gossamer axe wrote:
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.
I'm not sure what is being scapegoated for but I bet the reduced health care costs would cover the tax revenue. I would happily pay the tax elsewhere if necessary. This morning on the way up to my office I was trapped in the elevator with a super stinky smoker. Ugh.
We're already seeing society go after people that are overweight along with talk of a "fat tax".
Are you referring to charging fat people more for flying on airlines? As a pilot myself I can tell you that you cannot escape the laws of physics.
I read that the BMI was lowered as to put more people in the "overweight" catagory. By the new BMI standards, I am overweight.
Google doesn't turn up any evidence of it having been changed recently. but most acknowledge that in many cases BMI alone is not a good measure of whether someone is really overweight.
Ok, so now we successfully have 100% of the population smoke-free and skinny, then what?
It will never happen. But really, if smokers are considerate and don't make me breath their smoke or smell their bodies I'm fine with their smoking. I also prefer it if people don't fart nearby me.
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)?
I'm pretty sure we all remember how well prohibition worked out. And I'm definitely against censoring music.
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.
So far I don't see anyone taking anything away. -- KPLUG-List@kernel-panic.org http://www.kernel-panic.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/kplug-list
