Do you think the governments plan to increase alcohol & cigarette prices will improve our health?
There is a commonly held misconception in Western Democracies that government exists for the protection and best interests of the broader community. It is a comforting mythology. Reality is that such governments most often exist for their own self interest, regardless of the political stripe of office incumbents. Very, very many policies are not pursued because of political expediency or revenue loss are counter-productive to governing objectives. Restricting/ modifying/ banning communal health outcomes (tobacco/ alcohol/ prescription drugs/ regular medical practices) are often within the gift of governments. Such practices are avoided however if significant revenue or vote loss could result. The communal deleterious health effects of alcohol and tobacco are acceptable providing the revenue stream is protected. Rest assured the moment it is no longer profitable to maintain, these consumption past-times will be banned. A thought: Add up all the lives lost to violent crime, personal/ ind
