> > He can get away with it, because the tobacco companies are the devil, and > smokers their minions when you get to court. Smokers have few rights in > modern society, and they are getting pushed to second class status. Note, > I > am not a smoker. I detest smoke filled bars and restaurants, but I fear > what > behavior is next. It also amazes me that the pro-drug legalization crowd > are also some of the biggest anti-tobacco people I have run into. A > paradox > if ever there was one. Me I am very much a libertarian. Bad behavior only > matters when it directly infringes on my rights or my pocket book. > > The only problem with supporting the "smokers are 2nd class citizens" is that if 100% of smokers quit, then there is no more tax revenue and no scapegoat. We're already seeing society go after people that are overweight along with talk of a "fat tax". I read that the BMI was lowered as to put more people in the "overweight" catagory. By the new BMI standards, I am overweight. Ok, so now we successfully have 100% of the population smoke-free and skinny, then what? Another prohibition? Will drinkers have to sneak into a speakeasy to get a beer? Will the music I love be banned because of "questionable lyrical content" (i.e. the PMRC)?
This little rant wasn't personally directed at Legatus or anyone else on this list, but if we allow one thing to be taken away (whether you participate in it or not) then others will follow. Eventually, something you do will be taken away or taxed beyond affordability. IMHO -- Gossamer Axe [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://gypsy.sytes.net/ -- [email protected] http://www.kernel-panic.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/kplug-list
