Emily Houtler says she's not attempting to eradicate smokers' freedom or rights by calling for a campus-wide smoking ban. Yet her claim that the majority should get what they want because they are the majority, is a direct attack on freedom and rights.
Rights, properly understood, are a protection against majority rule. The Founders were very aware of this fact, which is why America is a constitutional republic and not a democracy.
Any problems with smokers hanging out in doorways and sidewalks is a direct result of violating their rights and the rights of business owners. The majority has no right to dictate the smoking policies of private businesses. Those who don't like their policies, have the right not to patronize their establishments.
- Jim Allard
UW-Madison Senior
