In what may be a moment of sanity, it looks as if Ireland’s proposed ban on ‘workplace’ smoking may be running into difficulties. For insanity, of course, there’s always The Onion:

“Bernard Nathansen, an attorney for the Personal Rights Deferred Center in Oakes, VA, is one of many individuals working to promote “governmental accountability.” His organization arranges class-action lawsuits on behalf of Americans who have been hurt by the government’s negligence, including individuals who suffer health problems related to overexposure to sunlight.

“We can all agree that many choices are too important to be left up to a highly flawed individual,” Nathansen said. “Decisions that directly affect our health, or allow us to expose ourselves to potential risks, should be left to the wiser, cooler heads of the government.”

“But things like food and drug labels are half-measures,” Nathansen said. “The regulations, however well-intentioned, often allow citizens the choice of ignoring the instructions. Many current laws were written primarily to protect others from our dangerous actions, with no concern for the deleterious effect our actions can have on ourselves. The government must do more.”

“To this end, Personal Rights Deferred has compiled an action list of more than 700 behaviors it wants regulated by state or federal authorities. The list includes such risky behaviors as swimming in cold weather and staying up all night playing video games. “

Satire? Sure – for now….