Now, while I do agree that tobacco advertising in the past was grossly irresponsible. Telling people that doctors approve or and encourage smoking? Terrible. But cigarette advertising is regulated now, poorly regulated, but that is a start. What we need is better regulation. Shit, you've seen those Allegra commercials, right? They regulate those commercials, so you can't have one on TV without listing the side effects loud and clear. That, or you're not allowed to say what it does. That's kinda what we need for tobacco. They should say, plain as day, tobacco will fuck with your lungs, and no doubt expediate your shuffle off this mortal coil. And then, whoever wants to slowly kill themselves can go right ahead. I doubt that after this ridiculous verdict, the tobacco companies would have much of a problem with that.

We need to stop coddling tards, friends. And I don't mean smokers in general. You can smoke all you like. But if any one of you smokers thinks even for a second, that cigarettes aren't damaging to you, then you can kiss your sorry ass goodbye when the MoFo army takes over, because you aren't smart enough to live on this planet. Damn, I know for a fact that my liver doesn't exactly enjoy a heavy drinking binge, yet I still do it. I don't dilude myself into thinking that my liver is benefiting from a fifth of Jack and a few shots of tequila.

And don't get me started on this addiction shit, that ain't the point. Alcohol is addicting too, but you know why alcohol companies aren't in court right now? Because it's effects aren't as easily seen, than that of tobacco. Tobacco addicts are stuck in hospitals, while alcohol addicts are stuck in shattered homes. It's the same damn thing, just on a different scale. And if you're too weak to quit, then maybe you need some serious help. I've seen plenty of people quit (Mabs, TBA for example) in my lifetime, and many people who just don't give a shit that they're slowly dying. It's a choice you make from the first time you have a cigarette. Where you go from there is up to you.

I could go on forever. Fast food, television, computers, all things that harm me in some form or another. But we like them. We don't mind frittering away some of our life for convenience. And we don't mind slowly killing ourselves to be social at parties, or on our breaks, or to steady our nerves, or whatever excuse we use this week.

The point is this, the tobacco industry has just been handed an order to pay billions. What are they going to do? Damn right, they're going to raise prices. Then what? Smokers are going to be pretty upset, right? Plenty of people are going to be pissed at these Floridians, and television is going to turn the villification tables. The US Chamber of Commerce is already pissed off. And they have power. Behind that power is money. And power+money = the ability to subvert the ideals and views of the people. Through what means? Television, I'd suspect. Politicians and television shows, all doing reports on how this will hurt the economy, hurt the people, hurt everyone. But most importantly, they will show how this doesn't even hurt the villified tobacco companies, but the very smokers which they purport to protect. Shit, here's a quote that proves it:

Joe Cherner, a former Wall Street executive who founded SmokeFree Educational Services 10 years ago, said the tobacco industry can afford to pay the verdict because smokers are addicted and will pay no matter the price.

Now, I don't like smoking. In an ideal world, tobacco wouldnt exist. But we don't live in an ideal world do we? We live in a world where we eat fast food instead of steak, we drink beer that harms our bodies, and we sit in front of machines when we could be out in social situations. We live in a capitalist society, and the tobacco industry is a part of that society. Now, they can be allowed to exist, but like everything else, they should be regulated. Maybe instead of punative suits, we should be investigating any illegal backdoor politicking withing the industry. Maybe investigate political kickbacks, and eliminate as much corruption as we can. Then perhaps the regulation will do some good. Then we can have cigarette ads that tell people that they'll slowly die while smoking. Then the tards will be happy, because we all know that they rely on television to tell them what's right and wrong.

But I'd imagine some of you don't beleive that regulation will work, that these lawsuits are the only way to obtain justice in this world. Unfortunately, if that is the world that you want to create, I won't live in it. Frivilous litigation, and verdicts like this are just about the most insane thing I know of. We'd be better off ditching this advanced living, and going back to caves and cooking over fire. Because if we can't regulate ourselves, that's pretty much where we'll end up.

New Mp3s of the Moment -- Sharkey @ 11:39 am
Well, I got my sound card set up here at work, and was in the mood for some sweet tunes. I'll probably have these up for just this week, since I plan to have the music section revamped before Monday. But, until then, try these on for size.

First up is RiverFenix- "Ordinary World".mp3 (3.75MB). Since Fenix Tx (formerly RiverFenix) has been getting popular lately, I decided to pop up one of their best covers, "Ordinary World" by Duran Duran. I know, some of you are too young to even remember when Duran Duran was cool, and while I liked the band, I wasn't any huge fan. But I am a huge fan of the cover album. Strangely enough, I never would have found that album if I hadn't borrowed it off Saigon John. Then he got all pissy when he got fired and I havent heard from him since.

Second up is just a fun tune, Reel Big Fish - "Imperial March".mp3 (1.5MB). It's from a live show, and it's fuckin' sweet.

And if you're into more mp3 madness, Raygun threw up an old cover by Dynamite Hack, "Today Was A Good Day".mp3 (3.5MB). Pretty funny shit, but they did cut out some of Ice Cube's best lines.

Hope you enjoy. Then I saw the lights of the Goodyear blimp, and it read "Sharkey's a PIMP!"