tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post4139430863460607205..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Freedom for Smokers: Sign the PetitionIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-35028075230459322622011-01-24T11:35:32.071+00:002011-01-24T11:35:32.071+00:00We can discuss this over and over again. In the en...We can discuss this over and over again. In the end what matters is the right to choose ! For smokers and non smokers alike. If governments<br />are enabled to take one right in the name off whatever they are most likely going to strip you off another right in the future. That is a given ! Already they are closing in on us. 1984 is but a split second away. If you don't stand up for individual freedom for all When you start to exclude people on the base of their habits<br />this will become a grim world we live in. Instead of polarisation between groups we need dialogue .<br />I am 54 now and I have seen more rights taken away from me than I want to remember.........Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-22411151388438711722011-01-02T09:06:24.647+00:002011-01-02T09:06:24.647+00:00The proposal to ban electronic nicotine delivery m...The proposal to ban electronic nicotine delivery mechanisms just shows that all rationale has gone from the argument. It's yet another 'because we don't like it' issue. There's lots of things I 'just don't like' too, but what happened to tolerance of your fellow man?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02424585030028709232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-45175200051809213372010-12-16T03:41:15.769+00:002010-12-16T03:41:15.769+00:00On the basis that it may annoy a great many self-r...On the basis that it may annoy a great many self-righteous people and those who appear inexplicably over-anxious about my welfare, I'm seriously considering going back to smoking after giving up four years ago.<br />These proposals are an outrageous attempt to curtail freedom of choice and modify behaviour without any evidence they will deliver benefits. If that doesn't send a chill down your spine, it damn well should. Something you enjoy may be next up.Bathtubhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01245158271496301857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-63150476690316338982010-12-14T21:27:12.863+00:002010-12-14T21:27:12.863+00:00Thankyou Mr Dale,for you courage in posting this o...Thankyou Mr Dale,for you courage in posting this on your blog,courage I'm sad to say, most smokers haven't found yet. I'm a smoker with no intention of giving up until I CHOOSE TO! yes thats right, being hounded, ostracised, bullied, nagged, called vile names and all that's shamefully condoned and even encouraged in this country today, isn't going to make one bit of difference to my decisions, my freedom of choice is intact. I won't allow the proposals and current bans to affect me, it's all you out there who are rubbing your hands together with glee and victory who should be worried. If you allow these constant attacks on people's rights and the constant unjust interference by the powers that be, to continue, it'll be your turn next because where does it end? If a government decides it doesn't want you to do something no matter how legal, whats to stop them encouraging unlawful discrimination and scaremongering us into ostracising and bullying you until you to make you stop?julesbmehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11662122559344992828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-67307286628991896622010-12-14T17:17:36.986+00:002010-12-14T17:17:36.986+00:00The persecution of people who choose to smoke has ...The persecution of people who choose to smoke has already become totally unacceptable in any civilised society. It is no longer about health but it is very much about left wing political parties wanting to take anyway freedom of choice, run people's lives and generally nanny everyone to death.<br /><br />Smokers are the only section of society who can be openly discriminated against which is probably why people who get off on bullying have chosen them because they are an easy target.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11700687393703027877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-23027048089306644512010-12-14T13:03:29.431+00:002010-12-14T13:03:29.431+00:00Petronius Arbiter - Thank You!
