Since we are going to be banning substances that are legal, I think there are a few more "public health" issues that need to be addressed.
What about the people with respiratory problems, asthma, etc. who can't go places because of fragrances. I think we should ban all fragrances from the workplace and public places so that people with respiratory problems can work in peace. All deodorant, after shave, cologne, perfume, etc should be banned from all public places and work places. An asthmatic attack caused by these fragrances can lead to death in the short term, not just the long term effects. According to the Marin Institute alcohol related problems gave a $184.6 billion dollar loss of productivity, while the cost of cigarette smoking's effect was $137 billion. Therefore we are banning the wrong thing. Let's ban bars and alcohol. They cost society more than smoking, so that will solve a real "public health" problem. Oh and add in another $53 billion for underage alcohol consumption. Marketing to kids? Ban It. Of course we have to ban automobiles. Just the cost of auto accidents alone, not the pollution they cause and the ill health effects of exposure to substances like gasoline, cost us $230.6 billion! Almost as much as alcohol and smoking combined. It must be banned immediately for the sake of our public health and to protect innocent lives of those who did not choose to die in the crash. Those of you who get stressed out over these issues might want to settle down. Did you know it cost $300 billion annually for stress related issues, according to the LA Times. Time to take a deep breath and relax, or if you get a headache from that, well then there is $50 billion a year in costs associated with headaches, according to the National Headache Foundation. And of course the big one that we have to ban. All fast food, all high calorie food, fatty foods and anything else that may cause us to be fat, because the cost of obesity cost us $900 billion, if all related medical expenses are added up. I guess that smoking must just be the first thing on the slippery slope of banning personal choices, or is it just that you have a personal aversion to one but not the other? Soon what, where and probably with whom we eat will be dictated by government. God Bless America, land of the free? Of course this is tongue in cheek, but I hope it points out how absurd we are in banning one persons vices or choices when we are all guilty of infringing on each others health daily. Let's get back to reason and let people make personal choices. Tom Thompson Como Park _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
