Stop blowing smoke

Re “Santa Monica Plans Smoking Ban on Promenade,” July 28

“It’s a free country! I have a right to smoke,” some say. “Well, I have a right to breathe smoke-free air,” I say. “Cars cause air pollution too,” you hear. Yes, they do, but cars provide transportation to work, to visit friends and family, to spiritual centers and to healthcare appointments. Secondhand smoke does none of that.

It’s not a total ban on smoking. People can still smoke in their own homes or cars -- and hopefully not harm anyone else (even though the smoke does leak through open windows).

BONNIE JOHNSTONE

Santa Monica