Pubdate: Fri, 02 Jun 2006 Source: Ancaster News (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 Brabant Newspapers Contact: http://www.ancasternews.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3386 Author: Mark Cripps, Ancaster Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) WELCOME TO THE LAND OF HYPOCRISY It's amazing how easily people can be marginalized in this overly politically correct society. Two recent events had me thinking about this fact, firstly, the new Ontario smoking ban, and, secondly, the standoff between Natives and Caledonia residents. Let's start with the new smoking ban. In case you don't know, here's the rub on Ontario's new and strict anti-smoking legislation. Effective Wednesday, all enclosed public places and workplaces in Ontario must be smoke-free. The new Ontario legislation, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, protects workers and the public from the hazards of second-hand smoke. Designated Smoking Rooms (DSRs) are now prohibited. That means no more smoking in bingo halls, Legions, bars and restaurants or work environments. Now, I support the intent of this legislation 100 per cent. I believe people have the right to work or spend their leisure time in smoke-free environments. Smoking is a disgusting habit, and I am encouraged at how few people in Canada continue to participate in this self-destructive habit (somewhere around 20 percent). But... or butt, whatever you choose, I still wonder why people who don't smoke work or attend restaurants and bars where smoking is (was) permitted. I mean, if non-smoking is so hip, why can't people simply open establishments that cater to the tobacco-hating crowd? You'd think there would be line-ups out the door, with all the righteous anti-smoking advocates out there. I don't want to eat a meal in a smoking environment. "Yes, I'll have the prime rib, smothered in au jus and tobacco smoke please." I remember working a charity bingo a few years back and was disgusted at the smell of the money coming from the smoking side of the hall. It was brutal. Stupid Habit Smoking is a stupid habit. But my concern here, in these politically correct times, is how this new law will affect Legions and other veteran's clubs where people have earned the right to smoke. Will the government help subsidize area Legions as smoking patrons stay at home due to this tough new law? Last time I checked, it was Legion members who built these facilities, not the government of Ontario. Legions are major sponsors in the community. I fear these new rules may spell the end of many Legions across Ontario. If the government really wanted people to stop smoking, they'd ban the filthy weed altogether. But they won't. Why? They're addicted to tobacco tax revenues. Marijuana is illegal, even despite a comprehensive study released last week that proves no link between smoking pot and cancer. Tobacco on the other hand is a proven killer. So why is it even legal to buy? My God, the hypocrisy! At the end of the day, I can't see why 'smoking clubs' aren't allowed under this tough new law. Let's call it a grandfather clause. People are going to smoke, and if they want to congregate together and breathe in the stinky air, I think that's their right. And after they die from smoke-related illnesses, maybe these clubs will close at some point, as smoking becomes a habit of the past. Non-smokers and employees who don't like tobacco environments aren't going to hang out at these clubs, so what's the concern? My other bone of contention is with the recent events in Caledonia. Now, I'm not taking sides, but it seems to me there was a huge double standard with how the government and police treated the Native protesters as compared to the residents of Caledonia. What would happen if I decided to reclaim land once owned by my family (seven generations ago) in Midland, Ontario? If I set up a roadblock, hijacked private property and conducted acts of vandalism, what would happen to me? Pretty sure I'd be in jail right now. What if I refused to go to court to answer charges against me, and suggested that I did not have to conform to Canadian law? Pretty sure I'd be in jail right now. What if I tossed items off a bridge at passing cars? Pretty sure I'd be in jail right now. What if I destroyed a utility tower, causing a massive two-day power outage? Well, again, pretty sure I'd be in jail right now. As for the residents of Caledonia, who dared to stand up for their community, they have been treated with disrespect by the government, police and Native protesters. One law for all? I'm going to check into the clinic for people suffering from Trichotillomania brought on by overwhelming hypocrisy. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman