Smoking Not!
I'm always apalled and shocked when I see Belgian party pics on FB. I tend to forget that smoking is still not prohibited in bars and "light meal" serving restaurants. It must be a sign of integration (assimilation?) that I label this as "typical liberal European behavior". Each province in Canada has its own set of smoking rules, but in general smoking is not allowed in public places (including all bars, restaurants, venues, official govermental buildings, etc). Also recently in Ontario a law was passed that bans smoking in all vehicles if anyone under the age of 16 is present.
When first smoking regulations were introduced in Europe, they were often regarded by smokers as belittling and an attack on individual freedom. Well, you ain't seen nothing yet! BTW: I don't believe in this pseudo moral/personal rights populi rhetoric because I was always taught that your rights end where mine begin.
Of course I agree that sometimes the line is blurry. It is not always clear when the state is acting in the best interest of their citizens or just trying to lay down ridiculous laws.
Take raw milk as an example. I want to consume raw milk. I did when I was a kid visiting my grandparents on their farm. I am not hurting/bothering anyone by doing so and it's a simple matter of informed choices and trusted sources. But Canada is cracking down on raw milk. They're afraid of salmonella, listeria and what not. They are even putting a farmer on trial because he found a loophole in the law: it's illegal to sell unpasteurized milk, but you can drink raw milk from a cow if you own it. So he simply started a co-op where everyone owns a cow. Genius, no? Anyways, a recent Swiss study showed that children growing up on raw milk are less prone to have asthma or allergies.
I am waiting for a colleague to go to the countryside and bring back some pure raw real milky creamyness. I can't wait to make icecream with it. I was even thinking of having a go at making my own mozzarella.
From smoking bans to rawmilk. How about that?!
When first smoking regulations were introduced in Europe, they were often regarded by smokers as belittling and an attack on individual freedom. Well, you ain't seen nothing yet! BTW: I don't believe in this pseudo moral/personal rights populi rhetoric because I was always taught that your rights end where mine begin.
Of course I agree that sometimes the line is blurry. It is not always clear when the state is acting in the best interest of their citizens or just trying to lay down ridiculous laws.
Take raw milk as an example. I want to consume raw milk. I did when I was a kid visiting my grandparents on their farm. I am not hurting/bothering anyone by doing so and it's a simple matter of informed choices and trusted sources. But Canada is cracking down on raw milk. They're afraid of salmonella, listeria and what not. They are even putting a farmer on trial because he found a loophole in the law: it's illegal to sell unpasteurized milk, but you can drink raw milk from a cow if you own it. So he simply started a co-op where everyone owns a cow. Genius, no? Anyways, a recent Swiss study showed that children growing up on raw milk are less prone to have asthma or allergies.
I am waiting for a colleague to go to the countryside and bring back some pure raw real milky creamyness. I can't wait to make icecream with it. I was even thinking of having a go at making my own mozzarella.
From smoking bans to rawmilk. How about that?!
posted by E. Stilker at 11:49 AM
1 comments
