California Smoking Ban

Re “Breath of Fresh Air,” editorial, Dec. 28:

The Times thinks it is a great idea to force bar owners to prohibit smoking, in part because many who might frequent bars will thereby not be victimized. But, of course, it matters not that the bar owners are victimized and that no one is forced to frequent bars where smoking is allowed by the owners.

Indeed, there really is no difference between forcing bars to adhere to such a policy and forcing The Times to print correct opinions, as the government understands them. Both are forcing people to act in line with policies with which they disagree.

TIBOR R. MACHAN

Silverado

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It is indeed ironic that the expression “smoke-free” should be used to describe our state. Formerly, business owners were free to decide whether to allow smoking on their premises. Employees were free to decide whether to work for businesses that allowed smoking. Customers were free to decide whether to patronize businesses that allowed smoking.

Now, the Legislature and the governor have declared that the citizens of this state can no longer be trusted to make these decisions for themselves.

ROBERT A. PHILIPSON

Santa Monica