Tolerance – don’t like it? Ban it!
Posted by AdminMar 24
There’s a tendency these days for organized groups to try to get things banned which they don’t like or agree with - Britain’s enviable past reputation for tolerance has taking a severe battering. Often, the reasons given for the need for a ban are spurious and illogical. Bonnets have their bees duly installed, with the result being an over-the-top call for the outlawing of certain practices, items or ideas.
Example: Today’s BBC News story about smoking in cars. “Ban smoking in all vehicles, doctors demand“. It’s The Royal College of Physicians who are promoting this one and they cite the risks to young people travelling in cars with smokers. Trouble is, they want to ban it in cars without youngsters too. It’s an illogical argument and an attack on individual liberty (I don’t smoke, by the way).
Also, how the Sam Hill do they expect a law like this to be policed? People already flout seatbelt laws and use mobile phones whilst driving. Totally dumb. There are some people you’d expect better from.
This is an unofficial Fakenham blog, created by local website designer, Steve Hall. Information, misinformation, opinion, local news, pure gossip and other content designed to steal your time. Be prepared for subjects such as Norfolk, Fakenham, local business, food and drink, music, plus general 'grumpy-old-man' rantings. Suggestions welcomed!Please feel free to comment on any article.
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Did you see the doctor calling for an outright ban on butter recently?
His story was covered in all the major newspapers and on the BBC too (here’s an example I found via google: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7010677/Ban-butter-to-save-our-hearts-says-doctor.html )
The thing is, the company that was publicising him also handles publicity for Flora – who obviously have a vested interest in people moving away from butter and to using their products.
A lot of the time there’s an ulterior motive for the calls to ban certain things, not to mention a ‘slippery slope’ effect – smoking in public places has been banned, but now talk has moved on to banning smoking in private places and even pub beer gardens!
Chris
I think parents should show more consideration towards their child and NOT smoke in the car. Its a horrid habit and I find it bad enough walking behind a smoker let alone sitting in a car with one! I dont think there should be a band but do feel maybe parents should face a fine for it.
Thanks for your comment Claire. I think you’re right – it is a horrid habit which kids shouldn’t really be exposed to. Especially in confined spaces.
But do you think that….
A) … that your idea could be policed successfully?
and
B) … it would solve the problem?
The reason I ask is because, for example, we already have a law which aims to stop drivers using mobiles whilst on the move and it isn’t a great success – I think mainly because it’s so difficult to implement. It therefore doesn’t actually stop people doing it (which is the whole idea, after all).
I’d prefer a method which aims to change the public’s attitude to smoking near kids – in a similar way to drink-driving, which is seen nowadays as totally irresponsible (a few years back it was acceptable practice).
When I were a lad (sounds of brass bands playing in cobbled streets) my parents smoked when I was around. Also, I did when my kids were young. These days, I think differently and wouldn’t dream of it.
Cheers,
Steve