Time to change nappies...could South Africa become a nanny state? Comment by David Batzofin

I recently read a report that cinemas in Britain are going to ban popcorn as it annoys patrons and it makes a mess when spilled. But surely that creates jobs for people who are employed to clean up cinemas after the patrons have left. What might the union say about the fact that their workers might be out of work as a result of such a ban?
And all these years I was under the impression that popcorn was necessary in order to watch a movie…seems as if the popcorn police are going to be making their appearance in the not too distant future (I know that there is at least one well known reviewer who would be glad to see that ban implemented here in South Africa)
But will it end there? I don’t think so. I am in favour of “silent” packaging in either movies or theatres, but to ban popcorn…that is sacrilege.
Many years ago, Coke in the USA changed its formula in order to match that of its biggest competitor. Due to a huge public outcry and threats of mass legal action Coke reverted to their old formula.
Perhaps when and if this type of ban is imposed here, the popcorn munchers should unite and threaten boycott action until the ban is lifted.
But the popcorn is actually a smoke screen for my real rant this week…the banning of incandescent light bulbs in homes and buildings!
And the ban is to be effected immediately. Well not actually as the department concerned had slipped up in a memo and the ban should have been phased in over an indefinite period.
This department also want street lights to be able to be switched off remotely, those that actually work. Never mind the security problems that might cause.
I have no problem with laws or regulations but I draw the line when they dictate what sort of light bulbs I can use.
The “poorest of the poor” will get their light bulbs paid for, but how is that criteria judged and by whom?
The same seems to be true for our new digital TV signal. If you have a regular TV aerial then you will have to buy a decoder to change the signal from analogue to digital. Once again the poor will have their boxes sponsored. By who? The tax payer of course, you and me. Originally these boxes should have cost R400 but because of build in security measures they will now cost R700. Who says that crime does not pay? Perhaps the purchaser should have the option to buy with or without security features?
The more pressing question seems to be will there be yet another ‘commission’   set up to monitor the implementation of all these new systems and laws?
Where will this  “madness” end?
Will new houses only be able to have shower facilities, as baths will be banned as they waste water.
Save water, bath in your Koi pond!