It is terrific to ...Petronius Arbiter - Thank You!<br /><br />It is terrific to see a non smoker using common sense in respect of the smoking ban and one who is willing to articulate your opinion so very well.<br /><br />As you rightly say, the majority of smokers are not asking for a return to pre-ban, although even then, apart from pubs, it was difficult for smokers to find venues they could smoke in; but we are asking, as you point out, for choice. Venues which are non smoking for those who want 'clean' air and venues that permit smoking.<br /><br />If smoking venues had the air filtration systems that are talked about here and elsewhere, then the air in the smoking venues would, in fact, be cleaner than non smoking venues without such filtration. It is not just smoke that can cause problems, but exhaust fumes as well as the many chemical cleaners used in these premises and closed doors do not prevent the toxins from vehicles entering these premises, or even our homes.Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09090967182504400137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-51900349746795366762010-12-14T10:41:06.772+00:002010-12-14T10:41:06.772+00:00Many of those who are happy to have seen smoking b...Many of those who are happy to have seen smoking banned in `public places' seem to have missed the point being made by those campaigning for recognition of smokers' rights. Contrary to what the anti-smoking lobby would have you believe, the vast majority of smokers are far more considerate than they are given credit for and few, if any, are asking for things to be returned to the way they were before the ban. Most smokers recognise that those who do not wish to be exposed to smoke have a right to be protected from it - but the ban has gone much further than this. Smokers are now not even allowed to gather together in private smoking clubs where the question of protecting those who wish to be protected does not arise (There is no shortage of potential members, premises or willing staff)! <br /><br />Regardless of whether one is personally in favour of smoking or not, it clearly cannot be right to outlaw smoking between consenting adults in this way. I have even heard given the incredible excuse that such private smoking clubs ` .... discriminate against the non-smoker'! This is like saying that hospitals discriminate against those who can't stand the sight of blood or that a hang-gliding association discriminates against people who don't like heights!<br /><br />To campaign against an activity which may adversely affect others who do not like it may be justified as standing up for their right not to be so affected. However, to campaign against an activity which affects only willing participants is nothing more than unwarranted, meddlesome interference and to go so far as actually outlawing an activity on this basis is nothing short of state bullying.<br /><br />The kind of legislative process which resulted in the introduction of the ban on smoking (and a great deal of other unpopular legislation in recent years) raises the fundamental question as to whether such acts are a proper use of government's power. It is not enough for government to exercise its right to act as the guardians of authority. We have a right to demand that they also act as the champions of our liberty.<br /><br />The necessary degree of respect for any law can only be achieved by ensuring that the law in question has the total or, at the very least near total, support of those whom it affects. A government that acts in any other way is simply a tyranny. This bullying of the people must stop and be replaced by the more inclusive balanced approach that we see in several other countries.<br /><br />By the way, I'm not a smoker myself.Petronius Arbiterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03352667331923836502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-67658080391639337872010-12-14T10:40:37.149+00:002010-12-14T10:40:37.149+00:00Many of those who are happy to have seen smoking b...Many of those who are happy to have seen smoking banned in `public places' seem to have missed the point being made by those campaigning for recognition of smokers' rights. Contrary to what the anti-smoking lobby would have you believe, the vast majority of smokers are far more considerate than they are given credit for and few, if any, are asking for things to be returned to the way they were before the ban. Most smokers recognise that those who do not wish to be exposed to smoke have a right to be protected from it - but the ban has gone much further than this. Smokers are now not even allowed to gather together in private smoking clubs where the question of protecting those who wish to be protected does not arise (There is no shortage of potential members, premises or willing staff)! <br /><br />Regardless of whether one is personally in favour of smoking or not, it clearly cannot be right to outlaw smoking between consenting adults in this way. I have even heard given the incredible excuse that such private smoking clubs ` .... discriminate against the non-smoker'! This is like saying that hospitals discriminate against those who can't stand the sight of blood or that a hang-gliding association discriminates against people who don't like heights!