Redrant: I'm sort of pre-occupied with the RNC convention but I soon be digging up a lot of good stuff. Greg Lang
Hello Everyone -
Just a sampling of what's to come if we do not stop the madness. I don't know about you but I personally do not appreciate the government's interference in my private life. I can raise my own children and take care of my own health....I'm not STUPID you know !! I resent the fact that government thinks they need to make choices for me !! Sorry.....but it is my life and not theirs! Stay OUT of my life!
Remember elections this November and lets change the tide! Visit http://www.banthebanminnesota.com/ and view the government scorecard and blog. Know who is running and who the incumbents are...be an informed voter and pass information on....WE CAN DO THIS!! Don't forget to visit the http://www.freedomtoact.com/ website....an interesting article on Alabama state workers, "Obese workers Told to Get Fit". Another good site to get all kinds of information on incumbants is http://www.votesmart.org/mystate_summary.php.
Have a Great Day!
Sheila
France bans tot TV By CHRISTINE OLLIVIER The Associated PressThu. Aug 21 - 4:47 AMPARIS — France’s broadcast authority has banned French channels from airing TV shows aimed at children under three years of age to shield them from developmental risks it says television viewing poses at that age.The High Audiovisual Council, in a ruling published Wednesday, said it wanted to "protect children under three from the effects of television."France’s minister for culture and communication, Christine Albanel, issued a "cry of alarm" to parents in June about channels dedicated 24 hours a day to baby-targeted programming. In a newspaper interview, she called them "a danger" and urged parents not to use them to help their children get to sleep.She was referring to two foreign channels that can be seen in France on cable television, BabyFirstTV and Baby TV.The council’s ruling aims to prevent the development of such programming on French channels. It also orders French cable operators that air foreign channels with programs for babies to broadcast warning messages to parents. The messages will read: "Watching television can slow the development of children under three, even when it involves channels aimed specifically at them."The ruling cites health experts as saying that interaction with other people is crucial to early child development."Television viewing hurts the development of children under 3 years old and poses a certain number of risks, encouraging passivity, slow language acquisition, over-excitedness, troubles with sleep and concentration as well as dependence on screens," the ruling said.When BabyFirstTV first aired in the United States in 2006, it escalated an already heated national debate. The American Academy of Pediatrics has said babies should be kept away from television altogether.http://www.thechron%20icleherald.%20ca/World/%201074393.html
France mulls raising tax on fatty, salty, sugary foods
Updated Wed. Aug. 6 2008 2:19 PM ET
The Associated Press
PARIS -- Cheese, pastries, foie gras -- France's culinary delights are full of dietary sins. Now child obesity is rising and the myth is fading that French people can eat anything and stay thin. So the government is fighting back.
The latest anti-fat idea being presented to French officialdom: an increase in sales taxes on extra-fatty, salty or sugary products.
Previous government efforts included posters suggesting that subway riders take the stairs instead of escalators, and advisories prominently displayed on ads for junk food telling people to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day.
An expert report suggesting increasing taxes on unhealthy food items from the current 5.5 per cent to up to 19.6 per cent, was submitted to the health and budget ministries in late July, an official from the Budget Ministry confirmed Wednesday. The official could not be cited by name because of ministry rules.
The findings of the report -- which remains confidential because it is still under discussion -- were leaked to Les Echos newspaper Tuesday.
Details of the tax remain to be hammered out.
It was not yet clear, for example, whether it would apply to famously fatty cheese that French consumers buy at outdoor markets and to eclairs from the bakery, or just processed junk foods that have nutritional content listed on their packaging.
The higher sales taxes, if implemented, would go in part toward patching a huge deficit in the French state health-care system.
Last year, France's senators had called for so-called nutritional taxes, but then stepped back from the plan, instead commissioning the expert study to look into its feasibility.
The findings will be presented to legislators in September, said the Budget Ministry official. Legislators could then debate the measures suggested, either in part or as a whole package.
However, the idea of increasing the sales tax already faces stiff opposition from Budget Minister Eric Woerth.
"It is out of the question to raise sales taxes on food products, even more so given the difficult context of the French population's purchasing power," he said Wednesday.
