Scotland the Not-So-Brave

The Scottish people are now being told, "No smoking at home":

The public are to be told not to smoke in their own homes as part of plans to protect public sector workers from the effect of passive smoking.

The move is the latest part of the Scottish Executive's ban on smoking in public places, which will come into force on 26 March next year.

Ministers have told councils, health boards and social work departments that they should compile a "smokers' map" of Scotland, focusing on those who regularly receive visits from officials and carers. This would identify individual households where a smoker is resident.

The smokers would then be sent letters asking them not to smoke for one hour before a council worker or health worker called round. ...

The Scots used to have heroes like William Wallace. Now, they are led by pasty milquetoasts like Health Minister Andy Kerr.

Perhaps a brief lesson in Scottish history will help put things into perspective...

Scotland, circa 1305:

"They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!"

Scotland, circa 2005:

"But we recognise there are instances where people will have to visit a residential property to do their job—and this guidance will help ensure that workers are exposed to passive smoke as little as possible."

My, how times have changed.