<br /><br />To campaign against an activity which may adversely affect others who do not like it may be justified as standing up for their right not to be so affected. However, to campaign against an activity which affects only willing participants is nothing more than unwarranted, meddlesome interference and to go so far as actually outlawing an activity on this basis is nothing short of state bullying.<br /><br />The kind of legislative process which resulted in the introduction of the ban on smoking (and a great deal of other unpopular legislation in recent years) raises the fundamental question as to whether such acts are a proper use of government's power. It is not enough for government to exercise its right to act as the guardians of authority. We have a right to demand that they also act as the champions of our liberty.<br /><br />The necessary degree of respect for any law can only be achieved by ensuring that the law in question has the total or, at the very least near total, support of those whom it affects. A government that acts in any other way is simply a tyranny. This bullying of the people must stop and be replaced by the more inclusive balanced approach that we see in several other countries.<br /><br />By the way, I'm not a smoker myself.Petronius Arbiterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03352667331923836502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-75644484354079385992010-12-14T10:40:00.647+00:002010-12-14T10:40:00.647+00:00Many of those who are happy to have seen smoking b...Many of those who are happy to have seen smoking banned in `public places' seem to have missed the point being made by those campaigning for recognition of smokers' rights. Contrary to what the anti-smoking lobby would have you believe, the vast majority of smokers are far more considerate than they are given credit for and few, if any, are asking for things to be returned to the way they were before the ban. Most smokers recognise that those who do not wish to be exposed to smoke have a right to be protected from it - but the ban has gone much further than this. Smokers are now not even allowed to gather together in private smoking clubs where the question of protecting those who wish to be protected does not arise (There is no shortage of potential members, premises or willing staff)! <br /><br />Regardless of whether one is personally in favour of smoking or not, it clearly cannot be right to outlaw smoking between consenting adults in this way. I have even heard given the incredible excuse that such private smoking clubs ` .... discriminate against the non-smoker'! This is like saying that hospitals discriminate against those who can't stand the sight of blood or that a hang-gliding association discriminates against people who don't like heights!<br /><br />To campaign against an activity which may adversely affect others who do not like it may be justified as standing up for their right not to be so affected. However, to campaign against an activity which affects only willing participants is nothing more than unwarranted, meddlesome interference and to go so far as actually outlawing an activity on this basis is nothing short of state bullying.<br /><br />The kind of legislative process which resulted in the introduction of the ban on smoking (and a great deal of other unpopular legislation in recent years) raises the fundamental question as to whether such acts are a proper use of government's power. It is not enough for government to exercise its right to act as the guardians of authority. We have a right to demand that they also act as the champions of our liberty.<br /><br />The necessary degree of respect for any law can only be achieved by ensuring that the law in question has the total or, at the very least near total, support of those whom it affects. A government that acts in any other way is simply a tyranny. This bullying of the people must stop and be replaced by the more inclusive balanced approach that we see in several other countries.<br /><br />By the way, I'm not a smoker myself.Petronius Arbiterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03352667331923836502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-1500924839227156992010-12-14T10:39:26.538+00:002010-12-14T10:39:26.538+00:00Many of those who are happy to have seen smoking b...Many of those who are happy to have seen smoking banned in `public places' seem to have missed the point being made by those campaigning for recognition of smokers' rights. Contrary to what the anti-smoking lobby would have you believe, the vast majority of smokers are far more considerate than they are given credit for and few, if any, are asking for things to be returned to the way they were before the ban. Most smokers recognise that those who do not wish to be exposed to smoke have a right to be protected from it - but the ban has gone much further than this. Smokers are now not even allowed to gather together in private smoking clubs where the question of protecting those who wish to be protected does not arise (There is no shortage of potential members, premises or willing staff)! <br /><br />Regardless of whether one is personally in favour of smoking or not, it clearly cannot be right to outlaw smoking between consenting adults in this way. I have even heard given the incredible excuse that such private smoking clubs ` .... discriminate against the non-smoker'! This is like saying that hospitals discriminate against those who can't stand the sight of blood or that a hang-gliding association discriminates against people who don't like heights!