Thanks for the Butts

Dear Editor,
    I want to personally thank all the people from out of state who came to Austin to promote the no-smoking ban. I want to thank the members of the City Council who support the smoking ban and the voters who voted for it. Thanks to the Chronicle and its support of the ban, too. Thanks for all the toxic waste dumped on our streets in the form of cigarette butts. Has anyone looked on the sidewalks in Austin lately? Has anyone figured out that since it's illegal to put ashtrays out for smoking patrons those patrons are going to toss those butts on the ground? Cigarette butts certainly are toxic waste, when are people going to start getting arrested and charged for illegally dumping toxic waste on city streets? Known carcinogens wrapped in filters that are not biodegradable: perfect. Now all that toxic material is washing down the sewer system into Town Lake. Brilliant example of unintended consequences; nonetheless, something now has to be done not about smokers, but about the toxic waste they are polluting our city and lakes with from their discarded butts. But hey, let's make sure we fine people who put out ashtrays: can't have that! Thank you for your time and consideration.