Post by Flash on Jan 3, 2007 5:38:31 GMT -5
Sean posted 1/3/07 10:36 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a smoker I am rather tired of the constant attacks on my freedom to abuse my own health by the federal and state governments in Australia. I don't need big brother to tell me that smoking is bad (ok), I know that every morning when I cough my guts up. Nor do I need insulting media campaigns which only suceed in helping non-smokers look down their nose at me. Now personally as a non-drinker of some years drunk people annoy me considerably; but every time I see an "Alchohol free zone" sign I see red. Yet another personal freedom being invaded (doubtlessly to protect post-gentrification property prices).
I am not satisifed with the medical evidence surrounding passive smoking, indeed I think the bulk of it suggests that quite the opposite is the case. However as the middle classes all quit smoking and hit the gym in the attempt to live forever, the urban myths surrounding passive smoking become more prevalent.
Accompanying this smokers (who pay a fortune in taxation on every packet by the way) are banned like naughty school boys to dark smokey corners reducing their oxygen to cigarette smoke mix considerably, increasing the health issues of their habit.
As far as I am concerned the non-smoking minority has gone too far. Large buildings like shopping centres and large clubs are well capable of holding smokers and non-smokers with no risk to the non-smokers ever having to breath one molecule of smoke. Its not like its a closed smoking car on the train (which by the way I used to avoid when they existed even though I was a smoker).
Non-Smokers should be entitled to not breathe smoke if they please, but not where there is clearly enough air for everyone. Its time these facist "clean air" laws were re-thought with a bit of common sense. The government tax's/allows its sale to you with one hand and make laws to stop you smoking it everywhere with the other.
If the government really cares so much about health issues due to smoking then they should make tobacco illegal and stop collecting the tax benefits from it. I would hate them for it; but at least their hypocrisy would be over.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a smoker I am rather tired of the constant attacks on my freedom to abuse my own health by the federal and state governments in Australia. I don't need big brother to tell me that smoking is bad (ok), I know that every morning when I cough my guts up. Nor do I need insulting media campaigns which only suceed in helping non-smokers look down their nose at me. Now personally as a non-drinker of some years drunk people annoy me considerably; but every time I see an "Alchohol free zone" sign I see red. Yet another personal freedom being invaded (doubtlessly to protect post-gentrification property prices).
I am not satisifed with the medical evidence surrounding passive smoking, indeed I think the bulk of it suggests that quite the opposite is the case. However as the middle classes all quit smoking and hit the gym in the attempt to live forever, the urban myths surrounding passive smoking become more prevalent.
Accompanying this smokers (who pay a fortune in taxation on every packet by the way) are banned like naughty school boys to dark smokey corners reducing their oxygen to cigarette smoke mix considerably, increasing the health issues of their habit.
As far as I am concerned the non-smoking minority has gone too far. Large buildings like shopping centres and large clubs are well capable of holding smokers and non-smokers with no risk to the non-smokers ever having to breath one molecule of smoke. Its not like its a closed smoking car on the train (which by the way I used to avoid when they existed even though I was a smoker).
Non-Smokers should be entitled to not breathe smoke if they please, but not where there is clearly enough air for everyone. Its time these facist "clean air" laws were re-thought with a bit of common sense. The government tax's/allows its sale to you with one hand and make laws to stop you smoking it everywhere with the other.
If the government really cares so much about health issues due to smoking then they should make tobacco illegal and stop collecting the tax benefits from it. I would hate them for it; but at least their hypocrisy would be over.