Remember, this first ran in 1996, when lots of people still smoked in restaurants and offices.
Smoking, of course, is unhealthy. And I like that food and drink establishments have largely gone smoke-free, mostly because I don’t like my clothes smelling awful (AND I don’t smoke).
But this strip was inspired I think by the question of whether self-protection laws are good. These laws preventing us from being stupid. I don’t smoke, but I do plenty of stupid things consciously, and would hate them to be curtailed.
I have no answers. Only commentary. :)
The thing is, I appreciate laws that protect me from other peoples’ stupidity – such as anti-smoking laws. I don’t see why anyone should have the right to make me breathe poison in a public place.
We can all go ahead and be as stupid as we like in the privacy of our own homes.
And that’s what clearly defines banning cigarettes from something, say, like having to wear a motorcycle helmet.
But at this point, cigarettes are being taxed so much, that it also is keeping people from smoking even in their homes. Thus, Bruno’s comment (I think. If I even remember my mindset back then).
Of course, this argument has so many angles. That if someone falls off a motorcycle with no helmet, or they get lung cancer, often a lot of the financial burden can fall on the state.
Turning and turning, in the widening gyre.
Are Bruno and her friends at the Newman Center?
Yes, that IS the Newman center. Sorry, forgot to mention that. :)
as a biker, motorcycle insurance is cheap since falling off usually is a short ride to the graveyard. they are 5 times more dangerous than a compact car. primary cause of motorcycle deaths is chest being crushed.
in the last century American helmets had a 15 MPH rating. pre-seat belt laws 20% of all car accidents were head injuries. more than all motorcycle injuries put together.