Up pops another column in todays Telegraph endorsing my view that this smoking ban is all about petty rules, and that all it will do is bring out the jobsworths, the bossy nannies and the golf club committee members in their Blazers and bright yellow or red chorduroys.
His point is that people want to ban smoking, not because it is a health risk, or it is inconveniet or uncomfortable for others but because it is a "disgusting habit". So is wearing a blazer a disgusting sight, as being 60 years old and having a fat stomach is a disgusting sight.
Banning Foxhunting is another example. It has been done because it offends certain types. If it was about cruelty to animals then foxes themselves would have been banned. No it is yet another ban that has been made on the back of people's prejudice.
Four wheel drive cars are the next target for a banning order. The environmental argument is a side issue (no one is clamouring to ban old cars are they?), they are seen as disgusting, intimidating and unnecessary. You saw it here first remember.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/m.../02/do0204.xml
Sam Leith's notebook today says it all.
His point is that people want to ban smoking, not because it is a health risk, or it is inconveniet or uncomfortable for others but because it is a "disgusting habit". So is wearing a blazer a disgusting sight, as being 60 years old and having a fat stomach is a disgusting sight.
Banning Foxhunting is another example. It has been done because it offends certain types. If it was about cruelty to animals then foxes themselves would have been banned. No it is yet another ban that has been made on the back of people's prejudice.
Four wheel drive cars are the next target for a banning order. The environmental argument is a side issue (no one is clamouring to ban old cars are they?), they are seen as disgusting, intimidating and unnecessary. You saw it here first remember.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/m.../02/do0204.xml
Sam Leith's notebook today says it all.
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