Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Mantus
Pan, if this was all about the money they would probably encurage smoking as it was generating a decent amount of tax revenue. Revenue, that politicans can play with now, not future health care cost reductions that a politican won't even be able to use to one's advantage.
|
You didn't direct this at me, but I just want to jump in here a bit..
Everything in Washington is about money. Congress has just decided to get their money elsewhere. Meet the new boss; same as the old boss. Instead of taking millions of dollars from corrupt tobacco lobbyists, they're taking their cues from the healthcare industry. Not only does the money seem to be better, but their public image is no longer tarnished by the likes of Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man. Forward thinking? Absolutely. Even if the healthcare industry doesn't have as much as money as Big Tobacco to throw around, think of the fringe benefits. Corporate jets charted on the cheap to politicians, nice, expensive trips for Congress all around the world hidden under the all-encompassing "fact-finding" umbrella, and access to the finest medical minds that money can buy in return for a little 'consideration' during the next session. All they had and more, PLUS they improve their standings in the public's eyes.
Big Tobacco is a big sinking ship and just like the rest of the rats, Congress abandoned them a long time ago.
Quote:
|
This has nothing to do with money as far as our govenment is concerned. Politicians are preasured into these decicions by people who wan't to put all of us in bubbles (oops I mean - personal spherical saftey devices) so we can never be hurt by the world.
|
I would argue that it is the politicians themselves putting us in the bubbles. Safe, warm, and, for all intents and purposes, numb. How much easier would it be for politicians to subvert the will of the People if the People are all sedated and smothered by an all-encompassing 'nanny-state?'
Nutcases are all over the place, but I really don't think they've got the footing you think they do.