The drumbeat is a little louder and the steps are quickening as liberties and property rights are destroyed in the pursuit of "utopia." The latest fine example comes directly from Raleigh, with the smoking ban in bars and restaurants.

What right does the government have to force a no-smoking rule on private property owners? This is not a matter of "smoking rights" but an issue of private property rights and freedom of choice. With each baby step, the jackboot is getting closer to your throat.

By the way, I have never smoked, will never smoke and have the ability to choose the environments I put myself in.

Wallace Wilson

Southern Pines