On liberty and banning stuff.

[matgb]

I wrote a brief item on nolittleengland about this news from the BBC. Then I saw a reaction to it on matryx's journal that really confused me. Rant time...

How on earth can anyone support such a gross infringement on individual choice and personal freedom? Don't like smoking? Fine, don't go to places that allow it, and tell the management/owners why. Market pressure will (and is) changing British pub culture, and an increasing number of establishments are no either entirely or almost completely non-smoking. But some people like to smoke while they eat. Others (like me) don't mind it if it's not too intrusive. I cannot, and will not support a blanket ban on individual behaviour. I don't want the Government telling me, or my friends, where I can or can't do something that is perfectly legal.

Market pressure will force clubs and pubs to change, but it will also allow encourage a minority to continue to cater for those that, unlike me, like to kill themselves in a different way. Anything else is, well, just wrong.

An anti ban rant from an avowed non-smoker? Yup, you did read that right.

[Edit: Greg has responded in the comments on his own journal, and made me think of some issues I hadn't, especially unenforced bans and the affect on those with medical conditions. Worth a read here.]

Comments

[maddock-ist-rad.livejournal.com]

Your blog is rubbish.

[matryx.livejournal.com]

Not to go all schoolyard on you but so is your comment. If you are going to slate something, at least have some constructive criticism otherwise it just makes your single figure IQ oh so apparent.

[matgb]

'tis ok. You get used to Maddock. Honest. Can never quite tell when he's serious either.

[maddock-ist-rad.livejournal.com]

Hardly. If you're going to spend time doing things, at least spend it doing something worthwhile. Extensive arguing on the internet isn't really that.

[matryx.livejournal.com]

If you're going to spend time doing things, at least spend it doing something worthwhile
I can't even begin to tell you how much this made me laugh ;) Read it again, then refer to your original comment, then read it again and kick yourself! Lol.

[maddock-ist-rad.livejournal.com]

What the fork are you on about? One can type 1/2 sentence replies with frivolous ease, much like coughing, blinking, or rotating a small bit of card 90 degrees. "Lol".

[susannah-banana.livejournal.com]

hello young man, a completely unrelated link to your post. I'm not stalking you, don't worry, just wanted to draw your attention to my presence here:) not that i ever really post that much...

and, really, over educated???!!!!!!!surely not:)

[matgb]

Well, over educated for the job I do, anyway.

Here was me thinking you'd not got my email...

an interesting point of view

[byteback.livejournal.com]

i cant say that i am not suprised by your pov, but as a smoker i whole-heartedly agree. there are a few pubs out there, that allow "smoking throughout" but how long will it be before (forgive the plagiarism) there is no drinking and no breathing??? generally speaking the whole idea of a "public house" i a place where the public (or patrons) can congregate, socialise, and relax in an environment that is unobtrusive to your habits and tastes. i am not alone when i say that i am discusted by the fact that i am being outcasted because i am a smoke. there is already enough segregation on this front, i don't see the point for more....

excuse me for continuing your rant on my first post on your space.
BTW hello, hope all is well.

Re: an interesting point of view

[matgb]

No problem, if I'm not going to discuss stuff on here then I don't post it, simple ;-)

I like to choose where I go and who I go with, if someone smokes, I don't mind restricted choices (just as I don't mind the other way round for those who are asthmatic) but I don't want it decided from on high.

And, apart from the annoying weather, all is indeed currently well; hope same is true for you...

Re: an interesting point of view

[byteback.livejournal.com]

indeed it is, payday today and slimelight becons as it usually does when the weekend draws in, and much fun and drugs will be had by all, and smoking (of cigarettes) aswell. what plans for the weekend for yourself? aren't u up again soon?

Weekend plans

[matgb]

Not coming up this weekend, I've got a lot of stuff to sort out locally, and a games event in Exeter that I pretty much ought to attend.

Up the following weekend for Synthetic Culture and possibly Slimes the next night, never actually been for various crappy reasons. I don't get paid until the 28th though, bit of a bugger, skint.