Oppressed Smoker

Re “The Oppressed Smoker” by Carole Agus, March 8: As the smoking/nonsmoking issue began to creep into our consciousness until it became what it is today--and never reading anything in the publications that could be construed as “equal time”--I have become angrier every day.

Now that I have read this magnificent article, and agree with every word, I must try to express my gratitude to Agus for her eloquence and basic good sense.

I can only agree that smokers should be courteous, but nonsmokers have lost that touch (most of the more vocal ones, that is) until lighting up and flaunting this despicable contaminant into their midst is, indeed, a temptation!

I am a smoker. I have never tried to quit. I enjoy it and I simply cannot agree with this hysterical paranoia. But, as you so aptly pointed out, we do have a function--society needs a “dog to kick” so if I did quit, their frustration would be unbearable.

Thank you, Carole.

MARY R. McMURRAY

Long Beach