Amusement and contempt

On Friday ASH Scotland posted an article on their blog that raised questions about the Forest-funded Smokers' Survey.

We answered their principal complaint - that respondents won't represent smokers "as a whole" - on Twitter.

In addition I and several other people submitted comments to the ASH Scotland blog, Tobacco Unpacked.

That was three days ago. So far not one has been published. Not one.

I'm not angry because I couldn't care less, to be honest. But I thought I'd mention it so it's on record that ASH Scotland is happy to have a pop at Forest but when we (and others) respond they won't even give us the customary right of reply.

To be clear, I don't publish every comment that's submitted to this blog. That's why I have comment moderation in place.

But if I criticised anyone directly I wouldn't think twice about publishing their reaction (subject to the laws of libel and defamation, of course).

Tobacco control doesn't work that way. Their aim is to shut down discussion, ignore opposing views and censor dissent, just like totalitarian governments the world over.

So, no, I'm not angry. I'm not even surprised. I'm just sad for anyone who has to work in such a stultifying environment.

Forest may be a corner shop compared to ASH Scotland's state-funded superstore but I could never work for a body that's the complete antithesis of a free, open-minded society.

Anti-tobacco campaigners talk about people's addiction to smoking but their addiction to propaganda and control is a far, far greater threat to society.

I genuinely pity them and their small-minded illiberal attitudes.

But my principal reaction is one of amusement and contempt.

It's all they deserve.