Mikhail Boyarsky, the famous actor, is the leader of The Smokers Rights movement created in Russia.
I should be happy but the movement’s platform raises a lot of questions and is very frustrating.
1. “We refuse to promote, or to idealize heroes of the smoking process.”
Exactly what is smoking propaganda? For example, anti smokers accuse us of propaganda even when we quote the classics.
2. ”We do not dispute the scientific fact of harm of smoking to human health …”
That it is a “scientific fact” should be disputed. This shows that these people who are defending the rights of smokers do not know the subject or are knowingly accepting the false science, and that’s even worse.
3. “We also support the efforts of the State to promote smoking cessation and the creation of effective health care to citizens who wish to stop smoking.”
What DO they support? Lies that enrich pharmaceutical companies? The whole purpose of the anti-smoking policy is to force people to quit, increasing the profits made out of smoking cessation drugs.
Will they support smokers who do not choose to quit, to still access health care?
4. “Rejecting censorship, we nevertheless recommend that authors of works of art of any form and genre, give up smoking propaganda or justification. Greatest awareness and responsibility must be exercised by the authors of works for children and adolescents.”
Again, what does it exactly mean? And what should be done with the art that already exisist? Must we burn all books or paintings where smoking is present for the sake of political correctness?
In short it’s bullshit in my humble opinion, not a movement for smokers’ rights. It is a pity…Even insulting… I was expecting much more from Russia.
On the other hand, as far as I can see, most of the existing parties are cautious and unconditionally agree with the official lies.
Although, maybe this is just a strategy, and I just do not catch on?