Decreased purchasing power -- caused by inflation and stagnant salaries -- is a growing concern in France, as gas and food prices have shot up over the past year. President Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative government has been working on reforms to make good on his campaign promise to improve spending power.
The expert report was written by France's inspection agencies on social affairs and on finances.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080806/france_tax_080806/20080806?hub=Health
Time for tough action on alcoholTOO many words and not enough action is being used to tackle alcohol abuse in Scotland, medics in Edinburgh have said.The British Medical Association has urged the Scottish Government to implement legislation and practical action rather than hard-hitting messages.Dr Peter Terry, the organisation' s chairman, said doctors were in the best position to judge how alcohol affects people's lives.He said: "Doctors witness first-hand how alcohol misuse destroys lives. The facts are simple - voluntary measures implemented by the drinks industry are not effective and do not reduce the damage of alcohol misuse in Scotland."
http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/health/Time-for-tough-action-on.4413253.jp
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Sheila Kromer: Theater Night Update
Hello Everyone -
It has been a while since my last update. I have read and continue to keep myself informed of the "anti-smoking" policies cropping up all over the nation and beyond. The strategy that the anit-smoking groups use is at least consistent, “Divide and Conquer”. Think about it. They are successful in getting laws passed at a local level (most often with behind the scenes tactics) and this then puts the community at an economic disadvantage with surrounding communities that do not have those laws. Well, guess what follows… a rift between hospitality venues is born, which then divides the industry and everybody logically looks out for themselves. Does “leveling the playing field” sound familiar? If the “anti’s” can encourage “in-fighting” then they gain the upper hand and it is easier for them to conquer small factions then it is an entire army. A fairly good strategy, I must admit. I suggest that all of us in the hospitality industry should also have a strategy, “Do not let them divide us but instead we should all stand together and fight for all of our rights to make our own decisions…be a bar or restaurant. We do not need a law to tell us to go smoke-free...we are smart enough to decide for ourselves to go the smoke free route or not. The only way to have a level playing field is when we in the hospitality industry are free to make our own choices concerning a "legal" product. If we don't band together and look out for each other, many more "choices" will be taken from us in the future. In the future...we should become familar with the word "Preemption" so that we can put a "chink" in the armor of the "do gooders" so that they cannot divide us on a local level !
Did you know that Clearway Minnesota has been "lurking" on the www.banthebanminnesota.com website? I wonder what they were doing there? Well, I would just like to give Clearway a big "WELCOME" to the website and to please feel free to visit anytime and spend as much time as you want. Apparently, the site must be noteworthy since they spent nearly an hour on it.
For any of you that are not familar with Clearway, below is a letter that Sue Jeffers (KTLK 100.3 radio show host) sent to the Attorney General regarding Clearway (aka MPATT).
Letter to Attorney General
To: Attorney General Lori Swanson,
In 1994 MN sued the tobacco companies in the legendary lawsuit netting a judgment of $6.1 billion. In 1998 at judge approved the state plan to create MPAAT and allocating them 3% of the judgment. MPAAT was given a clear mission: to help smokers quit. The plan called for $102 million into a smoking cessation account. Another $100 million was to be used for research.
The tobacco settlement was the first time in MN history that a MN Attorney General and the legislature allowed the collection of litigated funds. Using state and federal offices these funds were specifically to be used by un-elected, non-profit and politically active citizens without legislative oversight. This is a clear violation of our constitution to divert money that rightfully belongs to the people of MN with no public accountability or legislative authority.
Instead, MPAAT/ClearWay has pursued prohibition as its centerpiece. These organizations have provided millions of dollars for campaigns to pass no smoking ordinances including the 2007 state wide smoking ban that has divided communities and damaged businesses, jobs and revenues.
History:
MPAAT was an independent, non-profit organization that improves the health of Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. It serves MN through grant-making programs, QUITPLAN stop smoking services and statewide outreach activities.
Without judicial or legislative approval MPAAT changed its name, missions and goals, clearly outside the scope of its original intent. Becoming ClearWay Minnesota its goal and mission is reflected in the following statement:
ClearWay MinnesotaSM is an independent, nonprofit organization that improves the health of all Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. Our mission is to enhance life in Minnesota by reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke through research, action and collaboration.
