Tobacco & Alcohol control

[jjones]

<< but most people would agree that they are necessary in order for our society to function as well (and safely) as it does. >>


Why don't we have similar cards for fat foods and junk food? Why not have safe-sex motels where sex outside of marriage can be properly monitored? Why not restrict potentially dangerous sports or activities? Why not have complete government control on every aspect of life from the day you are born until the day you die?

Why bother coming out of the womb?

 

[Sir Fredrick]

<<

<< but most people would agree that they are necessary in order for our society to function as well (and safely) as it does. >>


Why don't we have similar cards for fat foods and junk food? Why not have safe-sex motels where sex outside of marriage can be properly monitored? Why not restrict potentially dangerous sports or activities? Why not have complete government control on every aspect of life from the day you are born until the day you die?

Why bother coming out of the womb? >>



Because those activities have no impact on public health in general, only on an individual's personal health. Big difference.

 

[jjones]

<< Because those activities have no impact on public health in general, only on an individual's personal health. Big difference. >>


Oh no? What about the drain on medical resources by diseases due to being fat? How does that effect others that need those same medical resources. How about STD? I guess that's no big health issue.

 

[Sir Fredrick]

<<

<< Because those activities have no impact on public health in general, only on an individual's personal health. Big difference. >>


Oh no? What about the drain on medical resources by diseases due to being fat? How does that effect others that need those same medical resources. How about STD? I guess that's no big health issue. >>



Oh, excuse me, no DIRECT impact. Better?

This isn't about prosecuting people for their vices, it's about controlling addictive substances that have a direct impact on public health.
You can be fat and pass STDs all you like, if I'm practicing safe sex and eating healthy, I won't be affected.

However, if I drive on the road I am at risk of being hit by a drunk driver. If I'm at a restraunt, I'm exposed to cigarette smoke. If I live in an apartment next to someone who smokes, I'm exposed to cigarette smoke. If I walk into a building and people are smoking outside, I'm exposed to cigarette smoke.
If a pregnant mother smokes, her child's health will be impacted. If parents smoke in the house around their children, they will be exposed. In LA, 1% of the ambient air is composed of cigarette smoke. Even if you don't smoke, you're exposed.
Hence, this is a public health issue.