Scots...Is your country really so crime-free that officials have to spend time worrying about an actor smoking

Question

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/5252054.stm

Answer 1

It's the only interesting things that's happened in Scotland for ages.

What better way to waste tax payers money, I mean the streets are so clean, crime free, safe.

God forbid that the tax payers money should be wisely spent, I mean lighting a cig, how bad is that, much more serious that stopping the old lady getting mugged.

Answer 2

No it isn't. And it's symptomatic of a malady that is afflicting the entire legal system. The government intervening in the judicial system in response to media witchhunting, and the hugely vocal minorities whom the media embrace, without any widescale public consultation.
In my home town of Aberdeen, on the Sunday following the introduction of the smoking restrictions 26 spot checks were carried out in the city by enforcement officials during which they were verbally abused in the majority of premises they visited. I wonder why?
If the government is really concerned with public health as they so vocally profess to be, then traffic congestion in cities and widescale alcoholism and its social impact are far greater causes for concern.
A scientific investigation into the impact of traffic congestion smog in inner London a few years ago showed a 90+% increase in asthma attacks and respiratory complaints, and yet there was no media frenzy and the government rubbished the results of the investigation without any attempt to follow it up.
I don't think a smoking ban is a bad thing. I just feel that the clarion call of "for the good of public health" is another soundbite for the credulous to swallow whole. England will follow. You can count on it.

As regards Mel Smith, all respect to the man. He's meant to be acting as Winston Churchill, one of Britain's most famous smokers. The Scottish judiciary and media are making a drama out of a crisis to prove a point, and the coverage is a public embarrassment.

Answer 3

Sad to say you're correct. My country is not crime-free, in fact it is wallowing in the damn stuff. Pick up any newspaper specific to Scotland and you will see the extent to which crime has taken over the pages. Too many years of socialist rule and a weak social service ethos has led to it running rampant. As for the smoking well, in my case it's a question of none being so righteous as the converted, if you get my meaning.

heavenlyhaggis

Answer 4

Yep Scotland and the whole of the UK is a relatively safe society....the police do not carry guns as routine.

the reason for the smoking story is that a controversial law was just passed forbidding smoking in all public buildings and business establishments....it is a bitt of a political hot potatoe in scotland at the moment!

Answer 5

the politicians in scotland are the most inept in the world - think about that for a moment - all politicians are selfserving parasites but this lot are far worse. only interested in micro problems and dont have the abilities to even argue the macro. omg they are awful.
altho this smoking thing is just being used by the theatre co. to gain publicity

Answer 6

law enforcement starts in small things. it's like the ten commandments - if people don't follow to the smaller laws, will they follow the bigger ones? it is an officer's job to make sure all laws are being obeyed, it is really quite stupid to make a big deal out of it just because it's a famous person. anyway, they probably make their money off of the smaller offenses.

is your country really so crime-free that officials should be spending time handing out parking tickets?

Answer 7

Scotland is not crime-free there is no country on this planet thats crime-free

Answer 8

no boycott will not work, Palestinians and Israelis should get together and make peace. the world has its own problems. they should both fix their problems by discussing. both sides are responsible and violence is absolutely unacceptable. but obviously Hamas which controls Gaza does not listen to anyone, even to Arab leaders and the official president of the PA

Answer 9

no its not crime free,
but we are one of the unhealthiest countries in Europe if not the world,
also people in the public eye should adhere to laws, just because their in the public eye doesnt make them immune to laws, look at mel gibson.

Answer 10

not crime free, but definitely a bit petty when it comes to a situation like this....a noted actor, a big production, what's a couple of cigars?