Angelika Another inexhaustible topic here is still the topic of "smoking", which has now developed into a real war between smokers and non-smokers. Smoking has long been prohibited in public buildings such as airports, as well as in offices. That, I think, is still comparable to German conditions. But now there are no longer any smoking areas in restaurants, which means that smoking is no longer allowed anywhere food is served. Smokers can only escape to bars or the street, but in San Francisco, attempts have already been made to prohibit smoking in bars as well, which has caused smokers and some more liberal non-smokers to protest, so that the ban has not yet been enforced. Some politicians are even seriously discussing banning smoking on the street. Meanwhile, there are even various counter ads to tobacco advertising, such as a poster with the Marlboro cowboys, where one tells the other about his lung edema. Smokers in San Francisco are usually nowadays only seen standing in hidden corners. This often reminds me of teenagers smoking secretly. Although I am a non-smoker myself and enjoy the clean air in restaurants very much, I am amused by the vehemence with which the topic is being discussed.
Lawsuits for damages have been brought against cigarette manufacturers because smokers have become ill. I think this is a bit exaggerated, since no one is forced to smoke. In general, I cannot understand how in a country where there are huge protests when the freedom to bear arms is to be restricted, on the other hand, smokers are almost treated like second-class citizens, who will bring us certain death. I would even say that here more people become victims of a weapon than victims of passive smoking. With regard to weapons, the old cowboy mentality seems to prevail again. And to conclude this topic, here is a quote from the pilot during our landing in San Francisco after our trip to Las Vegas. He informed us that smoking is not allowed in San Francisco. Of course, he meant only the airport, although his statement hit the nail on the head. So, these were today's everyday stories. Before I end the letter, I would like to entertain you with two more things:
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