Smokers’ Rights Are Unfairly Limited

* Imagine my surprise to learn that I have been disenfranchised and no longer am covered under the Bill of Rights [“No Worker Protections for Smokers,” Shop Talk, Oct. 25]. All of this because I am a smoker. I can be denied employment for what I do in my own home!

Discrimination in my case (and millions of others) is perfectly OK. I use a legal product, sold on the open market, yet I am banned from every bar and restaurant in the state of California if I choose to use it in public.

I am 73 years old and have voted in every election since I was 21. Since the usual percentage is 33% to 40% of all registered voters showing up at the polls, that means the 17% to 22% of registered voters are telling all the rest of us what will be made into law and what will not. That is a sad commentary.

I know that I am a voice in the wilderness, but at least I am a voice. Just remember: The next law restricting personal freedom could affect you.

VIRGINIA M. REEVES

Los Alamitos