If It's Not Scottish, It's Crap (Can't Smoke in Your Own Home Edition)

Scotland, birthplace of my late grandmother and one of the most beautiful places I've visited, is also now officially the most backwards, evil and scary countrylet in Europe.

Why? Well, the only segment of society that seems to be growing -- besides the perpetually drunk -- is the crushingly large public sector. And these powerful people have needs that naturally supersede those of everyday punters.

The public are to be told not to smoke in their own homes as part of plans to protect public sector workers from the effect of passive smoking.

The move is the latest part of the Scottish Executive's ban on smoking in public places, which will come into force on 26 March next year.

Ministers have told councils, health boards and social work departments that they should compile a "smokers' map" of Scotland, focusing on those who regularly receive visits from officials and carers. This would identify individual households where a smoker is resident.

The smokers would then be sent letters asking them not to smoke for one hour before a council worker or health worker called round. Public bodies have also been advised to use the smokers' map to ensure that any workers who suffer from breathing problems are kept away from the homes of smokers.

I can't stress enough how creepy, evil, wrong, unjust, fascist and Orwellian this all is. More here.