Wood smoke flap one more assault

I would like to respond to the extensive coverage and print your paper has given Kenneth Dubinski and his group the Breathe Healthy Air Coalition.

First off, I think the whole issue of trying to stop citizens from burning wood in fireplaces and fire pits is a ridiculous cause, and Mr. Dubinski and his members should find a more worthy cause to spend their time and energy on!

There is no way to verify these outrageous statistics your paper and this organization are stating as fact.

Secondly, the assault on personal freedoms in this country have already gone too far -- everything from smoking bans, to seat belt laws, to vehicle emissions tests just to name a few.

Meanwhile the Bush administration and many local governments continue to ease restrictions and environmental standards on big business.

Man has burned wood for warmth and cooking since the beginning of his existence, and I have not seen any hard facts that it is a major cause of pollution or health problems.

The chart you printed in your paper a few weeks ago stating that wood burning caused 30 percent of all air pollution is absolutely ridiculous.

My wife has severe asthma and has never complained about wood burning as an irritant. We occasionally use a fire pit, as well as enjoy a wood burning fire when we camp up north.

This continuing assault on personal freedoms by special interest groups is setting a dangerous precedent and should not be tolerated.

Tell Mr. Dubinski and his group to find a more worthy cause and stop giving them an open forum to promote this silliness.

Mike Stallone

Palatine