Being of the mindset that I tend to keep, it is easy for one to believe that I am not a person to follow the rules. Sure once in a while rules can be an important thing to keep track of, however most of the time doing things my own way is the way I like to keep it.

Today however, I am here to speak of an instance where following the rules is not a bad idea. That’s right; I am here to tell you all of an injustice that is being committed every single day here at Skyline College. You may have noticed it disgusted, or perhaps you yourself have been the one committing this heinous crime.

But no matter what your position is on this subject, there is no way you haven’t noticed the black fog now present by every doorway on campus, a fog known as smoke.

Now in all fairness smoking on campus is not a crime in itself, true it’s a vile and disgusting habit partaken of by those with reasons all their own, of whom I am not in a place to judge. Being politically correct is also something I’m not keen on but for the sake of good taste I shall control myself.

Now perhaps, the smoke in their eyes is impeding them from seeing the sign, which, are so clearly posted on campus stating that there is no smoking permitted within 20 feet of any given building.

While I must admit I am not an expert when it comes to judging distances, I do not believe someone who is both smoking, and leaning against the side of the building, can be also smoking at least 20 feet away from the building at the same time.

Then again, as I said, I am not an expert. You see now the reason I complain about this is not solely because it annoys me. True that is part of it, but that’s beside the point.

The real reason I complain is because this issue poses a serious threat to students wishing to attend Skyline without having to deal with a lungful of tar every time they enter or leave a building.

As we all know from that ever so lovable surgeon general, smoking can increase the risk of heart and lung cancer, as well as cause birth defects in children still in the fetus stage of life.

Now the human race in general is a relatively loving and peaceful people, this has been proven throughout history through such events as the holocaust, the bombing of Hiroshima, slavery, and the Bush administration.

So in light of these events I am completely astounded at the fact that a human being would be so inconsiderate as to subject his or her fellow students to a face full of smoke during a time in their lives when all they want from this institute is an education, and perhaps a cold beverage.

In closing I will say that my superiors have informed me that I am not allowed to give commands to the student population here at Skyline College, however I am allowed to make very strong suggestions in their general direction.

So I will end with a strong suggestion directed toward the smoking population here on campus. If you want to smoke, that is perfectly fine, many will not agree with you and many will not care. However you do not have the right to force smoking upon your classmates, or your teachers. 20 feet is what the sign says, and if you would be so kind, please keep it to 20 feet.