Tom Cruise always seemed a wee bit strange to me, apart from his involvement with Scientology. But this recent video floating on the internet takes his irrationality to a new level. Does anyone understand his palaver?
What is funny to me though is that to some Scientologists’ beliefs are irrational while those adhering to major religions such as Christianity are not. Really, what is the difference between believing that an evil galactic warlord Xenu wreaked havoc on humans when he sent disembodied spirits implanted with false memories to Earth 75 million years ago, and believing that a virgin gave birth? Both beliefs are the product of evading and denying reality and the means by which we come to know it: Reason. Sigh…
I took the liberty of a small break after a crazy semester and the time to prepare for the coming, also crazy, one. Hence, my posting was a bit sparse these past few weeks. But all should return to normal rather soon. In the meantime, I shall briefly vent my outrage at Illinois’ smoking ban that went into effect January 1. The act is conveniently referred to as “an act concerning public health” and bans smoking from bars, restaurants and other public places. Of course, the ban is predicated upon the much touted ills of second-hand smoke. The Act itself states that
Secondhand tobacco smoke causes at least 65,000 deaths each year from heart disease and lung cancer according to the National Cancer Institute.
But the question is under what circumstances is that really true? Most studies investigating the effects of second-hand smoke looked at people who are exposed to it on a daily and prolonged basis, such as people who live with smokers, and did not always find that it did harm them. In fact, one long-term study published in the British Medical Journal found that its results
do not support a causal relation between environmental tobacco smoke and tobacco related mortality, although they do not rule out a small effect. The association between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and coronary heart disease and lung cancer may be considerably weaker than generally believed.
Never mind that many restaurants had already become smoke-free without any force of law but simply because their customer base appreciated it enough. Small bars and restaurants relying on smoking clientèle will most likely be hit hardest by the economic effects of this ban. But most importantly, what ever happened to personal responsibility? If you don’t want to be in a smoky environment, don’t frequent such an establishment. And, those working in places where many people smoke also have a choice. They don’t have to work there if they think it will harm their health. The fact is, the mechanisms of the market were working in the direction of making many places smoke-free and would have left enough places offering the opportunity to smoke for those people who choose to go or work there. The aftertaste of this law in my mouth is worse than cigarettes.
Pope Benedict XVI warns against the irrational fear mongering of the global warming alarmists. In his upcoming World Peace Day Address, to be given on January 1, he states that potential global environmental policies regarding global warming should be based on science rather than dogma.
I have to say, I am impressed by the Pope’s attack on the loony global warming Armageddon forecasters. On the other hand, speaking of following dogma as opposed to science, this is an interesting case of the pot calling the kettle black. Further, one only needs to turn to the New Testament and the Book of Revelations to find the Christian version of doomsday prophecies.
Are you wary about your Thanksgiving Dinner guests suing your for contributing to obesity in them or any other unpleasant side effects of an opulent meal? Well, here is a liability waiver you might want to have them sign it right at the door. You never know…
In response to recent minimum wage hike discussions, US Congressman Bill Sali introduced the Obesity Reduction and Health Promotion Act. The bill proposes to reduce gravity by 10%, thus reducing the weight of all Americans.
As a freshman Congressman, the likely passage of this measure has taught me a new principle: The force of Congress can be brought to bear and justified to suspend those natural laws which would otherwise control important matters. The well-intentioned desire of Congress to help the poor apparently will not be restrained by the rules and principles of the free market that otherwise do restrain American businesses and workers. Apparently, Congress can change the rules that would otherwise affect the affairs of mankind.
So, Mr. Speaker, I have asked my staff to draft a measure I call the Obesity Reduction and Health Promotion Act. Since Congress will apparently not be restrained by the laws and principles that naturally exist, I propose that the force of gravity by the force of Congress be reduced by 10 percent. Mr. Speaker, that will result in immediate weight loss for every American. It will immediately help reduce obesity problems in America. Weight loss will also help to promote the overall health of Americans as we have been vigilantly advised by our health care.
If Congress can defy the laws of the market, why not defy the laws of physics? I think that is a great idea. It will finally rid me of those last ten pounds I have been meaning to lose for quite some time now. After all, we all know two things: (1) the minimum wage really helps poor people, (2) generally, you can lose weight without diet and exercise.
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