Saturday, December 18, 2004

From the realms of "unforeseen consequences"...

NZ's "smoke-free bars and clubs" law is now just one week old.

In this morning's paper is a small article quoting vox pop experience of the effects the new law have had.

There have been a few complaints - some about the fall-off in patronage and consequently takings and profit.

But, sufficiently significant to feature in the informal survey, is the problem of smell.

Body odour features as a good part of the comment, but the most prominent is the "problem" of (I am a country boy, this word is Anglo-Saxon, not rude) farting.

It is not that it is a new problem. It is merely the fact that it now is coming to notice rather than being concealed or camouflaged by the smell of cigarette smoke.

So, to those of you who may be smokers, and who are facing the thought of legislation that is going to take away your right to smoke in your favourite speakeasy or club, here is another line of defence for you...

Ask the pc bastards what they propose doing about the fart smells and body odours that will become apparent once people stop smoking in the bars. Tell them that you are still prepared to risk health, life and limb in the war against the imposition of unwelcome and ill-disguised body odour and the gaseous by-products of natural digestive processes.

Then, let's see what the pc brigade can make of THAT!

4 comments:

Jonathan said...

They'll make it illegal to eat meat. Eating meat is known to make body odor worsen and to precipitate the explusion of "farts," as you call them. And then they'll ban beer unless people promise to burp (which doesn't smell much better than farts) during the process of consumption, because if it's not coming out one way, it's bound to come out the other. And when they have finally reverted back to soda fountain bars they'll ban soda as well. Sugar does, after all, rot the teeth, and we can't have people with gingivitis stinking up our bars. So all they'll serve is water. Water is good for you. It is the essence of life as we know it. So people will go to watering holes to meet others and pretend to be happy that they're safe from all of those chemicals and nasty drinks they used to consume back when people didn't let interest groups and government run their lives for them.

You see? Anarchism wins again! Tear the whole ****ing thing down!!!

Al said...

I find it hard to argue with Jonathan's comment in this context.

The probligo said...

Al, I might well agree with the both of you, apart from a small detail that spoils the whole argument.

They'll make it illegal to eat meat Who? They? Johnathon, your whole logic stems from this premise and I can not get past the idea that someone has to create an illegality at each of the steps you follow.

The point is that each of those "bannings" is a further intervention of government, NOT as you would wish, the operation of anarchy or non-government.

Sorry mate, that one does not wash. Good try though.

Jonathan said...

no no no... that whole argument was FOR anarchism. It's the obvious progression of the government's appeal of our basic rights. It's easier to control us when they've convinced us we don't need rights.