just because some people can’t control themselves
That’s kinda the whole point of laws, exactly because people can’t control themselves, drugs and all kinds of things are illegal, and it costs a shit ton of tax payers money (everyone pays) to heal or rehabilitate those people when they do destroy their bodies and minds.
NKBTN@feddit.uk 22 hours ago
10% of the NHS’s budget goes towards treating diabetes. That’s a huge amount of money. It’s not just a problem for sufferers - its everyone elses problem too.
In my view*, government has two main jobs: promoting our happiness, and curbing our excesses. This is firmly within those remits, albeit trading short term for long term happiness.
You probably wouldn’t say firearms/crack cocaine/embezzling shouldn’t be illegal just because some people can’t control themselves, I hope? This is much like that - it just seems harmless because you’re used to it being there.
People can still buy crisps and pizza. They just won’t get a discount on over-indulging anymore
*actually, Bertrand Russell’s view.
Bassman27@lemmy.world 22 hours ago
It’s cute you think this will tackle obesity and diabetes. People will eat the same amount it’ll just cost everybody more money. Smoking/drinking related illness probably costs the NHS more why not just put more restrictions on that too while they’re at it.
NKBTN@feddit.uk 22 hours ago
They do put restrictions on smoking and drinking - they outlawed deals on those years ago. Tobacco is about 50x the price it costs to manufacture because of taxes, and guess what? There’s millions fewer smokers now than there were in the 1900’s! People who don’t drink, or who drink much more rarely, are a much higher number than they used to be too.
Personally though, I do think tobacco should be completely illegal. Maybe nicotine products too, though they do help people with ADD self-regulate
G4Z@feddit.uk 19 hours ago
Healthy people cost the NHS a lot more when they live to 90+, I can say for sure when my 97 year old nan died she used up a LOT of resources that last 20 or 30 years.
I just don’t find the NHS costs argument convincing.
falseWhite@programming.dev 20 hours ago
Habits can change. And if not with this generation, then with next. I support this change.
Bassman27@lemmy.world 19 hours ago
Funny you say that because there’s been a huge increase in kids SMOKING vapes. These “restrictions” haven’t actually done anything to curb that behaviour. Why hasn’t imposing restrictions improved the situation here? Vapes have been available from around 2013 and I imagine are included in most legislation relating to tobacco products. Maybe education and proper parenting are the answer not just blanket banning BOGOF offers. This would be a greater public service than stopping reasonably healthy people from saving a few quid bulk buying treats for themselves.