Thank you to the seven state senators who stood strong and voted no on the smoking ban in New Hampshire. They should be awarded medals for backing a business owner's right to decide who his or her customers will be.

As for the other 17 senators who played judge, jury and executioner, shame on you for taking the first step toward communism in New Hampshire.

What group of people is next on your hit list? Why not go after those residents or visitors who are overweight?

According to the logic of these 17, the smoking ban is a health issue. So why not ban people whose eating habits cause a health issue? If you are overweight, you should be banned from going to restaurants and bars.

How silly to think these 17 masterminds would go after fat people - there are certainly many more of them than there are smokers and businesses that currently allow smoking in their establishments.

And for you smokers! Next time someone comes to you looking for donations for the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society, remember, these groups lobbied for this smoking ban.

It's sad to think of all the lives lost throughout this country's history fighting for freedom, only to have a group of elected officials make such laws.

Communism starts with the elimination of one's right to make decisions. The 17 senators have taken the first step. Shame on them.

PAUL LESSARD

Meredith