Witan.
Of course controls have to in place for some of the things you mentioned, it would be folly not to !
That is not at issue here. This is all about taxing people for their choices on the pretext of protecting us all. What it is about is more revenue to the Govt of the day. They know that people will still purchase whatever they tax because that is what people want, they enjoy certain things. They could have banned Alcohol and Tobacco long ago if they really cared about our health. They never will because it is too big a money spinner.........
I don't see why anybody who fancies a can of Coke, a Pint of Beer, a bottle of Whisky, a McDonalds, a Cigar etc should be taxed more because of the actions of a few, however intelligent or not as the case may be. They have choices, the brainwashing would be from those who seek to impose even tighter controls on us as individuals.
I don't consider Advertising......brainwashing. Peer pressure is a fact of life, it shapes the individual, something our children have to learn to live with. Most manage to cope very well, I don't think all of todays children are unintelligent and unable to think for themselves.
Life is full of risks and hazards.....it's about time we left people to find out what is right and wrong without the nanny state turning to brainwashing of it's own. Why should they be able to dictate what I drink, smoke, eat etc all because some have no willpower, no morals, no intelligence.........they have a choice.......
I think we are both going to have to agree to differ on this one as it could run and run........I respect your view, just do not agree with it. Nice talking to you.
BTW, you don't live in China do you........ :wink: