Anti-Smoking Legislation

Wilbert Rideau and Ron Wikberg, both prison inmates in Louisiana (as well as editors of an award-winning magazine and textbook used by the criminal justice system), have written the most timely column on smoking (“Smoking Is the Least of Our Worries,” Commentary, Sept. 4), I have ever read!

When the ban on smoking in prison went into effect, I seriously thought the prison officials had lost their minds. (If they continue the ban, they may lose more than their minds.) When they ordered this ridiculous ban, I considered the legality of such an order. After all, smoking is legal!

As one person in her own physical prison, I smoke and no one has banned my habit. Just let them try! Whereas these men and women in public institutions have no say over what can be done to them in the name of power. And that is all it is, power! Do we take seriously the caring about an inmate’s longer lifetime? Hardly! Many we condemned to die, by means far worse than secondhand smoke or the puffing of a cigarette. Yet, the sanctimonious look on Sheriff Sherman Block’s face upon announcing the ban only further proved his disdain for those behind bars.

Take the ban off for these people--they are commiting no crime by smoking. And have the legal right to do so!

D. GAYLE BOSTWICK, Palm Desert