What role should our government play in our lives? Cradle to the grave? Laws for the public good, even if they violate our liberties?

Who decides where to draw the line? Our system allows us to ‘kick them out’ if they do not reflect the will of those governed, but that takes time and much damage could have resulted.

We Americans have experienced the gradual erosion of our liberties and now seem to accept it as ‘normal.’ We’ve been conditioned to do so.

I personally do not smoke anymore (did so some 40 years ago) and lived with a smoker practically up to her death. My choice, her choice and I’m still here.

Yes, smoking is probably not really healthy for anyone. But, privately owned bars and restaurants that choose to allow smoking can easily be avoided by the public and the staff. It is their rights that are trampled when the public sector makes decisions for the private sector. If they lose business due to exercising their rights, so be it. The smoking public has rights too, let them alone to make their choices.

Click it or ticket. Wear a mask, don’t. Get a jab or lose your job. Gimme your gun. I actually believe in public health, but just don’t shove it down my throat. I like to make some decisions all by myself.

RICHARD PHILLIPS

NEW IBERIA