The Nanny State
Well I was never going to get 'political' on this site, but recent events in the UK have left me frustrated to the point of near insanity. I live in a democracy for heavens sake, why do I find myself in a position being dictated to by an elected Government? Not because they have held a public referendum, not because they have asked the public their opinion, or even held a rational and intelligent debate. No, because they say so. This is not the actions of a democratic Government, this is the action of a totalitarian state.
The Smoking Ban in public places came into force on 1st July 2007. I agree with a ban in public places, public transport, Libraries, Hospitals etc. What is not 'public' is a pub. A pub is a business owned by a private individual, sometimes even being part of that individuals home. The reason for this? Well, if you believe the Government spin, its for our own good.
We have a Government, not advising us of what they think is good for our health, but telling us, and enforcing their point with Law and prosecutions. Does that sound like a Country built on the principles of freedom? Regardless on your views on smoking, your like or dislike of it, regardless of if you believe the 'passive smoking question', (Depending on who you ask, the death toll per year in the UK caused by passive smoking is 8000 and upwards, although the actual recorded deaths caused by passive smoking is in fact 0, its amazing what a computer can estimate. It has been worked out elsewhere, using the same statistics, that a bartender is more likely to die in a bicycle related accident, or from using items designed for right handed people, whilst being left handed, than from passive smoking. Great what you can do with statistics if you want to make a point.) the real issue at stake is freedom.
So remember, next time you're in the pub and a D-Day Veteran comes in for a pint, give up your seat for him, he fought so you can enjoy the freedom that you have now, but if he lights up a cigarette, kick him outside in the cold, or better still, grass him up by using one of the Governments "Shop a Smoker" hotline numbers.
Government phonelines to inform on your friends and neighbours? Sound familiar?
The Smoking Ban in public places came into force on 1st July 2007. I agree with a ban in public places, public transport, Libraries, Hospitals etc. What is not 'public' is a pub. A pub is a business owned by a private individual, sometimes even being part of that individuals home. The reason for this? Well, if you believe the Government spin, its for our own good.
We have a Government, not advising us of what they think is good for our health, but telling us, and enforcing their point with Law and prosecutions. Does that sound like a Country built on the principles of freedom? Regardless on your views on smoking, your like or dislike of it, regardless of if you believe the 'passive smoking question', (Depending on who you ask, the death toll per year in the UK caused by passive smoking is 8000 and upwards, although the actual recorded deaths caused by passive smoking is in fact 0, its amazing what a computer can estimate. It has been worked out elsewhere, using the same statistics, that a bartender is more likely to die in a bicycle related accident, or from using items designed for right handed people, whilst being left handed, than from passive smoking. Great what you can do with statistics if you want to make a point.) the real issue at stake is freedom.
So remember, next time you're in the pub and a D-Day Veteran comes in for a pint, give up your seat for him, he fought so you can enjoy the freedom that you have now, but if he lights up a cigarette, kick him outside in the cold, or better still, grass him up by using one of the Governments "Shop a Smoker" hotline numbers.
Government phonelines to inform on your friends and neighbours? Sound familiar?
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