Smoking Law

The Times article (May 6) “Where There’s Smoke,” not only informs readers about Rancho Mirage’s proposed no-smoking law, it also tells us a great deal about RJR Nabisco, Inc.

Nabisco, the parent company to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, sponsors the Dinah Shore Golf Tournament, threatened to move the event to La Quinta if the proposed Rancho Mirage ordinance is voted in by the City Council.

Obviously, Nabisco concludes it has the right to bully, intimidate and subvert governmental processes in order to perpetuate its self-interests, whether perceived or real. The right of the people, through their elected officials, to pass and enforce laws must transcend such arrogant and atrocious improprieties by a private conglomerate.

Perhaps the approximate 66% of the nonsmoking citizenry, who comprise both the majority of the voting public and the majority of the consumers, should adopt Nabisco’s tactics. A boycott of Nabisco products would seem to be in order until they demonstrate respect for the people’s right to govern.

JOHN E. MORAN

Westlake Village