Reader Mail Week of Feb. 20

Reader thanks Bill Howell

I wanted to write to commend Speaker Bill Howell for finding common ground with Gov. Kaine on the smoking ban in Virginia. I realize that this was not any easy choice, as many within his party believe this is a free market issue. I want to thank Speaker Howell for making this tough choice and for doing what he thought was right. I wish there were more elected officials willing to govern that way.

As a person who lost two parents to cancer, and as someone who grew up in a household of smokers, one could surmise this is an issue about which I care deeply. While I believe in free enterprise and that people should be able to freely exercise freedom to pursue happiness, I think it is perfectly reasonable to have some restrictions on establishments that don't have separate ventilation systems.

This ban would not restrict private establishments from allowing smoking, such as VFW's but it would allow me and my family to enjoy a smoke-free restaurant as we go out for a meal.

There is not one positive benefit from cigarette smoke. If you want to smoke, that is your choice. I should not have to breathe it in.

Thank you Speaker Howell for being willing to make such a tough choice.

Joann Dinkel-Holzer
Fredericksburg

Man’s best friend truly amazing

It is quite amazing to have learned more about man’s best friend — dogs. Being a dog owner for the first time, I have always asked myself several of the many questions that were listed [in a recent article in the Sun.] Now, I know the answers to the many behaviors she portrays especially on her daily walks with me around our neighborhood. Reading this article has left me a smarter person about man’s best friend. Thank you, Laurie Williams for answering the many questions asked and the Stafford County Sun for writing them out.

Anna Victoria Reich
Stafford