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.