POISON YOURSELF DON'T HARM ME

JOHN BANKS believes that if illegal intravenous drug users who visit a bar
or tavern are provided with plastic containers in which to discard used
needles, then he, a legal smoker, should be entitled to an ashtray in which
to discard his cigarette (Letters, February 19). I feel very differently.
You see, those who choose to use illegal drugs know they are risking their
lives. But if there is a lack of an appropriate disposal unit, then we
non-users of illegal drugs are put at risk of dying from drug-related
illnesses. Smokers too know that, if they choose to smoke, they are putting
their lives at risk. But if ashtrays are provided in bars or taverns, then
we non-users of legal drugs are put at risk of dying from drug-related
illnesses. Name your poison.

Carolyn Doyle, Banks