Egads! Washington Smoke Antis Cross the Line!

olderthandirt · Dec 18, 2011

Initiative to make tobacco use and possession outright illegal in the State of Washington.

While I'd like to think this proposed initiative doesn't have any legs just the effort made is scary. Not only scary regarding the tobacco but also in the attack on personal liberties and freedoms that it represents.
A news article.

The request for Initiative Measure No. 512

withnail · Dec 18, 2011

That's terrible! I don't think it will go through, but as you say, it is the thought that anyone go that far!
As the article points out, the outlawing of alcohol was hardly a great success. More people died of alcohol related illness and poisoning during prohibition than before or since it was in force. All that would happen is some would still smoke and provide funds for organised crime and terrorism as tobacco went underground.

romeowood · Dec 18, 2011

That's actually so absurd it's funny. The text of the initiative 512 proposal does not mention pipe tobacco once, interestingly--I guess we're seen as mostly harmless. The article about the bill contends that, "[marijuana] has been shown to carry many of the same harmful effects as claimed for tobacco." The link which they cite even warns of a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack! Not only is their science spurious, their grammar is likewise suspect. It's obvious that logic, reason, or claims for freedom of choice are fruitless with these zealots.

harrumphicus · Dec 18, 2011

Probably just some absurdist theater students that started a "flash mob" and took it a little too far. No need to take them seriously.

jameral · Dec 18, 2011

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

-George Santayana

I'm just waiting for the day that we wake up to a constitutional amendment banning tobacco use.

Let's hope it never comes to this!

olderthandirt · Dec 18, 2011

This particular instance of zeal on the part of the tobacco antis really does seem to have no chance of going anywhere.

Doesn't lessen the need to remain vigil and active.
First they came for the communists,

and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,

and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,

and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me

and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Martin Niemöller

ssjones · Dec 18, 2011

Then they came for me

and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin Niemöller

Truer words were never spoken. Hound your state representatives for common sense laws and do everything you can to get the best ones elected. It's our only chance.

sherlock · Dec 18, 2011

How ridiculous, I don't think it will have legs either, but you're right it is scary.

aussielass · Dec 18, 2011

If only the zealots placed as much importance on curing the problems bought about by alcoholism, gambling (particularly the online type that has consumed many peoples' lives), those damn penny auctions that are just an absolute rort and end up bankrupting people, not to mention, of course, the use and manufacture of all the new drugs coming out of USA e.g. "ICE" etc - well, not new to you, but pretty much so to the rest of the world as they catch up to their idols.

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Egads! Washington Smoke Antis Cross the Line!

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