Jailing Smokers

In response to the front-page picture “Crackdown on Smokers,” March 7:

What a picture of misery to contemplate at the breakfast table! A lot of men in a small cage holding on to the bars--most animals in zoos have more space than that. A neatly dressed guard watching these “criminals” completes the picture. In case anyone did not know why they are in prison, there’s a big sign: “No Smoking.”

Suddenly my morning coffee tasted quite bitter. I’m all in favor of nonsmoking ordinances, but to put people in jail for smoking is preposterous. It seems intolerance is raising its ugly head just about everywhere. Books, movies--and now cigarettes. How about a fine or jail for drinking coffee? Well, they did it in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. We really haven’t grown up, have we?

HENRY BRUNELL

Chatsworth