I’m not bothered by health warnings – as long as they’re credible. But it’s a whole different zip-code of annoyance when something is made illegal because it might hurt me. The latest outrage along this line is a bill introduced into the Canadian legislature to ban trans-fats entirely…
For example, the leader of the New Democratic Party, Jack Layton—Canada’s Nanny-in-Chief—has introduced a bill that will first reduce and then eliminate trans fats from Canada’s diet. What the heck is wrong with telling people transfats might be dangerous and then letting them make their own choices? Isn’t this what we do with cigarettes, booze, non-illegal drugs and Big Macs? Why should trans fats be any different?
– Jak’s View from Vancouver
Jak also brings up lawn darts – a toy that sold 1.5 million sets a year but was banned after killing 3 people in 11 years. What was the real hazard there? It looked dangerous.
Why do I care what Canadians do? Why not let ‘em ban whatever annoys their hand-wringers and do-gooders? Well, nonsense tends to spread. And the worst, most egregiously expensive nonsense plaguing our consumer society is the mantra, “If it saves just one life, it will have been worth it.” It is simply not true.
I’ve written about this before, and no doubt will again. No need to thank me; I like french fries too.