Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 Source: Arizona Republic (AZ) Copyright: 2005 The Arizona Republic Contact: http://www.arizonarepublic.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24 Author: Peggy Simpson LAWS KEEP PECKING AWAY AT OUR LIBERTIES Here we go again! I've been a smoker for 45 years and have finally been able to cut down to a third of a pack. I've tried every new thing on the market. I fully understand, however, the rationale behind banning smoking in restaurants, the workplace and other places where people are required to congregate. I do not understand banning smoking in bars. Some language that I hear in public is offensive to me. Should we next ban cursing in public? If I find a nightclub or bar that is too smoky or too rowdy, I leave. "They" (usually meaning lawmakers) will soon be after overweight people. It has already started with some companies raising insurance rates for the obese. The government can now invade our privacy. Drug-sniffing dogs can now search your person without a warrant or reason to search. We have enough laws to adequately protect our society. Please take a stand and say, "No more!" Peggy Simpson, Wickenburg - ---