Thanks for all of the great response to my last entry. As you may be able to tell, I really get upset when I go to a public place and I am forced to breathe second hand smoke. Don't get me wrong, if someone wants to kill themself by using tobacco, they have every right to do so because it is legal. But when some inconsiderate bastard lights up in a public place and non smokers are forced to breathe in the deadly fumes simply because we are in the same public place, that is just simply unfair. Not only is it unfair, it should certainly be illegal.

States such as California and New York already realize this and have done the right thing by banning smoking in all public places, including bars. Why should it be OK to light up in a bar just because that's the way it has always been? That is old thinking.

There are a couple of cool concert venues in Baltimore that I used to love to go to listen to music. The 8x10 brings in some very cool bands from New Orleans. And Rams Head Live has a great concert schedule. Unfortunately I cannot go to these places anymore. I would typically be getting into the music when some loser comes over and stands right next to me and lights up a cigarette. And even if the people next to me are not smoking, I'm still forced to breathe in the smoke, simply because I am listening to music. I just don't get it. I am hoping these music venues will wise up and not allow smoking, so the healthy people in the area can once again start enjoying concerts.

And how about this scenario? I go to a nice restaurant and they tell me my table is almost ready. Then they say I should wait in the bar until my name is called. I go to the bar and it's full of people that don't value their lives or anyone elses because they are smoking. Please tell me why I should be subjected to that. Give me just one reason. Next time that happens, I swear I will tell the maitre d' that I refuse to stand in a smoking area and if he or she cannot give me my table, or allow me to wait in a smoke free area, I will leave and never come back.

Here is a copy of an email I just sent to the Rams Head Live music venue in Baltimore. Honestly, I doubt they will change their ways, but I hope this reaches someone with just a little sense and compassion.

Dear Rams Head,

I love your Baltimore concert venue but will no longer go there due to the fact that I have no choice but to breathe in second hand smoke. Second hand smoke is not only a nuisance, but it is deadly. Can you please tell me if you have considered making your music venue smoke free? It is time that you followed the many other respectable venues in Baltimore who make it possible to listen to good music in a safe environment. It has never been shown that people avoid coming to concerts because they cannot smoke. I believe you will actually gain all of the people who have stayed away due to the fact that they do not have a choice other than to breathe smoke while they are watching music. Thanks for what you have done for music in the Baltimore area and I sincerely hope that you will take the next step, which I believe is the right one.

Dr. David M. Madow
The Madow Group

Anyway, there you have it. Let's see what happens. Until then, I hope to see you, but let's make it happen in a smoke free place, OK?