We use our portion of the settlement to help Minnesotans quit smoking and tobacco use, and to fund research, intervention and community development projects around the state. We work to raise people's awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, and to make Minnesota a safer, healthier place.
I have several complaints against this organization:
MPAAT/ClearWay Minnesota has illegally changed the original scope and mission of its organization without legislative or judicial approval.
Millions of dollars, money that rightfully belongs to the people of MN, continues to be spent on projects, lobbying and advertising outside the scope of the original intentions.
MPAAT president claimed in 2005 that "MPAAT has made tremendous progress with our stop smoking programs." Yet in spite of the millions of dollars that have been spent MPAAT/ClearWay Minnesota' web site claims in 2007 to have assisted 7803 to quit smoking. The program is a failure.
MPAAT/ClearWay has not been held publicly accountable to the people of MN on the expenditure of said public funds recouped in the lawsuit.
ClearWay Minnesota reportedly spent $122,902 on illegal lobbying in the 06 legislative session. This practice is a clear violation public funding and its mission. It is illegal, unethical and unconstitutional for a legislature to fund, with public money, using private citizens to lobby against other citizens for legislative approval.
June 27, 2002 Ramsey County judge ordered MPAAT administrator to stop grants for smoke free indoor air efforts until it has spent a comparable amount on individual cessation efforts.
MPAAT ordered a survey to determine the wishes of the citizens of MN and selectively chose to use a small portion of the survey.
MPAAT/ClearWay Minnesota is not held to the same standards as other non-profit organizations. Required only to send the legislature and the court a progress report every two years for a biannual review.
While ClearWay Minnesota has removed its inaccurate claim that secondhand smoke exposure reduces coronary blood flow in healthy young adults no public correction has been published. Ditto for the 4.000 chemicals, the health care costs, the losses, exposure and risk and OSHA standards.
Current statistics show smoking bans do not help people quit smoking and in fact in some studies show an increase in smoking.
I am requesting a lawsuit by the state of MN, in the name of the people of MN, for the return of all monies illegally spent by MPAAT/ClearWay Minnesota outside the scope of the originally intended legislative and judicial directive from the tobacco settlement.
This should include an intensive and complete investigation of ClearWay Minnesota spending practices, full public disclosure of every dime of taxpayer dollars or settlement monies ever spent by ClearWay and MPAAT and the return of all moneys illegally spent by this organization.
Finally, I am requesting a full-page apology printed in every newspaper in the state of MN announcing this organization willfully and knowingly intended to deceive the people of Minnesota about the effects of secondhand smoke. This apology should include OSHA’s statement stating ventilated bars and restaurants are safe.
Sincerely,
Sue Jeffers
It has been a while since my last update. I have read and continue to keep myself informed of the "anti-smoking" policies cropping up all over the nation and beyond. The strategy that the anit-smoking groups use is at least consistent, “Divide and Conquer”. Think about it. They are successful in getting laws passed at a local level (most often with behind the scenes tactics) and this then puts the community at an economic disadvantage with surrounding communities that do not have those laws. Well, guess what follows… a rift between hospitality venues is born, which then divides the industry and everybody logically looks out for themselves. Does “leveling the playing field” sound familiar? If the “anti’s” can encourage “in-fighting” then they gain the upper hand and it is easier for them to conquer small factions then it is an entire army. A fairly good strategy, I must admit. I suggest that all of us in the hospitality industry should also have a strategy, “Do not let them divide us but instead we should all stand together and fight for all of our rights to make our own decisions…be a bar or restaurant. We do not need a law to tell us to go smoke-free...we are smart enough to decide for ourselves to go the smoke free route or not. The only way to have a level playing field is when we in the hospitality industry are free to make our own choices concerning a "legal" product. If we don't band together and look out for each other, many more "choices" will be taken from us in the future. In the future...we should become familar with the word "Preemption" so that we can put a "chink" in the armor of the "do gooders" so that they cannot divide us on a local level !
Did you know that Clearway Minnesota has been "lurking" on the www.banthebanminnesota.com website? I wonder what they were doing there? Well, I would just like to give Clearway a big "WELCOME" to the website and to please feel free to visit anytime and spend as much time as you want. Apparently, the site must be noteworthy since they spent nearly an hour on it.