<br /><br />To campaign against an activity which may adversely affect others who do not like it may be justified as standing up for their right not to be so affected. However, to campaign against an activity which affects only willing participants is nothing more than unwarranted, meddlesome interference and to go so far as actually outlawing an activity on this basis is nothing short of state bullying.<br /><br />The kind of legislative process which resulted in the introduction of the ban on smoking (and a great deal of other unpopular legislation in recent years) raises the fundamental question as to whether such acts are a proper use of government's power. It is not enough for government to exercise its right to act as the guardians of authority. We have a right to demand that they also act as the champions of our liberty.<br /><br />The necessary degree of respect for any law can only be achieved by ensuring that the law in question has the total or, at the very least near total, support of those whom it affects. A government that acts in any other way is simply a tyranny. This bullying of the people must stop and be replaced by the more inclusive balanced approach that we see in several other countries.<br /><br />By the way, I'm not a smoker myself.Petronius Arbiterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03352667331923836502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-33150630869407608562010-12-14T10:27:39.289+00:002010-12-14T10:27:39.289+00:00Pulmonologist Dr. Jerome Arnett speaking in 2008 o...Pulmonologist Dr. Jerome Arnett speaking in 2008 on passive smoking. Climate change abuse of science anyone? <br /> <br />"In addition, influential anti-tobacco activists, including prominent academics, have unethically attacked the research of eminent scientists in order to further their ideological and political agendas. The abuse of scientific integrity and the generation of faulty "scientific" outcomes (through the use of pseudoscience) have led to the deception of the American public on a grand scale and to draconian government overregulation and the squandering of public money.<br /> <br />Millions of dollars have been spent promoting belief in SHS as a killer, and more millions of dollars have been spent by businesses in order to comply with thousands of highly restrictive bans, while personal choice and freedom have been denied to millions of smokers. Finally, and perhaps most tragically, all this has diverted resources away from discovering the true cause(s) of lung cancer in nonsmokers<br /> <br />http://www.heartland.org/policybot/results/23399/Scientific_Evidence_Shows_Secondhand_Smoke_Is_No_Danger.htmlDaveAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07249090980650806030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-21381717520238303592010-12-14T10:07:46.507+00:002010-12-14T10:07:46.507+00:00>timbone
I didn't say all smokers die a ro...>timbone<br /><br />I didn't say all smokers die a rotten death. That's clear from the extract you accurately quoted.<br /><br />And having had a father who gradually died of a series of strokes over 18 months, I am painfully aware that there are other ways to die which are far from pleasant.<br /><br />It nevertheless remains a fact that about 100,000 smokers a year will die as a result of their smoking and that for these people the death is pretty vile. They may decide that it's a fair trade off for the pleasure that smoking gives them during their life, of course. Too often, they are not aware of the consequences before it happens to them.<br /><br />Consequently I am against encouraging people to smoke, whether overt encouragement such as advertisements or more subtle such as attractive packaging.Seanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03234085314662011091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-25561764691000313502010-12-14T08:49:34.200+00:002010-12-14T08:49:34.200+00:00Can only echo the comments re decriminalising drug...Can only echo the comments re decriminalising drugs. Exactly the same principles apply...Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11454873511039760561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-39397825108359123622010-12-14T01:33:29.714+00:002010-12-14T01:33:29.714+00:00How can you be a Conservative and at the same time...How can you be a Conservative and at the same time, support a ban of this kind?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-49837299843519045682010-12-14T01:00:08.682+00:002010-12-14T01:00:08.682+00:00Thank you Iain -
Petiton signed Simon, thank you f...Thank you Iain -<br />Petiton signed Simon, thank you for the link.Illegal drugs come in plain packaging so I am told, the kids know where to get hold of them better than the adults. I and many others cannot afford to be loyal to a brand any more, so what do we ask for then if they are "hidden". A kids favorite game is "hide-and-seek" or they love the thrill of banned substances, they will love this one, along with the bootleggers. But ASH and others know this of course, they say they are doing it for the "chiillldren". Very strange way of doing it IMOP.<br /><br />Great comments by many - loved Large Merlot please.vincent1https://www.blogger.com/profile/03591077762608116836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-36203193094142494242010-12-14T00:54:25.223+00:002010-12-14T00:54:25.223+00:00I agree. Smokers won't be deterred from smoki...I agree. Smokers won't be deterred from smoking with these measures. An individual has to willingly make the decision to quit.