Your views

Total smoking ban strikes at freedom

The recent talk about an "all-county smoking ban" is anotherexample of a few people (who think they have the power of God) toeliminate West Virginia's rights of freedom.

We are talking about adults who smoke at bars and gamblingparlors, not children. I am not a smoker, but it is my right as anAmerican to choose where I go, whether I smoke or not, and whether Ichoose to be with smokers.

If the smoke bothers me, I have the right to leave and not bearound this environment.

I should have the right to choose, as a West Virginian (who arealways born free) to smoke and get cancer, to ride a four-wheeler andbreak my neck, or jump from rocks into lakes and drown.

Let's free this state from politicians, and a very small group ofpeople, who believe they have the personal right to dictate to allWest Virginians and pass laws that take away our rights.

After all, they are not God.

Jim Francis

Charleston

At least the president

has given us jokes

I've decided that the best approach now is to look at the onepositive thing the Bush administration has given us - comedymaterial.

Granted, I'd rather not have quite so much comedy material comingfrom the president, but, hey, at least it's something.

Here are some jokes I've made up to help see me through theserough times:

What do you call a Republican lesbian?

An angry woman who votes against herself.

What do you call Dick Cheney when he's holding a gun?

Anything he wants. Just don't shoot me.

How many Republicans does it take to run the country?

Fifteen - one to sign vetoes and 14 to move his pen.

When all looks bleak and dismal coming from the White House, laughor you'll cry like a little baby. I've cried enough. It's time forthe laughter to begin.

Nancy Toney

St. Albans