[Mr Ramsbotham]

The issue isn’t whether tobacco smoke can trigger an asthma attack (it can; so can chimney smoke and perfumes) but whether smoking should be banned in private places on that account. It irks me when people who are strong advocates for a position deny reality in order to support their position.

[callisto]

“She didn’t have any other possible known causes of death,” said Dr. Kenneth Rosenman, a Michigan State University professor who oversees three state public health surveillance systems.

Translation: We've identified this as the cause and don't feel the need to investigate any further

“We know that particulate levels from secondhand cigarette smoke in bars like this reach sufficient levels to set off an asthma attack,” Rosenman said.

Translation: We're unconcerned with particulate levels caused by any other contributing factor

“She was perfectly fine when she went to work,” Rosenman said in a telephone interview. “After about 15 minutes, she had an acute asthma attack and collapsed on the floor.

Translation: We are unconcerned with any factors that may have occurred between home and work, as they do not fit our pre-conceived agenda.

"Rosenman said the woman had asthma since age 2. Her asthma was poorly controlled."

Translation: Her failure to manage her own physical health MUST be the fault of an industry we have been unable to control, and from whom we are dying to get our hands on additional money, as the State Excise Taxes are not enough to fund further research for myself and fellow researchers.

[Delta 21]

"It irks me when people who are strong advocates for a position deny reality in order to support their position."

You must be irked a LOT these days.