<br /><br />I quit smoking 5 months ago by the cold turkey method and feel great.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13574262714118360960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-88563960595477034092010-12-14T00:12:02.787+00:002010-12-14T00:12:02.787+00:00Isn't it a bit mad trying to hide cigarette pa...Isn't it a bit mad trying to hide cigarette packets in shops, when the smoking ban has vastly increased the visibility of people actually smoking now smokers aren't allowed to hide away inside?Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06942996488162736454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-79475258625246188562010-12-14T00:05:08.486+00:002010-12-14T00:05:08.486+00:00Thanks Iain, and I appreciate your support even th...Thanks Iain, and I appreciate your support even though you know that a blog with the magic word 'smoking' will attract all the soap box 'repetive strain pontificators' with sentences littered with words like 'obnoxious', 'stink', 'filth' and 'rancid' to name but a few - thanks for the compliment non-smokers.<br /><br />I have resisted the usual unresearched comments about passive smoking, a term which first cropped up in the 1930's in...no, go and look it up for yourself.<br /><br />Then of course we have the comment about Bingo, the commenter seeming to miss the point that whatever his/her non-smoker reasoning, the places are dying like smokers...well, according to them.<br /><br />Which brings me to Sean's comment <br />"Let's be clear: smoking kills about 100,000 people a year in the UK. And it's a pretty rotten death, too."<br />I have seen several figures, some higher, some lower. About 12,000,000 smokers, mmm, and they all die a rotten death, do they? and how many non smokers die peacefully in their sleep of old age?<br /><br />One final point, if you have read this far, just to prove that this 59 year old smoker who rarely goes to the doctor believes in truth - nobody smokes in the Houses of Parliament - they can, because it is a Royal Palace so is exempt from civil law, which the Health Act 2006 is, but there is an agreement that they CHOOSE not to.timbonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06985165416240833253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-17339583206311196722010-12-13T23:52:13.407+00:002010-12-13T23:52:13.407+00:00Well done Iain. you have resisted the bullying met...Well done Iain. you have resisted the bullying methods of the anti tobacco lobby and had the courage to speak out.<br /><br />It's fatuous to compare hard drugs with nicotine. Heroin, crack etc are far more addictive. They are mood altering and require professional help to quit. Addiction to real drugs completely takes over an addicts life, leading to serious criminal acts to fund the habit.<br /><br />Fight the Health Stazi bullies! Like all zealots they are a vile breed who wish to control what the rest of us are rightfully doing.<br /><br />This underlines that it's not so much smoking we should be quitting. It' Europe.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03276503196611534933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-90307185320802414782010-12-13T23:38:44.458+00:002010-12-13T23:38:44.458+00:00160 countries signed the 'International Conven...160 countries signed the 'International Convention of Tobacco Contol...' so the UN has been given 'authority', which is why the EU also has a rabid tobacco control department in the EU - not really much to do with the EU directly - a sort of 'add on'. This is also the reason that the Health Dept is riddled with tobacco controllers (to the extent that ASH has people actually working in the Health Dept 'to assist').<br /><br />These 160 countries' representatives (perhaps unknowingly) gave away THEIR freedom and OURS also along with it. If this is not true, what on earth is the EU doing involving itself in each individual nation's internal affairs?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-69390959375743871332010-12-13T23:07:58.785+00:002010-12-13T23:07:58.785+00:00Okay, so a minority dislike the smell of smoke. Th...Okay, so a minority dislike the smell of smoke. That's their own preference, nurtured by ASH who profit from funding by us the taxpayers, and Big Pharma from cessation sales.<br />These brainless babies should stay away from smoke-filled places and patronise only non-smoking establishments.<br />Instead, they have the effrontery to demand that the whole world conforms to their own prejudices, leaving no room for the 20+% of the others who actually enjoy smoking.<br /><br />Ironic too (or moronic) that they still keep banging on about the so-called harm from 'passive smoking' without even bothering to check the facts, (unless they actually believe it to be harmful).<br />There has never been a death from secondary smoking. No really, unless you believe the fiction of those who are paid to say it.<br /><br />No, they would like the freedom to go into a pub, drink a mind-altering substance having well-documented secondary death and violent effects.<br /><br />Doesn't it make more sense to allow indoor smoking everywhere, and make fresh-air fiends go outside (in any weather)to enjoy the fresh air?Shaftmondehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01181249357086901145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-90809778476908522022010-12-13T23:02:36.593+00:002010-12-13T23:02:36.593+00:00I have signed.
