Bulbuls and I be disapprovin’ the kretek ban
With the power vested by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act that was signed into law by President Barack Obama on 22 June 2009, the FDA on Monday banned kretek and all flavored cigarettes with the suspicious exception of mentholated cigarettes. Kretek-worthy shall be the new “sponge-worthy.”
While in the case of Today® Sponge there might have been arguable just cause for removal of the product from the market, there is no valid nor relevant reason for banning distribution of kretek. Now, I see clearly how one of my, albeit seldom indulged, personal freedoms can go up in smoke. Although, I suspect that kretek could still be found on eBay® long after the ban is enforced. Still, this is unacceptable.
DISCLAIMER: FinchWench does not recommend, encourage, nor condone smoking for Bulbuls. Although, captive Starlings who enjoy playing with cigarettes do not seem to suffer from any adverse reproductive effects.
+++ UPDATE (29 September 2009 – 22:54): If you are interested in affecting repeal of the ban, please join either the Facebook group or the LiveJournal community. Legalize Kretek! +++
Put that in your crop.
