Category: government

too much SMOKING in Europe

On By Rick McIn anti-smoking, government, health & fitness, product complaints, travel1 Comment

One thing North America has done right is to reduce smoking.

I hate visiting Europe for this one reason.

Eduard Benko. Romania, 2009

According to the World Health Organization, 21.9 percent of Americans smoked tobacco in 2018. In comparison, the average smoking rate for Europe was 28.7 percent.

When you look at the approximate number of cigarettes smoked per person per year, the picture is even more striking. Out of the 20 countries that smoke the most cigarettes, 15 of them are entirely or partially in Europe. The United States is 68th on the list. …

From U.S. surgeon general warnings to campaigns by groups like the American Cancer Society, the messaging has been clear since the 1960s: smoking cigarettes is bad for you. And it’s worked. About 96 percent of Americans believe smoking cigarettes is at least somewhat harmful to your health. …

Why Do So Many People Smoke Cigarettes In Europe?

Obviously the EU has to educate, educate, educate … and legislate.

Here’s my nearest grocery store in Stuttgart. Nothing but nicotine products while waiting in line to check out.

It’s time for a #GunSafetyPresident

On By Rick McIn ethics, governmentLeave a comment

2020 Democratic Presidential candidates agree: it’s time for a #GunSafetyPresident who will fight to protect our students.

If the DEM candidates work together to defeat Trump and the GOP, they’ll win.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

on Justin Trudeau

On By Rick McIn ethics, governmentLeave a comment

I’ll be supporting Trudeau in the upcoming election, voting for the Liberal candidate in my riding. For me Trudeau’s by far the best of the candidates for that job.

I like most of what Trudeau has said and done. He’s the anti-Trump.

The CBC Front Burner podcast has the best overview I’ve heard of Trudeau as Prime Minister, so far. They interview Aaron Wherry, author of PROMISE AND PERIL: JUSTIN TRUDEAU IN POWER (Aug 2019).

Justin Trudeau’s record versus rhetoric

Some of his biggest problems were self-inflicted. For example:

For me Trudeau’s most damaging scandal was attempting to influence Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould concerning an ongoing prosecution of SNC-Lavalin.  Rather than trying to save jobs at a criminal company, he should have taken the high road.

That said, SNL-Lavalin is not a deal breaker for me. Bombardier is an even worse corrupt Quebec corporation. 

Worse for me, too, is Trudeau’s support of the Harper-negotiated arms deal with Saudi Arabia. He should have cancelled that deal.

Trump emboldens mass shooters

On By Rick McIn ethics, governmentLeave a comment

Since the late 1990s at least the NRA, the GOP and FOX News have been Gundamentalists.

More than anyone, they are most responsible for the tens of thousands of innocent people killed at Walmart, at local festivals. Close to home.

The racist toddler President has certainly not helped.

detailing Trump campaign COLLUSION

On By Rick McIn governmentLeave a comment

It’s hard to keep track of the many, many instances of collusion with Russia.

Definition: “secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy in order to deceive others“

At least 200 instances. None reported by the campaign. In fact they made every effort to hide that collusion. Lying repeatedly.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

I love The Good Fight

On By Rick McIn government, TVLeave a comment

Just finished season 2.

It’s the sequel to 7 seasons (156 episodes) of The Good Wife. But is, perhaps, even better.

Plots are derived from important stories of the day. You learn a lot about how the legal system works in the USA.

Click PLAY or watch a trailer on YouTube.

Rose Leslie as Maia Rindell is one of my favourite characters. That’s Mrs. Jon Snow to the rest of the world.

Sarah Steele as Marissa Gold is even better.

Possibly best of all is Nyambi Nyambi as Jay DiPersia.

The whole cast is great. Guest stars this season included Alan Alda as Solomon Waltzer, F. Murray Abraham as Burl Preston, Rob Reiner as Judge Josh Brickner, Wallace Shawn as Charles Lester and many, many more.

The show is proudly anti-Trump — a theme I enjoy too.