I will not vote for any party that ...I have signed.<br />I will not vote for any party that further restricts the freedom to smoke (I have stopped voting Labour because of the smoking ban).<br />I will support any reasonable party that seeks to allow smoking in pubs and clubs in controlled, separate environments.<br />The attack on smoking is an assault on our liberties based on junk science peddled by zealots.Jonny63https://www.blogger.com/profile/03814530905917034502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-16524273751347600642010-12-13T22:56:55.233+00:002010-12-13T22:56:55.233+00:00I've signed the petition, of course.
C.S. Le...I've signed the petition, of course. <br /><br />C.S. Lewis on the nanny state: <br /><br />"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."<br /><br />In this case, the robber barons (pharma) have enlisted the support of the moral busybodies. I still haven't figured out why it is more MERITORIOUS to use the nicotine gums and patches supplied by pharma than smokeless tobacco or e-cigarettes. The addiction is the same; it's just not FUN and nowhere near worth the money. That's why they have to keep the nannies ACTIVE.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03118496160534463984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-22061076551663472462010-12-13T22:21:01.216+00:002010-12-13T22:21:01.216+00:00continued……….Many more thousands of chemicals have...continued……….Many more thousands of chemicals have been created since the last war than are claimed to be contained in tobacco smoke and, whilst smoking has been in decline there has been an explosion in the use of these chemicals. <br />We breath in formaldehyde from modern furnishings and even use baby cream that ensures we rub it on our baby’s skin yet all we hear from the anti-smoking experts is the immeasurable but deadly amount that smokers create to threaten the lives of all those who come within sniffing distance.<br />A popular household spray cleaner is capable of removing rust yet we breath in the vapours and don’t worry what effect it might have on our lungs or skin. We have pungent air fresheners that can make us catch our breath and our eyes water but we don’t worry what effect they might have either<br />What appears very true is that the deathly effects of secondhand smoke is promoted by the very people who produce other much more dangerous products and, at the same time, promote their largely effective NRT products. It seems now that tobacco control wants the monopoly of all nicotine products.<br />Very simply we have wasted valuable resources chasing a single group’s hatred and, as a result, failed to invest in real medical achievement. How can it be that we are falling behind so many less developed countries that are making real progress in treating modern day ills. Because of the misdirecting of valuable funding we are far from the top of any ‘health treatment’ league and, as we learned today, India (with how much investment?) is now at the forefront of modern heart surgery.<br />Here endeth the first page of what could so easily be many volumes of comment.Xopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01387364739989208360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-25275181819560990362010-12-13T22:20:16.641+00:002010-12-13T22:20:16.641+00:00The bravery of those arguing in favor of the statu...The bravery of those arguing in favor of the status quo (EU restrictions) against a minority's attempt at arguably futile resistance is astonishing.<br /><br />As if those in power with all the cards and limitless power to persuade with propaganda need sneering assistance from mindless enablers.<br /><br />Well done. Stamp out non-conformity. It's dangerous.Dr. Brian Oblivionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08264887755916647805noreply@blogger.com