Smokers

* Re “Family of Smoker Awarded $80 Million by Oregon Jury,” March 31: It appears to me that we as a people no longer take responsibility for our own actions. I am a smoker and take responsibility for the fact that I knew that cigarettes were and are bad for my health. The tobacco company did not put that first cigarette in my mouth; that I did on my own, knowing full well that it was wrong. That has been well over 30 years ago.

It was found in 1960 that tobacco causes respiratory failure and general paralysis. I cannot see how these people who end up with health problems after all the information that is available can, in good conscience, turn around and blame someone or something for something they did and win. It scares me to think what this country and its people are coming to.

TERRI LOPEZ

Yucca Valley