It was the same once for smoking (From Bucks Free Press)

It was the same once for smoking

1:10pm Friday 3rd October 2008

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THIRTY years ago, a ‘debate’ was raging – about whether or not smoking was bad for health.

Now cigarette packets carry the following warning: PROTECT CHILDREN: DON'T MAKE THEM BREATHE OUR SMOKE.

I’d like to ask readers to reflect on how and why our beliefs get manipulated: by government, media, commerce and individuals. Please consider the consequences of holding the two differing beliefs below: First, imagine that you tend to believe the health dangers of smoking are being wildly exaggerated. How are you likely to behave? You are unlikely to stop smoking. Perhaps you will smoke a little more in protest at Government. You will be unconcerned about inflicting your smoke on others, even your own children.

Eventually you may develop mild paranoia (as well as terminal illness.) Next, imagine that you tend to believe the real dangers of smoking are being hushed up, by the tobacco industry in collusion with Government and media, so as to maintain markets, advertising and tax revenues.

How are you likely to behave? If you are a smoker, you are likely to strive to come off your habit, improving your health, and that of others too. You will save money, pay less tax, and feel liberated.

Now replace ‘smoking’ with “burning fossil fuel”.

I hope BFP readers may recognise the motivations of those who try to tell us that (black is white) and that it is fine to carry on burning fossil.

As the scale of the post-oil crisis unfolds, over the next few years, I hope they stay around, so that the children can hold them to account.

Dave Hampton, Hyde Green, Marlow.

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