Playing Catch Up

EU: Soviet-style Show Trials for Smokers

Germany's popular Das Bild newspaper is reporting that a new 31 page report from the European Union (EU) contains recommendations for draconian anti-smoking measures including "sensationalist prosecutions designed to shock the public."


If this report is true, it means that smokers in Europe will soon be subjected to Soviet-style show trials where justice will take a backseat to propagandizing and scapegoating.

It isn't known at present what is actually written in the 31 page EU document referenced in Das Bild. However, "Velvet Glove, Iron Fist" author Christopher Snowdon found this document  dated November 30, 2009. Item 43 on page 9 reads:

"....many jurisdictions recommend the use of high-profile prosecutions to enhance deterrence. By identifying prominent violators who have actively defied the law or who are well known in the community, by taking firm and swift action and by seeking maximum public awareness of these activities, authorities are able to demonstrate their resolve and the seriousness of the law."

It appears that the EU has allowed a misguided public health initiative to devolve into an unequivocal, anti-smoking witch hunt. To "recommend the use of high-profile prosecutions"  for  people "well known in the community" amounts to nothing less than targeting particular people for prosecution--not only before they've broken any law, but perhaps even before a law exists to be broken.

The use of such language within the EU is more than frightening tough talk for the sake of  compliance with a public health measure. It's reminiscent of tactics used by the world's most dangerous regimes, and displays a blatant disregard for the most important historical lessons of the twentieth century.

On May 6 2009, the House of Lords debated and approved a Bill that made it a crime to display tobacco products on open view in British shops (thus creating 'the dark market').

One aspect of the debate was the cost to shop-keepers of re-fitting their premises to comply with the law. In December 2008, the government estimated that it would cost the average shop £1,000 to do so. With a vote pending in the House of Lords, it was in the interest of the anti-smoking lobby to convince peers that the cost would be considerably less than that.

This is the story of how they went about it, made possible by the Freedom of Information Act, under which dozens of previously unseen Department of Health e-mails have been made public.

  

Gillian Merron MP is in denial mode and doesn't want to be re-elected.

 Please feel free, if you live in her constituancy,  to make sure her wish is granted.

Nick Hogan has become the first person in Britain—and one of the first in the world—to be imprisoned for taking a stand against the smoking ban. He has been given a six month prison sentence for non-payment of a £10,000 fine. His crime was allowing people to smoke on his own property.


There is still time to donate toward Nick's release by clicking the link Donate with paypal

This lot are hell bent on proving that a turkey really will vote for the oven 

at a critical time in their political career.

They probably will not be offering support to Nick Hogan or those who object the smoking ban on principal.

 They don't seem to believe that your vote is needed.

Tips of the hat to each and everyone of the bloggers that provided source material and helped towards major depression amongst the political luvvies who can't see where their careers are headed.

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The New World Order incorporating the Bully State

From Dick Puddlecote:

"The big message is treat alcohol like tobacco ... not as a substance that is relatively benign except for those bad alcoholics. That is not true."

Remember that they have already set up the gullible British public into believing that there is no such thing as 'benign' smoking. You smoke, you will die - that's it. So, by extension, Gilmour is advocating not just moderation, but total abstention.

It's also worth mentioning that the 'Framework' he mentions in the piece is the World Health Organisation's 'Framework for Tobacco Control'. This is a document produced by an unelected body which is being adopted to excess by another unelected body, the EU Commission.

The European Commission says the current bar on smoking in enclosed public places does not go far enough. It says non-smokers in outdoor areas are still in danger from passive smoking.

It comes after a World Health Organisation report said ...

Did you vote for any of these people who like to interfere with your life? Nope, nor did I."

Unelected shits that control our lives, simply because they always know best and countenance no resistance or dissent. YOU WILL OBEY. Put that fag out and don't even think about a sip of that wine. Enjoy a nice juicy burger? Not anymore you won't. They will be sending out their spies and yellow jacketed, clipboard wielding, automated health observers and jobsworths to a pub, club, wine bar or fast food outlet near you, very, very, soon. They get their only enjoyment out of telling you not to enjoy yourself.

Welcome to a Grey New World. This is the Bully State, please make sure you leave enjoyment outside.

Archers Brewery in Administration.

Swindon brewery Archers has gone into administration. 

The company, which produces specialist beers such as Golden and Crystal Clear, blamed a downturn in the pub trade for its difficulties. 

Insolvency practitioners Monahans have been appointed to act for the brewery and is seeking a buyer to keep the firm in production. 

The business has had to shed several staff recently to meet overheads and currently employs seven people. 

Administrator Paul McConnell said: " The company has been in decline for a while because of a drop in sales. 

"It is a victim of a decline in pub trade, the price of speciality beers and the smoking ban." 

"Lots of people have expressed an interest in the business, but only time will tell." 

Archers previously went into administration in May 2007, but was sold as a going concern. 

A message on its website said the company, based in the town's Penzance Drive, was "saddened" to announce the collapse of the business.