The media is fast becoming a joke with supposed reputable tabloids like the Telegraph, the Guardian, the Mail etc beating the no smoking drum as best they can to keep government happy. Happily, it has been noted that smokers ARE getting a look in on odd occasions as the ‘hacks’ fall over themselves to get recognition as a ‘leading writer/journo’ on health matters. But, do they check the facts before they rush into print?

Well, having doubted this for a few years now, I can categorically state that they bloody well don’t!

It’s anti-smoking – print it quick!

It’s come from ASH – print it quick!

It’s come from some medical news factory – print it quick!

Just before Christmas the Office of National Statistics announced that during the first year of our smoking ban (apparently it saves lives) saw an increase in cancer cases of 4% in men & 3.75% in women. Now this is very sad, for not only has it blown the whole concept of a healthier nation out of the window but more people are suffering from that which medicinal men are are spending £millions on to conquer.

Today comes great news – well it would seem so on the face of it… depending which particular newspaper you favour! The Guardian lead with:-

 Smoking warnings hit home as UK cancer rates drop

I leave you to absorb the wordage involved in this wondrous piece of news – which rather contradicts that which the ONS has stated!

Have a little scroll down the comments section until you find “RobOg” who says:-

I was just reading an article from today’s Daily Telegraph about cancer rates in the UK being up (as a result of alcohol and diet).

It seems the Telegraph, then, are on the ball!

It seems the Guardian speak with forked tongue!

So, who are we supposed to believe in this never ending battle of wordage in our tabloids. It is about time that newspapers and their reporters were pinned down to reporting the truth, not some fanciful adaptation that suits their needs at the time. Mind you if that was to occur how would governments (especially ours!) get their propaganda printed?

The other thing about these conflicting reports that got my ‘goat’ was the fact that cancer rates were rising (according to the Telegraph) as a result of alcohol AND DIET!

Is this the long awaited for indicator that the food police are now dipping their toes in the murky waters?

As it seems that it doesn’t matter how many businesses fail in the pursuit of health and longevity, is this the beginning of the end of Kebab shops, Chinese Takeaways, MacDonald’s, KFC etc?

Are we going to return to the 50’s when the only ’take-away’ was the much respected fish n chip shop, which was inundated with eager purchasers on Friday/Saturday nights? Are we going to ‘go along’ with all the scientific cobblers and ban every single food/liquid that can possibly cause us to suffer from cancer? If that be the case, what will be left for us to eat or drink? What will the newspapers print then? Perhaps the Guardian will lead with: Man celebrates 100th birthday smoking home-grown tobacco“.

Telegraph will counter with: “Soft furnishings provided definite link to cancer

Might as well return to the Neanderthal age then!

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