As someone who is an ardent nonsmoker doing volunteer work writing smokefree legislation (last night was my fourth victory in a row against Phillip Morris and friends--YAY!), I am reading this thread with more than passing interest.

First, there is no need for vitriolic comments by anyone. While I understand the emotion behind them, a five-mile smokefree zone around an airport is an inflammatory suggestion. Let's get real.

Similarly, there is no reason or excuse for allowing smoking within enclosed workplace areas, including airports (I think I could fill a book with feedback I've had from DL employees at CVG tired of the smoky environment there). Simply stated, there is no viable way to separate "smoking" and "nonsmoking" any more than you can have a chlorine free area of a swimming pool. In fact, the HVAC experts -- mind you, these are the people who sell "smoke removing" equipment -- even concede that in order for it to really work it would have to create an air exchange to the extent of a small tornado within a room.

I am sympathetic to the concerns of people frustrated by smokers congregating around doorways. Some of the new legislation we've seen prohibits smoking within 100 feet of the places of ingress and egress to address that issue.

While there is no legally cognizable right to smoke in public places, by the same token nonsmokers would do well to keep anger focused on Phillip Morris and friends, not individuals who have become addicted to the habit unless they specifically engage in inappropriate behavior.

Surprisingly, some of the strongest support for smokefree environments comes from smokers.