Monday, August 10, 2009

Occupation Iraq: Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em

Related: Massachusetts: The First Smoke-Free State

You guys are looking more like us all the time.

"Iraq’s Cabinet approves nation’s first law targeting smoking in public places" by Associated press | August 7, 2009

BAGHDAD - The Iraqi Cabinet has approved a draft bill to stamp out smoking in public places, the first such bill in a country where lighting up is virtually a rite of passage for most young men, a government spokesman said yesterday.

The law aims to curb the number of people who start smoking and raise awareness about the dangers of cigarettes, said spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh. The bill still needs to be approved by parliament, which is in recess until September.

If passed, the Iraqi law would be one of the region’s most comprehensive bans, similar to many laws in the United States and Europe. Smoking is common in many Arab countries, where a pack of cigarettes can cost less than 50 cents. Though there have been modest efforts to curb smoking, there are few comprehensive restrictions on where smokers can light up....

But we aren't trying to change your culture or anything with our agenda-pushing garbage. Did you know the U.S. throws sanctions on nations that won't accept our cigarette imports -- while we preach the dangers of smoking?

Oh, I forget, hypocrisy is an AmeriKan characteristic.

The Iraqi law would make smoking illegal in public places, such as government buildings, schools, movie theaters, sports facilities, and on public transportation. It also bans the sale of cigarettes to anyone under 18. The media would be banned from advertising cigarettes, and organizations that violate the ban would be fined up to nearly $4,300. The same fine would be levied against those who import, produce or sell tobacco products that have more than a specified amount of nicotine or tar. Those who smuggle tobacco into the country would face fines up to nearly $9,000.

How do you like that FREEDOM, Iraqis?

Unreal!!!!

Take a DEEP, LONG TOKE! It'll be your last for a while.

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