don't smoke in public and public includes the ballpark! It will never be okay with me!

In case any smokers out there aren't convinced, let me just say that my non-smoking in public changes nothing about the air you breathe. This is my blog so I think that statement is worth repeating--My non-smoking changes nothing about the air you breathe! Therefore, my non-smoking does not infringe on any of your rights! Period. End of discussion.

“‎"Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.” --John Wooden