Lines in the Sand

OK, let's draw some firm lines in the sand.

First, workplace smoking bans are extremly unlibertarian. This issue isn't just about property rights; it's about the very essence of a free society. The government has no right to totally prohibit a particular lifestyle. People who like to smoke (or for that matter drink) at work have a right to form businesses that allow smoking at work. Prohibiting the establishment of any business where employees can smoke while they work is a severe deprivation of liberty. To extend that prohibition to the establishmentt of any business that caters to customers who like to smoke and drink is even more atrocious. It's a direct attack on a particular way of life. Sean Lynch at Catallarchy is dead wrong, as is Bill Ferguson. The Hammer of Truth is 100% right.

Second, the answer to the following question is objectively "d". Anyone who says otherwise is wrong.

2. Most inane comment, demonstrating complete self absorption and cluelessness:

a. Britney Spears on driving with infant Sean Preston on her lap: "I can't go anywhere without someone judging me. You know. I did it with my dad. I'd sit on his lap and I'd drive. We're country."
b. Kevin Federline on child rearing: "My kids are going to work at Taco Bell, dammit."
c. Paris Hilton on cigarettes: "Smoking is so sexy. It's like so cool how you all smoke everywhere in the U.K."
d. Tom Cruise jokes about Scientology births and the then-anticipated birth of his child with Katie Holmes: "I thought that would be good. Very nutritious. I'm going to eat the cord and the placenta right there."