Letter to the Editor:  Barry Nelson, Moorhead, MN

In rejecting the bill to limit smoking in cars with youthful passengers, Rep. Craig Headland is quoted in a Forum article (March 2)  as saying that he didn’t think the students from Williston who were behind the bill “are fully capable of understanding” the constitution.

Shame on you, Rep. Headland!  Your arrogance and patronizing attitude are reprehensible.  Middle school students showing interest in policy and the legislative process are to be celebrated and encouraged!  After a successful run with a bill last session to name the chokecherry the state fruit, the students came forward with this bill which obviously had personal interest and impact for them.  Kudos to this group of young people who not only see a problem, but look for ways to address those problems.

They do not need adults like you publicly questioning their “understanding.”

By the way, perhaps Rep. Headland can help me find in the constitution where it says adults have the constitutional right to smoke wherever and whenever, regardless of the health impact on others.

Barry Nelson
Moorhead