The Womble Abstains - But Only Just

I'm making a conscious effort not to swear too much on this blog. I started the blog as something which would allow me to engage in my love of writing, and I think the English language is rich enough such that if you're any good, you ought to be capable of avoiding expletives. But I have to tell you, the medical profession is pushing me to the limit this week.

First of all we had the outrageous concept of a Chocolate Tax. It came fron north of the border, of course - they worship the power of the State up there. The BMA conference to which it was put rejected it by just two votes, which will give sufficient encouragement for the Righteous to try again soon.

And hot on the heels of that attempt to fleece anyone seeking simple solace in these soleful times comes another piece of fascism, this time from the impressively overweight Sir Liam Donaldson, who says that the government should impose a minimum price for alcohol.

If you're old enough, you may recall as I do (just !) the disastrous prices policies of the 1970s, in which socialist governments (led by Heath, Wilson and Callaghan) demonstrated a firm belief that they knew better than the market, and inflicted price controls across large swathes of the British economy, causing inefficiency, market distortion and job losses. Well, this idiot wants us to start again.

If he has his way, you will have to pay at least 50 pence for every unit of alcohol you buy. This would mean your humble four-pack of Boddingtons rising from £2.99 to £3.40 and other products doubling in price. The deeply depressing thing about this government is that you can see them agreeing. As if Alistair Darling's wholesale attack on the pub trade is not enough, now the Righteous are setting their sights on everyone else. And all because some people drink too much.

God knows pretty much anything and everything is harmful if you have too much of it - including water; why not tax that too ? (Shhh, mustn't give them ideas).

Most people can use potentially harmful substances sensibly. It's wonderfully simple really; we balance pleasure with risk and make a simple choice. Some people even know that they're doing harm to themseves but carry on doing it - that's their decision. But not if the Righteous continue their march. The Righteous despise free choice, and they hate not being able to control us. They believe that if some of us choose to harm themselves then we should all suffer.

Of course, 50 pence per unit won't harm Liam Donaldson one jot - not on his salary. And you can bet your willy that the House of Lords won't be affected.