Graphic labels for smokers go too far

This is in response to the Nov. 11 Daily Herald article, Page 10, “Will graphic warning labels scare off cigarette smokers?” As a smoker, I believe everyone has a right to a smoke-free environment, so I have no qualms about legislation over smoke-free public places, employment work spaces and restaurants or bars. I would have never proposed the laws, but I do not oppose them either. It is your right to be free from my smoke, and I fully respect your wishes.

But, the government, by the hands of the FDA and DHHS, have overreached reason in mandating graphic images of cancerous body parts on product packaging in an effort to frighten me into stopping smoking. Regardless of any legal or constitutional right to do so, it is just wrong for the federal government to use scare tactics to force its will. Smokers today, who else tomorrow?

The last I checked, cigarettes are a legal product that I can purchase at the corner convenience store. I agree with posting health warnings on the package, but these proposed rules go beyond conveying the health risks. Now, not only is my smoking offensive, but the package is as well. I will rally behind an outright ban if that is what the secret agenda of this campaign is all about. But treating us smokers as second-class citizens needs to be reconsidered. Slapping us in the face with graphics of suffering smokers is not appropriate and should be stopped.

Terry Bowman

Elk Grove Village