Yes, Holly, we are obviously as different as different can be. I read "And the Band Played On", and stil don't remember what disinformation was being spread by the mainstream media about AIDS/HIV. Please remind me!
What I am saying about the government is that there is a real and appropriate interest in the public health, and that doctors have no ulterior motives when they speak up about the dangers of some of our habits and addictions, and that in the public health field, government regulation is often appropriate, and that I see no conspiracy at all--I don't think our rights are being taken away because of one, for sure. The public health measures we do have save lives, and especially in the case of motorcycle helmet laws, public dollars. Smoking is on its way out in the United States and western Europe, and banning it where second-hand smoke exposes the public or employees in the workplace is absolutely a good idea. This is not prohibition--there are still plenty of places to smoke. As far as price/taxes on cigarettes, when the price goes up, smoking levels go down, especially among teenagers. So I think that is a good idea.
As I said, we are totally different!!! I still do NOT understand what you think the government is doing. |
