'First They Test for the Nicotine'

A once-popular poem by Martin Niemoller, a German theologian, has all but vanished from textbooks.  He wrote it in an effort to wake up the German 'intellectuals.'  It is extremely powerful.  I'm going to use it as an analogy for things happening around us here in the USA.  Our problems don't seem as serious...yet.  But, one needs to keep a watchful eye or history will, indeed, repeat itself. 

In the very early 1930's Niemoller supported some of the causes of the Nazis.  Just as many Americans support various popular parties today.  However, soon after the Nazis gained control of Germany, Niemoller could see glimpses of what the future may hold.  He was terrified and vehemently opposed.  Many intellectuals shrugged him off as a nut - 'what's this guy worried about?  Things will never get that bad, right?'  Hitler sent him to prison for several years due to his outspoken opposition.

This morning, The Ed Norris Show spoke of Nicotine and a hospital that tests and bans employees for it.  I'm not a smoker.  Never was addicted to Nicotine.   However, when marginalizing habits of others we must think on a larger scale.  What if a habit or vice that you harmlessly crave in your home or on your deck or in your car was suddenly under attack?  I'm not interested in debating the ill effects of smoking.  My point here is to get one to think about the 'slippery slopes' of marginalizing issues.  Always question where an idea or issue will lead.

Second hand smoke will soon turn to '3rd hand smoke'...yes, 3rd hand.  That is the idea that simply smelling or being near a person who once lit up will cause cancer in you.  You'll hear more of this nonsense in the coming months.

Smoking bans are nothing new.  Bans were in place in holy or sacred areas in Mexico in the 1500's.  The evolution of bans is what is frightening.  And, the folks that spot the growing trend of bans are often marginalized as nuts.  People don't mind if something or someone they don't care for is taken away or outlawed.  Few realize that lists and intentions of bureaucrats are long & far-sighted.  While we grovel in shortsighted arguments.

This gets me back to Niemoller's poem:

First they came for the Communists,
  and I didn't speak up,
    because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
  and I didn't speak up,
    because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
  and I didn't speak up,
    because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
  and by that time there was no one
    left to speak up for me.

Various bans have been attempted in the colonies since the Pilgrims arrived.  Some take - others don't.  But, the ideas spread & grow - just like the trouble or diseases some of the vices cause.  Try one ban or tax here...then try it there.  Keep going until  it is either taxed or banned.  Then, like My Name Is Earl, move down the list.  Smokers are toast.  liquor ads were banned long ago.  Trans fat?  Gone.  Soda Tax?  It must be a good idea!  Gov't really needs the revenue.  Another vice.  Another excuse.  Guns are all but criminalized.  Soda pop and sugary snacks are at the plate.  I'm guessing that 'meat' is in the batter's box.  Imagine what they'll go after when they compile all the data from grocery store club cards.

Here's a great idea.  How about making  people who like (fill in the blank of things you don't care for) wear a yellow star or Cross or patch or bell on their sleeve.  Then we'll know who they are in a crowd.  What?  It's been done?  Yep.  From 717AD against Christians .  1939 in Germany.  2001 in Afghanistan.  The list goes on.

And, speaking of lists.  Where are we on 'but I wasn't a (fill in the blank)' list?