Excuse me sir, do you have a permit for that fag?

So this one should be interesting. I'll start with my opinion--more government, less freedom. And that folks is why I don't like the idea of government run healthcare, and that is what this post will focus on.

So, by about this point your all wondering why on earth the title has "fag" in it. No, its not your favorite gay rights activist; it's the english term for cigarrette. Which brings us to the substance of the post. The BBC news recently published an article about a government health advisory body who would like to require a permit costing 10 pounds in order to purchase tobacco. Interesting proposal. You can read the article here.

While I am against smoking, I feel that people should have the right to ruin their lives however they please, as long as it doesn't hurt the public (the reason for not allowing smoking in certain public places). To force tobacco users to pay for a permit to buy tobacco is silly, or is it? My first impression of this news was bad but then I started to think about it. You've got roughly 60.7 million people living in england, with around 90% of the population using the National Health Service. So does their government have a right to tax them on their use of tobacco through a permit? Yes, heck the government is the one paying for the health problems that come from smoking why shouldn't they have the right.

And that is why I don't like the idea of government health care. Uncle Sam (for my english friends Uncle Sam is a national personification of the United States) is involved in my life quite enough, do I really want him telling me what I can and cant do regarding my health. I plan on eating loads of candy for the rest of my life, he has no right to disturb that. And if Joe Blow down the street wants to smoke it up, then let him deal with the consequences, not the government.

As a final note, I do believe we need healthcare reform, the government is spending too much already, and insurance companies are the rapists of the health world. However, I don't want Uncle Sam asking me to turn my head to the side and cough. What are your opinions? Should we have government run healthcare? Please don't be afraid to tell me I'm wrong.

America on Obama Viagra - if it lasts longer than four hours move to europe

What on earth is up with America's obsession with Barack Obama? Now I'm gonna try to be unbiased on this one, so opinion aside: What is so great about Barack? The news is covered with articles about the thousands of people that show up to his rallies, and his recent wins over the weekend make him the democratic frontrunner by delegate count. But whats so great about him? He is possibly the most liberal Senator in congress--maybe appealing for some. He has little experience. I hear people say that he is best person to bring the change badly needed to our country. How on earth did he become qualified to do that? So far during his 3 years in the Senate he has voted present more times than yes or no. His name is on no significant bill of legislation and his 1997 to 2004 term as a state legislator of Illinois produced nothing of significance - correct me if I'm wrong, I've read what he authored. However, he claims that he is the candidate for change. A leader is one who has proven himself to stand up in difficult times and rally America. Well, Obama certainly is rallying America, but has he really proven himself?

I find it amazing the way people are reacting to it. The pictures make the man look like a rock star the way people trample over each other to touch his hand. Recently, a senior advisor on McCain's campaign said that if Obama was the democratic nominee, he could not publicly help John McCain. He stated that he just liked Obama too much to run against him (he did note that he would still vote for McCain). Also, President's clintons old campaign manager, David Wilhelm, officially endorsed Barack Obama today. Who's next Huckabee (granted that will mean nothing)?

What are your thoughts? I want your opinion as to why this man is so hot?