This new proposed bylaw to even further restrict places where smokers can get their nic fix just doesn’t make sense. Why? Why does the city feel compelled to herd smokers into designated areas, and make it illegal to feed their habit? Since when is it the government’s job to police bad habits? If they want to start forcing citizens to live a healthier lifestyle with unenforceable bylaws, let's open it up to a more significant epidemic, like obesity.
The mortality rate and health costs to Canadians is much higher due to obesity than smoking. Why does our government feel the need to stick their nose in the business of smokers when they should be sticking their fork into the business of our ever-growing population? If the government wanted to treat obese people like smokers, a number of things would have to occur:
1. We would need a warning on all high fat foods from the Surgeon General stating that eating these foods will lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and a myriad of other health complications.
2. We would need to regulate portion sizes in restaurants to prevent eaters from scarfing down 3 chili cheese dogs and a 44 oz. Slurpee.
3. We would need to put some photos on chip bags and chocolate bars showing the effects of obesity. Maybe a picture of someone getting quadruple by-pass surgery would prevent someone from mashing down an entire bag of Cheetos. Or maybe a picture of a muffintop in yoga pants, with the seams hanging on for dear life, would give pause to someone before polishing off that party size bag of M&Ms.
4. We would have to restrict the selling of these products to people over the age of 18.
5. We would have to introduce a “Fat Tax”, and balloon the prices of these tasty treats, to encourage people to grab a handful of kale rather than popcorn twists.
Why do these measures sound so ridiculous when that is exactly what has been done to smokers?
Mortality rates and the cost to our society are almost equal, and in many cases higher when it comes to obesity.
This “nanny” society we live in needs to butt out, and let its people decide what is best for themselves.
Now I’ve got to run. My 26 oz. rib-eye is almost done.
PS. Don’t tell the government, but I substituted my side salad for French fries and a glass of gravy.
Rick Owen, St. Albert
