Smokers Always Knew the Risks

Re “L.A. Jury Awards $3 Billion to Smoker,” June 7:

While I sympathize with cancer victim Richard Boeken in his illness, I wonder where the concept of personal responsibility for our actions has gone. It has been known for many years that smoking is hazardous to one’s health, and a person does so at his (or her) own risk.

Charles G. Blakelock Jr.

Oak Park

I lost my darling husband in September last year to lung cancer. He had had three cancer surgeries plus radiation and chemotherapy over a 15-year period.

Yes, he was a smoker, for about 40 years. And never during that time or after he quit did it occur to either of us to blame the tobacco companies. It was his fault for making a very foolish decision to start smoking. And I am enraged when I see indecently large settlements given to stupid people.

Sue Gordon

Temple City