For any of you that are not familar with Clearway, below is a letter that Sue Jeffers (KTLK 100.3 radio show host) sent to the Attorney General regarding Clearway (aka MPATT).
Letter to Attorney General
To: Attorney General Lori Swanson,
In 1994 MN sued the tobacco companies in the legendary lawsuit netting a judgment of $6.1 billion. In 1998 at judge approved the state plan to create MPAAT and allocating them 3% of the judgment. MPAAT was given a clear mission: to help smokers quit. The plan called for $102 million into a smoking cessation account. Another $100 million was to be used for research.
The tobacco settlement was the first time in MN history that a MN Attorney General and the legislature allowed the collection of litigated funds. Using state and federal offices these funds were specifically to be used by un-elected, non-profit and politically active citizens without legislative oversight. This is a clear violation of our constitution to divert money that rightfully belongs to the people of MN with no public accountability or legislative authority.
Instead, MPAAT/ClearWay has pursued prohibition as its centerpiece. These organizations have provided millions of dollars for campaigns to pass no smoking ordinances including the 2007 state wide smoking ban that has divided communities and damaged businesses, jobs and revenues.
History:
MPAAT was an independent, non-profit organization that improves the health of Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. It serves MN through grant-making programs, QUITPLAN stop smoking services and statewide outreach activities.
Without judicial or legislative approval MPAAT changed its name, missions and goals, clearly outside the scope of its original intent. Becoming ClearWay Minnesota its goal and mission is reflected in the following statement:
ClearWay MinnesotaSM is an independent, nonprofit organization that improves the health of all Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. Our mission is to enhance life in Minnesota by reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke through research, action and collaboration.
We use our portion of the settlement to help Minnesotans quit smoking and tobacco use, and to fund research, intervention and community development projects around the state. We work to raise people's awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, and to make Minnesota a safer, healthier place.
I have several complaints against this organization:
MPAAT/ClearWay Minnesota has illegally changed the original scope and mission of its organization without legislative or judicial approval.
Millions of dollars, money that rightfully belongs to the people of MN, continues to be spent on projects, lobbying and advertising outside the scope of the original intentions.
MPAAT president claimed in 2005 that "MPAAT has made tremendous progress with our stop smoking programs." Yet in spite of the millions of dollars that have been spent MPAAT/ClearWay Minnesota' web site claims in 2007 to have assisted 7803 to quit smoking. The program is a failure.
MPAAT/ClearWay has not been held publicly accountable to the people of MN on the expenditure of said public funds recouped in the lawsuit.
ClearWay Minnesota reportedly spent $122,902 on illegal lobbying in the 06 legislative session. This practice is a clear violation public funding and its mission. It is illegal, unethical and unconstitutional for a legislature to fund, with public money, using private citizens to lobby against other citizens for legislative approval.
June 27, 2002 Ramsey County judge ordered MPAAT administrator to stop grants for smoke free indoor air efforts until it has spent a comparable amount on individual cessation efforts.
MPAAT ordered a survey to determine the wishes of the citizens of MN and selectively chose to use a small portion of the survey.
MPAAT/ClearWay Minnesota is not held to the same standards as other non-profit organizations. Required only to send the legislature and the court a progress report every two years for a biannual review.
While ClearWay Minnesota has removed its inaccurate claim that secondhand smoke exposure reduces coronary blood flow in healthy young adults no public correction has been published. Ditto for the 4.000 chemicals, the health care costs, the losses, exposure and risk and OSHA standards.
Current statistics show smoking bans do not help people quit smoking and in fact in some studies show an increase in smoking.
I am requesting a lawsuit by the state of MN, in the name of the people of MN, for the return of all monies illegally spent by MPAAT/ClearWay Minnesota outside the scope of the originally intended legislative and judicial directive from the tobacco settlement.
This should include an intensive and complete investigation of ClearWay Minnesota spending practices, full public disclosure of every dime of taxpayer dollars or settlement monies ever spent by ClearWay and MPAAT and the return of all moneys illegally spent by this organization.
Finally, I am requesting a full-page apology printed in every newspaper in the state of MN announcing this organization willfully and knowingly intended to deceive the people of Minnesota about the effects of secondhand smoke. This apology should include OSHA’s statement stating ventilated bars and restaurants are safe.
Sincerely,
Sue Jeffers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)